PhD / Research Scientist to Strategy&: How to Make the Transition
Researchers and scientists from academia or R&D looking to apply their expertise in consulting.
Legacy of Booz & Company with access to PwC implementation capabilities.
Why Strategy& Values PhD Backgrounds
Strategy& values PhDs for capabilities-driven strategy in R&D and innovation. Your background helps clients build distinctive technical capabilities and make strategic choices about technology investments.
Transferable Skills to Highlight
Deep analytical rigor
Demonstrate 80/20 application of research skills. Strategy& values depth but prioritizes actionable insights over academic completeness.
Hypothesis-driven thinking
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Strategy& values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Research methodology
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Strategy& values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Data analysis expertise
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Strategy& values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Technical communication
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Strategy& values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Common Challenges & How to Address Them
Speed of consulting
Practice timed cases relentlessly. Learn the 80/20 principle and apply it consciously. Strategy& will test your ability to prioritize and deliver under time pressure.
80/20 principle adoption
Consciously practice stopping analysis at "good enough." Time-box all practice activities. Strategy& values pragmatic thoroughness over academic completeness.
Business context building
Address directly through targeted practice and preparation. Strategy& interviewers will probe for evidence you've overcome this gap.
Synthesis over depth
Address directly through targeted practice and preparation. Strategy& interviewers will probe for evidence you've overcome this gap.
Resume Tips for PhD Candidates
- Lead with impact, not responsibilities. Instead of "PhD duties," quantify achievements: revenue generated, costs saved, efficiency improved.
- Translate PhD terminology into business language. Strategy& reviewers may not know your industry jargon.
- Highlight cross-functional work and stakeholder management. Strategy& values candidates who've navigated complex organizational dynamics.
- Include any consulting-adjacent experience: internal strategy projects, due diligence support, business case development.
- Show progression and increasing scope of responsibility. Strategy& wants evidence of growth trajectory and leadership potential.
- Lead with commercial implications of research, not methodology or publications.
- Keep it to one page. Consulting resumes prioritize impact over academic completeness.
Case Interview Tips for PhD Candidates
- Structure first, always. Strategy& tests your ability to organize problems before diving into analysis.
- Practice mental math until it's automatic. Hesitation on numbers raises red flags regardless of background.
- Drive the case proactively. Strategy& wants candidates who can lead client conversations, not just respond to questions.
- Apply the 80/20 rule consciously. Perfect analysis in 30 minutes beats thorough analysis in 3 hours.
- Your hypothesis-driven approach is valuable. Lead with hypotheses, then test them quickly.
- Practice synthesis and recommendations. Consulting values actionable conclusions over exhaustive analysis.
Networking Strategies for Strategy&
- Connect with PhD alumni at Strategy& through LinkedIn. Ask for 15-minute informational calls focused on their transition experience.
- Attend Strategy& recruiting events and introduce yourself with a clear, concise background summary that highlights your unique value.
- Join consulting prep communities and case interview groups. Network with other PhD candidates making similar transitions.
- Reach out to Strategy& recruiters with a tailored message explaining why your PhD background is relevant to their practice areas.
- Ask for referrals strategically. Strategy&, like most consulting firms, prioritizes referred candidates in the screening process.
- Connect through academic conferences where Strategy& may recruit or present research.
Preparation Timeline
Foundation Building(4-6 weeks)
- Complete business fundamentals courses if needed
- Start daily mental math practice (15-20 min/day)
- Begin reading business publications and case studies
- Research Strategy&'s culture, values, and recent work
- Update resume with consulting-focused framing
Case Interview Mastery(6-8 weeks)
- Learn and practice all major case frameworks
- Complete 30+ practice cases with feedback
- Master market sizing and estimation questions
- Practice structuring ambiguous problems
- Time your cases to build speed and confidence
Behavioral Preparation(2-3 weeks)
- Prepare 8-10 stories using Strategy&'s behavioral framework
- Practice articulating why consulting and why now
- Develop Strategy&-specific answers for "why this firm"
- Prepare questions demonstrating firm research and genuine interest
- Practice with mock interviews if available
Application & Networking(2-4 weeks)
- Submit application to Strategy&
- Reach out to contacts for referrals if possible
- Continue case practice at interview pace
- Research interviewers on LinkedIn when scheduled
- Plan logistics and professional attire for interviews
Key Success Factors
Start Your Strategy& Journey
Practice case interviews with AI coaching and get the skills you need to land your offer at Strategy&.