What does it take to launch a career in consulting today? More than theoretical knowledge, top consultancies value candidates who can think clearly, solve problems, and adapt to changing client needs.

That’s where a master’s in strategy and consulting comes in. The degree combines analytical training with hands-on project experience, preparing students to step into strategic roles.

To find out how the degree translates into practice, BusinessBecause spoke to two recent graduates—Sachit Bhatia, from Central India, and Juan Carlos Javier Sakr, from Peru, who completed their studies at emlyon Business School in Paris.

1. You’ll gain international experience 

Sachit already had six years of professional experience when he applied for a business master’s. He sought a program that would not only deepen his strategic knowledge but also expand his global outlook. 

He chose France for its strong business education ecosystem and landed on emlyon’s program for its balance of classroom learning and hands-on experience.

“The program at emlyon was particularly attractive to me. It has a great balance between classes and practical exposure.”

For Sachit, moving to Paris also meant navigating a new culture and language. Most of his classmates were French or French-speaking, which pushed him to adapt quickly.

Juan Carlos (pictured), who came to the program with a background in business administration and several years of work experience across multiple industries, also wanted international exposure.

He had originally considered staying in Peru or moving to Spain, but ultimately chose emlyon for its specialized focus.

“I wanted to put myself in a more challenging environment. France was a great option because while the course is in English, I had the opportunity to practice and improve my French. At emlyon, I found this specialized master’s in strategy and consulting that I didn’t find anywhere else.”

2. You’ll learn by doing

A master’s in strategy and consulting prepares students through hands-on learning experiences such as case studies, group challenges, and consulting projects. For Sachit, the practical nature of his studies was particularly impactful. 

“The first proper out-of-class exposure we had was a case study of an existing company that was facing a specific challenge. We had to work out how they could do better, what actual operational improvements they could make, how they could generate more value for the company,” he says.

Sachit also valued learning from faculty members who worked in consulting and could share their first-hand perspective.

“We had discussions with faculty that were informed by actual life-based work rather than just theoretical situations,” he says.

Juan Carlos traveled with his cohort to Montréal and Boston as part of his international term, where he worked on a variety of projects, including one for the Canadian government.

“We simulated being company owners having to make decisions in the real world,” he says. “It was a great way to apply what we learned in class. The mix of working on projects and classes was very important.”

3. You’ll hone your soft skills 

During a master’s in strategy and consulting, students build skills in client communication, stakeholder management, and leadership. 

In Juan Carlos’ experience, the program armed him with a full set of soft skills that supported his career development.

“Oratory was very important for me. As consultants, we need to know how to address an audience,” he says. “And learning about teamwork is really important. Learning how to fit in and work with different teams is important.”

He also welcomed the chance to hone his presentation skills through case-presentation workshops and insight into the consulting recruitment process. 

“One of the most important things I learned was how to engage with people,” he says. “You need to be prepared to navigate your way around the industry.” 

4. You’ll gain insight into how top companies work 

The strategy and consulting job market looks for applicants who can think and act in complex situations. During his studies at emlyon, Sachit had exposure to both startup and corporate environments.

“We spent a week in Portugal working with an incubator that had different startups, learned about pre-revenue startups that are trying to enter the market, and all about the kind of resources available at different stages of a company’s development,” he says. 

Sachit and his cohort also had access to market reports from larger companies and insights into how analysts work.  

“The program sets you up for a career in consulting, an industry where you never stop learning,” adds Juan Carlos. 

5. You’ll gain access to leading firms and job opportunities

When you study a highly international master’s in strategy and consulting, you join a global peer group and connect with alumni working across sectors, including firms such as McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Accenture.

At emlyon, that network includes more than 48,000 alumni in 130 countries.

Sachit joined the program with some experience of consulting but credits his time at emlyon with helping him become more strategic.

“I got the theoretical, practical exposure I needed to develop and help get the job I am now doing.” 

Sachit is now a senior consultant at PMP Strategy, a boutique firm based in Brussels.

While studying, Juan Carlos attended several career fairs that offered him industry exposure. He adds that emlyon helped him prepare for recruitment by supporting him with his resume and interview skills.

After graduating he worked for a private consultancy firm within the Peruvian government and has recently started working at the United Nations, bringing the skills he learned at business school to a new sector.

“I was very much focused on one industry, but my studies allowed me to develop a holistic view of work. To see that I can learn and engage with different industries using the tools the school gave me.”