Frequently asked questions
What does MCC Do?
The Madison Consulting Club's day-to-day operations are best split up into the three pillars of our mission; experience, network, and tools. All MCC members gain the tools to thrive in industry through our Analyst Program, a 9-week education curriculum teaching the basics of consulting through meaningful projects and hands-on lectures, along with various education events through the Fall semester. Following completion of the Analyst Program, consultants gain experience through our client work, gaining experience in a wide variety of projects throughout their time. Finally, members gain the network through our alumni connections and other MCC members with consulting experience, networking training throughout the Analyst Program, and various other opportunities to network with professionals during office visits, guest speaker events, and more.
What Projects does mcc do?
Following successful completion of the Analyst Program, consultants in MCC are staffed on one client engagement in each semester, working with 2-4 other Consultants, and led by a Project Manager. We engage with a wide variety of clients, including restaurants, retail, non-profits, JMU departments, and other businesses in the Harrisonburg community. Our project scopes include anything from consumer engagement and research, financial analysis, market entry, digital marketing strategies, and more. Consultants are given the opportunity to preference projects they'd like to be staffed on, and most members are able to work on their most desired engagement. MCC has partnered with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce to offer our consulting services primarily to Chamber members.
How can i join mcc?
To ensure a well-rounded Analyst experience, the Madison Consulting Club only recruits once annually, during the first weeks of the Spring semester. Recruitment typically includes multiple interest meetings, including information sessions, and concludes with a written application. Following written applications, if invited, potential new members complete two interviews, back-to-back, with our Leadership Team and Outreach Committee; one interview is a behavioral interview, and the other is a case interview, which is written internally by MCC. Following these interviews, those accepted will be invited to our first Analyst Program meeting shortly after.
For more information regarding the process to join the Madison Consulting Club, click here.
Do I need experience to join? Am i eligible to join?
Absolutely not! Our organization is designed to teach anyone interested in consulting the required skills through the Analyst Program to thrive within and beyond the Madison Consulting Club. Applications are judged with their academic year in mind; we understand the differences in prior experience and knowledge for a freshman compared to a junior. There are no restrictions on academic year or major; our only requirement is that you must have at least two semesters remaining at JMU (i.e., if you are applying in January, you must graduate in the following December or later to be considered). This allows all club alumni to experience the Analyst Program and work with a client.
We do allow and encourage graduate students to apply, so if you are in the first year of a two-year program, or are a senior with demonstrated plans to complete an advanced degree in the sequential academic year, you are eligible to apply.
What is the weekly time commitment?
Members of MCC are expected to commit 3-5 hours a week to find success in the Madison Consulting Club, with leaders devoting a bit more time. All meetings are mandatory, and are hosted on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, along with the expectation that client work will be completed outside of meetings. Analysts also have additional educational-based meetings on Thursdays to continually build industry knowledge & other soft and hard-skills.
how competitive is mcc?
Since its inception, the Madison Consulting Club has become increasingly competitive. As we recruit once yearly rather than semesterly, we aim to accept approximately 25 members each year. If you're interested in joining MCC, the best way to improve your chances is to engage and network with our members outside of recruitment events, maintain a strong GPA, and demonstrate a professional interest in the consulting industry.