A strong PhD can be a useful academic signal, but firms are not hiring the diploma by itself. They need evidence that you can transfer your skills into client-facing business problems.

Translate research into problem solving, leadership, communication, and impact. Add business exposure where you can through clubs, pro bono projects, internships, entrepreneurship, or commercial collaborations.

Your goal is not to become an MBA candidate. It is to make the value of your PhD legible in a consulting context.

The PhD got attention. My non-research leadership stories got me through fit.

ADC recruiting exists for exactly this profile, but you still need to show business interest.

Do a few cases early. It helped me know whether I actually liked the work.