Breaking Into Consulting: Jack Kim’s 'Airplane Test' Strategy and What It Means for Crypto Careers
Jack Kim cracked the code on landing top consulting jobs by acing the 'airplane test.' His insights could reshape how mentorship in crypto careers is approached.
JUST IN: Breaking into the consulting world isn't just about brains or a killer resume. It's about passing the 'airplane test.' Who knew?
Jack Kim's Journey
Jack Kim didn't just stroll into the consulting world. he fought his way in. After snagging his bachelor's and master's from the London School of Economics, Kim found himself at Parthenon, a consulting firm that would later become part of EY. But, his sights were set higher, on the prestigious MBB firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG).
After a year and a half at Parthenon, he cracked the code, joining Bain. There, he enjoyed three and a half years, landed two promotions, and then did something wild. He left. Why walk away from a cushy gig? Entrepreneurship was calling.
Kim teamed up with a friend running a mentorship company. Together, they launched a program guiding aspiring consultants from resume basics to crushing behavioral and case interviews. Each unique mentorship journey has a price tag, ranging from around $1,300 to $6,700. Just like that, they offered something no one else did.
Kim's results are telling. In their first cohort, fewer than 10 students, but four made it into top consulting firms. One even came from a non-target university. So, what's the secret sauce?
The Power of the 'Airplane Test'
Strap in. The consulting industry loves its jargon, and the 'airplane test' is a biggie. It's not just about case study brilliance at the final interview round. It's whether you'd enjoy sitting next to someone on a 12-hour flight. Mind-blowing, right?
Think about it. You're traveling constantly on consulting projects. If you can't stand the thought of chatting with a candidate for hours, they're out. Sure, they might ace the technical stuff, but can you vibe with them over in-flight peanuts?
Kim flunked seven final interviews before realizing he needed to be likable. Culture fit was the ticket. He embraced the need for executive communication and being a joy to be around. Isn't that something we should all think about more?
Crypto Careers and the Mentorship Gap
Here's the thing: Kim's success raises a key question for us in the crypto world, are we missing the mark on mentorship? Crypto careers, much like consulting, can be intimidating and opaque. Many budding blockchain enthusiasts might have their technical chops down but are they passing their own version of the 'airplane test'?
The crypto industry is starved for clear pathways into roles. A mentorship approach, similar to Kim's, could bridge the gap. Influential figures already dominate social media. Could they offer structured mentorship programs to usher in the next generation of crypto experts?
The market's verdict: there's a massive opportunity here. Kim's success shows that personal connections and relatability are key, even in cutthroat industries like consulting. Crypto could learn from this. If you can't sit next to someone at a conference for an hour, are you really going to innovate together?
And just like that, Kim's journey isn't just about consulting anymore. It's a reminder that the human element, the simple act of being likable and relatable, is valuable currency. What if that's the missing link in getting the next wave of talent to flood into crypto?
