I’m starting my MBA in September, and I’ve been doing some research on consulting. It looks like something that would interest me, due to unique projects and lots of problem solving. Or at least that’s what is commonly said about the industry, I’m sure you guys have another point of view on the matter (which I’m interested to hear!).I have spent 1.5 years living in China studying Mandarin, and I’m pretty much fluent in the language (I am not Chinese). I was wondering how second languages can play into a career in consulting. Is it something that can make it easier to be recruited at more international firms?And a more strange question… Is it possible to incorporate a second language (ie. my mandarin) into a career into consulting without having to go overseas all the time? I’m looking to get married soon and frankly I’m done with running all over the globe. At the same time I would love to somehow make use of my Chinese in my career within Canada. Quite the dilemma, huh?Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!Doug

It can be very useful to have people with languages to conduct interviews across multiple regions, but I don't think (m)any firms would hire someone just because of it.It is a double-edged sword where I work, as those people that speak multiple languages often end up just conducting interview programmes rather than doing any of the more interesting workSo yes it could be part of your work - how often depends entirely on the projects you get staffed on