The email below is a response from the reader whose message was posted yesterday. I love getting a quick response to an email that I’ve put a lot of time into, but it’s even better when the person truly “gets it”. I’m posting this response because SZ’s perspective might prove helpful to other readers out there.

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SZ wrote:

“Marquis,

Thank you so much for getting around to my question. I really appreciate your time and perspective.

When I first sent in my question, I was still interning at Deloitte, and I was curious about what other firms had to offer. In the past two months, I have gotten a chance to meet with representatives from other consulting firms, and I have come to the same conclusions you have pointed out in your response. Fit is the most important factor when choosing a firm, and getting the experience that will build toward your career goals and ultimately your MBA story is more important than trying to build a cookie cutter career path soley to get into a top business school.

From the outside a lot of firms can look very similar, but each has a unique culture. I made it a point to ask each representative to describe some of the methodologies and practices used at the beginning of client engagements, and I found their response extremely helpful in trying to differentiate between the overall philosophies of each firm.

After seeing which philosophies align with my long-term career goals, it has become much clearer as to where I should be setting my sights, and I am confident that the b-school process will work itself out. In fact, I am even more confident because my story will be more genuine by following my passions instead of playing to what I thought might make a better case.

Thanks again for your response. I hope it encourages others to pursue careers that they find enjoyable, and that it would ultimately result in a more diverse MBA class.

SZ”