Cheap, or is this normal?
Starting an internship with a Big 4 consulting firm today. Last night they emailed to let us know that we would all be in double occupancy rooms for training, which starts on Monday, out of town. I don't really care that I have a roommate, but this is my third internship (1st with a big 4) and every other company I have worked with has put the interns in their own room. Just wondering if this is the norm?
I've seen this in banks during training as well as events at MBB and also Big4 so I wouldn't say it's extraordinary.
Probably not cheap in the grand scheme of things. With that said, I'm going for a several week long training as an analyst in a BO role at a BB and will be getting a separate apartment so I think this varies depending on the duration of the training, the company and FT or intern status.
I wouldn't worry about it.
When I did Big 4 I got my own room for training, but I know not everyone did. If you travel for work you'll always get your own room.
A few things to realize: - Internships (and specifically training) cost the Big 4 a LOT of money (which ultimately comes out of the Partners' pockets). They are essentially expensive recruiting tools. If they can save some money they should. - I believe some of the Big 4 still have their own training site, which at times can be near capacity so they put in a policy of doubling up to ensure that they have enough space.
I wouldn't worry about this at all. If your working conditions are poor that would be a huge red flag, but training is no big deal.
Agree with you, but when you say it's coming out of the Partners' pockets.. the firm is a partnership soooo by definition every single expense the firm makes is coming out of the Partners' pockets. But don't make it out like the Partners are getting such a bad deal. They work their grads to the bone for minimal compensation meanwhile enjoying very comfortable lifestyle earning millions in profit share. These training programs are a long term investment for them. I just think OP should be a little more grateful he even has a job let alone has to share a room with someone.. oh the humanity!!
Man you like some drama... People can ask questions about things being normal without it being entitled. Suck it up buttercup, the only one overreacting is you bud.
To everyone else: Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.
Some expenses are passed through to the customers, so not everything comes out of the partner's pockets. Yes, I realize that many projects are "fixed price." For this reason, I think you'll find that "overhead" expenses, like lodging for training, are more strict than expenses on billable projects.
It would be weird for normal biz travel e.g. client visits. I don't think it's weird for training at all. Unless your roommate is weird. Or unless you want to get weird...
The practice at my firm is that you have a roommate at trainings until you make manager. Helps "network" and stuff. You meet totally random people which can potentially help you meet a whole new office and network of people at the firm. Starting your second year though, you can choose who you want your roommate to be.
I work full-time in Big 4 consulting and I had a roommate at the very first training the firm offered (as a disclaimer, this was training for undergraduate and graduate school hires). While staying alone makes you feel like a big boy, having a roommate could be quite beneficial. You will meet more people, have more fun, and even have someone who can wake you up in the morning after a long night of drinking.
No wonder the older generations call us Gen-Y'ers entitled. You're a fucking intern, get over it.
Early in my career at a smaller to mid sized repe firm they made us analysts bunk together when we traveled but we were a relatively small group so we all became quick friends and it was fun. A little gross what happened one time at a conference in Vegas, but funny memories. Kinda made me feel like I was back in a fraternity.
Once you're a little higher up the totem pole it shouldn't happen and if it does then it's weird. There used to be a private REIT group, Wells, where even the CEO shared a room and they were making tons of money at the time. They also couldn't drink, smoke or curse or they'd get fired. That was weird. I got an offer from them in my mid 20's with a few years of experience under my belt for a ton more than I was making and when I found out about the culture just said no. I would have gotten fired anyway.
Geez, rough crowd. OP devoted a few more brain cells to this issue than probably necessary, but he certainly didn't come across as whiny or entitled. If I was starting at a new firm, double occupancy as the standard for training and weekly client travel would concern me too. It was a valid question which has now been answered.
My understanding is that for Big 4 you will share a room until you hit the Senior Associate / Senior Staff level. Then you get your own room. But for the first 2-3 years until you hit that mark, its double occupancy.
I have not met a Big 4 Associate or Senior Associate who has shared a room while traveling, except for new hires who were traveling to training.
Cupiditate ut necessitatibus ut. Eos similique harum impedit eaque non minima. A magnam nobis aut rerum aut ratione.
Et earum iure voluptatem quasi ut explicabo eligendi. Sint fugit hic repellendus. Mollitia asperiores doloribus quibusdam enim ullam rerum voluptatum incidunt.
Culpa nisi saepe et iusto dolorum reiciendis minus. Recusandae voluptatum temporibus fuga vitae.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...