At what point does being benched look bad as a new associate?

I've been at a Big 4 strategy group for about 3 months and am still considered pretty new.

I haven't been benched since I started, so I have no idea how any of this works. I'm on Day 3 of being benched; tomorrow will be Day 4.

I'm currently working on 2 business development initiatives and might be brought into a 3rd one, but haven't had luck getting onto a new project so far. 

I'm wondering when I should start to panic about being benched. My coach just said to volunteer for BD work and other things, and I have been pinging people I know to see if I can help with anything.

2 Comments
 

Voluptas nostrum nesciunt omnis fugiat qui. Impedit quia est culpa dolor qui.

Minus voluptatum aut velit numquam perspiciatis at. Rerum tempora dolor voluptatem pariatur et. Quis ea ut corrupti iste.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 98.9%
  • McKinsey & Company 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey & Company 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.9%
  • McKinsey & Company 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (52) $246
  • Engagement Manager (114) $233
  • Manager (171) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (115) $135
  • Senior Consultant (355) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • 1st Year Associate (576) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (392) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (637) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”