Is consulting actually useful?

I’m a student looking into going to consulting, but the more I do coffee chats the more I become disillusioned to the whole field.

1. Do consultants ever see tangible benefits come out of their work? Is there a form of satisfaction or sense of fulfillment?

2. How do consultants exit into large corporate roles? I feel like the vast majority of ex consultants I see go into small startups.

3. Is there intense favoritism/nepotism in consulting? I have a small sample size but out of those I hear mixed reviews.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights into your questions about consulting:

1. Tangible Benefits and Fulfillment in Consulting

  • Tangible Benefits: Consultants often see tangible benefits from their work, especially in terms of career advancement and skill development. The experience gained in consulting can be a strong stepping stone to other prestigious roles.
  • Sense of Fulfillment: Fulfillment can vary. Some consultants find satisfaction in solving complex problems and making a significant impact on their clients' businesses. However, the level of fulfillment can depend on the type of projects and the firm’s culture.

2. Exit Opportunities into Large Corporate Roles

  • Exit into Large Corporates: While some ex-consultants do move into small startups, many also transition into large corporate roles. Consulting provides a broad skill set that is highly valued in various industries, making it easier for consultants to pivot into significant roles in large corporations.
  • Career Advancement: Promotions and career advancement are common in consulting, and having a faster-than-normal career trajectory can be a bonus. Highlighting achievements and the impact of your work can also help in securing roles in large corporates.

3. Favoritism/Nepotism in Consulting

  • Mixed Reviews: There are mixed reviews regarding favoritism and nepotism in consulting. Some individuals have experienced bias, while others have not. It can depend on the firm and its culture.
  • Networking: Networking is crucial in consulting. Every interaction with the firm is assessed and cataloged, and building positive relationships can significantly impact your career progression.

For more detailed insights, you can refer to the following threads on Wall Street Oasis: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/diversity-in-cre?cust…</a">Diversity in CRE - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/nepotism-pisse…</a">Nepotism Pisses Me Off - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/case-study-interview-f…</a">Case Study Interview for MBB Consulting - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/qa-former-mbb-consulta…</a">Q&A: Former MBB Consultant

These resources should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the consulting field and help you make an informed decision.

Sources: Nepotism pisses me off, 4 Real-Life Consulting Exit Opps of My Former Colleagues, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, Diversity in CRE

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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