What does a typical project look like for you?
I’ve always been interested in the field of consulting and was wondering what a project typically would entail regarding:
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your responsibilities on project and the specific role you take on as a consultant
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any challenges you often deal with on the job
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the working dynamics between you and your project manager
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how your role has evolved over time
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how projects differ between one and the next
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any other insight that may be helpful
thank you
Responsibilities on project
Depends on tenue and a little on firm, by and large as Consultant / Associate, you're in charge of your own workstream / module, which is an integral part of the overall project
You set out the plan for how to solve the segment that is allocated to you + own it and solve it
At some firms, you might have to supervise an Analyst who helps you in the execution aspect
Challenges on the job
Depends highly on the type of project, for example
on a DD, the main problem I have is data availability and having to come to a reasonable view on a nascent / subtly complex industry
on a more typical strategy project, it could be scope changes coming from the client to deal with ad hoc questions / issues as they arise, instead of sticking to plan (sometimes necessary as the project evolves)
Dynamics with project manager
Again, depends a lot on the person, I've worked with both very collaborative individuals looking for discussions and inputs from the team and with people who seem to enjoy telling people what to do and are very top-down / hierarchical (I don't like that type, but I understand the ratoinale at times)
Role evolution over time
As you get more senior, you're expected to more and more move toward ownership of your work and deciding what to do next and how to do it without someone telling you (within the limits of your workstream)
How projects differ from one to the next
Too wide a topic to address in a single bullet point
Any other insight
Bit wide again, so would rather ask you if you have more specific questions / areas you're uncertain about
Great insights - what type of consulting do you do, and how did you best prepare to get into the industry when in uni? I am interested in consulting and currently study finance and management
Well, since Im at Bain, Im a strategy consultant.
I did not prepare for that job while at university, I joined as an experienced hire. But the typical advice you see online hold:
Bear in mind that even while doing all of these, it remains an enormously competitve process and this will guarantee nothing (some do all of these and dont get in, some do none and get in, with or without a leg up). It will however boost your chances significantly + let you know if the career actually appeals to you beyond the name of a particular firm.
Best of luck to you
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Ah, the life of a consultant! It's a wild ride, let me tell you.
Responsibilities and Role: As a consultant, my role can vary greatly depending on the project. Sometimes, I'm deep in the trenches, observing operations from manufacturing to storefront, interviewing employees, and even playing "undercover" boss in a few stores. Other times, I'm more of an advisor, providing insights and then stepping back.
Challenges: Every project comes with its own set of challenges. Sometimes it's about understanding a new industry or function, other times it's about navigating the dynamics within the client's team. But hey, that's what keeps it interesting!
Working Dynamics: The relationship with the project manager is crucial. In the beginning, I had little say in the projects I was assigned to. But as I grew within the firm, I started to build relationships with partners who would staff me on projects because they trusted my work.
Evolution of Role: Over time, my role has evolved. I've gone from being a fresh-faced newbie with zero pull on my first project to someone who's trusted to deliver on important projects. It's been a journey of growth and learning.
Project Differences: No two projects are the same. Some are short and advisory in nature, while others are longer and more operationally focused. The industry, the client, the scope - everything can change from one project to the next.
Other Insights: One thing I've noticed is that longer projects often allow the consultant team to almost become part of the company. There's so much collaboration that by the end, it can feel like the clients are your coworkers. It's a unique experience!
I hope this gives you a glimpse into the life of a consultant. It's a challenging but rewarding field. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Sources: Q&A: 6 months into post-undergrad role at MBB, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, I am a consultant at a non-MBB firm in London: Q&A, Consultants, tell us what your industry verticals are like
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