Consulting is a career that requires a strong work ethic and the ability to work long hours. It's not a 9-to-5 job, and you may find yourself feeling like you're “always connected” due to the amount of time spent on the road. If you're looking for stability and structure, consulting may not be the right choice for you. However, consulting offers a great deal of flexibility and autonomy.
You can design your own work to a large extent, creating your own structures and being responsible for your impact. Additionally, there aren't many positions available in major consulting firms due to the amount of work required for each project. Consulting is one of the most competitive graduate professions, but don't let that stop you from applying. There are many benefits to a career as a management consultant, such as intellectual challenge, travel opportunities, and good salaries for graduates.
The only way to guarantee that you won't get a job is not to apply in the first place. Work-life balance can be poor when working as a consultant, and one former consultant remembers how her employer sexually harassed a young consultant. However, joining a consulting firm is an effective way to build a vast and valuable network, and it will allow you to build relationships between multiple organizations. At first, traveling can be exciting, but it can quickly become tiring when consultants realize they spend much of their time on planes and trains away from home.
If you're considering consulting as a career choice, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It's not an easy job, but it can be rewarding if you're willing to put in the effort. You'll need to be prepared for long hours and hard work, but you'll also have the opportunity to travel and gain valuable experience.
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