Why You Should Not Choose Management Consulting as Your Career Path

Written by . Posted in Consulting Application

businessman sleeping on laptop
Management consulting isn’t for everyone. The high salary, intellectual working atmosphere, and fast-paced environment are intended for applicants who pass the standards established by major and boutique firms. Before you exert your time and effort in pursuing a management consulting career, it’s wise to ask yourself if this is the path you truly want to take.

The perks offered by McKinsey, Bain, Booz, and other firms can be overly tempting, but you can’t be motivated solely by these extrinsic factors. The motivation must come from within, otherwise, you won’t be productive or satisfied in your position.

This article points out a few reasons why the management consulting industry may not be right for you.

Work-Life Balance

It’s undeniable that the demands of management consulting necessitate professionals to spend more than 50 hours a week at work. This hectic schedule not only affects personal relationships, but also leaves little to no time for pursuing interests and hobbies. Because of the volume of work, some consultants are obliged to finish a report, create a presentation, or engage in other work-related matters in order to meet strict deadlines. Consultants turn down countless invitations to significant occasions and dinner with friends. If you’re not ready to endure these sacrifices for career advancement, consider your backup plans.

Comfort of Home

In most cases, traveling is an indispensable part of management consulting. If the client is located in another city or country, there’s a great probability that you’ll be travelling a few times a month to source information from and coordinate with the client. At first, the idea of traveling can be exciting, but it can quickly become a physically strenuous activity. You’ll have to withstand flight delays, navigating through a foreign city, and the discomfort of being away from home. If you don’t enjoy being on the road, the fatigue can impair your quality output, enthusiasm, and sociability.

Sociability

Consulting may entail utilizing your rational processes, but you must also be highly sociable in order to  gather facts, converse with your client’s employees, discuss issues with your team, and communicate with  top management. You need to reach out to get things done. Interdependence is the key to adjusting to the demands of the profession. If social interaction is not your cup of tea, you’d better consider alternative careers.

Job Application Process

The management consulting job application is a tough process. The market has an abundant supply of qualified candidates ready to fill vacant positions. With that said, you need to double your efforts to break into the industry. Research, networking, taking tests, and case practice interviews are just four of the preparatory steps you’ll need to take to write an effective resume, ace the written tests, and expertly answer interview questions. Most likely, your first application will be rejected. Your patience and commitment will be tried and tested. If you’re not ready for this type of competition, management consulting is probably not for you.