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Is consulting for me?
I'm a current Junior in College, debating if consulting is the perfect fit for me. I'm currently interning for one of the big four and the work they're giving me is making me feel doubtful and overwhelmed.
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11 answers
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Andea,
Congratulations on 'surviving' with one of the big four. That is an incredible achievement for a junior. This shows that you can do the work. Yes, it is overwhelming because, likely for the first time, you face work where the answer must be discovered by you and no one else: there is no textbook solution or a professor to tell you the best approach. Instead, you are working on your own initiative and, while it can be stressful at first, my guess is you are energized every day by the challenges ahead. Look at this internment as a baptism into real, constructive, innovative work. You will thrive in this and let this summer confirm your capability to do it. When facing new issues, it is normal to doubt whether you can find the right path, but that is part of consulting, taking on new assignments and then pursuing the proper approach. If the work were easy, the customer would already know what to do. So, take heart and congratulate yourself for what you are achieving. I wish you the very best.
Congratulations on 'surviving' with one of the big four. That is an incredible achievement for a junior. This shows that you can do the work. Yes, it is overwhelming because, likely for the first time, you face work where the answer must be discovered by you and no one else: there is no textbook solution or a professor to tell you the best approach. Instead, you are working on your own initiative and, while it can be stressful at first, my guess is you are energized every day by the challenges ahead. Look at this internment as a baptism into real, constructive, innovative work. You will thrive in this and let this summer confirm your capability to do it. When facing new issues, it is normal to doubt whether you can find the right path, but that is part of consulting, taking on new assignments and then pursuing the proper approach. If the work were easy, the customer would already know what to do. So, take heart and congratulate yourself for what you are achieving. I wish you the very best.
Updated
Arun’s Answer
Hello Andrea, You're fortunate to have secured an internship with one of the big four. It might feel overwhelming at first, but this is an incredible chance for you to grow and learn. Consulting offers you a stage to develop numerous skills. It may be challenging in the beginning, but as you grasp the nuances, it becomes more manageable and enjoyable. After you graduate, your initial five years will lay the groundwork for a successful future, and the more knowledge you gain, the more advantages you'll experience.
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Jacob’s Answer
Hey Andrea, try consulting - believe me.
This website is fantastic!
https://www.pwc.com/
This website is fantastic!
https://www.pwc.com/
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Mike
Updated
Himaja’s Answer
Hello Andrea,
Embarking on your first job can often feel daunting. With a steep learning curve and the need to form connections with new colleagues while proving your worth to the team, it's natural to feel challenged and overwhelmed.
To truly shine, focus on your strengths and incorporate them into your work. Remember, there's always room for growth, and you can improve each day.
Consulting offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a diverse range of skills and expertise. It helps you develop strong interpersonal and customer-facing abilities that will benefit you throughout your career. Remember to be kind to yourself and understand that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times.
Seeking guidance from a mentor with a consulting background can be incredibly valuable. If you're interested, I'd be happy to help you connect with a mentor who can offer advice and support.
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Embarking on your first job can often feel daunting. With a steep learning curve and the need to form connections with new colleagues while proving your worth to the team, it's natural to feel challenged and overwhelmed.
To truly shine, focus on your strengths and incorporate them into your work. Remember, there's always room for growth, and you can improve each day.
Consulting offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a diverse range of skills and expertise. It helps you develop strong interpersonal and customer-facing abilities that will benefit you throughout your career. Remember to be kind to yourself and understand that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times.
Seeking guidance from a mentor with a consulting background can be incredibly valuable. If you're interested, I'd be happy to help you connect with a mentor who can offer advice and support.
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Updated
Gulshan’s Answer
When you ask whether Consulting is for you, you don't mention Consulting in which field are you considering. The Big Four are basically Accountancy Firms, but today have Consulting Teams that are equal to, if not larger than, their classic bread-and-butter accounting work.
Consulting is a way of working, and perhaps a bit of a lifestyle as well - the haloed life of a Consultant, flying in each Monday and out Thursdays.
Take a moment to organize that idea completely - Consultants are important, impressive and crucial in the context of their subject matter. Clients go to Consultants to ask questions that they themselves can't seem to find answers to, without spending a considerable amount of time &/or effort. Should I produce or purchase? How should I scale up my operations? Should I expand overseas? What is the growth area in my industry over the next decade? What does the future look like?
OK, so not that last one as much - but you get the idea.
Which brings me to acknowledge and explain why your current work as part of your internship may seem like drudgery, and may be forcing you to have second thoughts. To become a Consultant that your Clients can rely upon, who would know enough to actually give actionable advice - you have to master your subject matter and become an expert. There was a time when decades of actual hands-on experience led to folks becoming consultants later on in their careers. With the advent of Business Schools and on-the-job-training concepts, Consulting has become a learnable tradeskill, not just made up of first-person life lessons.
Consulting Firms work very hard to train and groom newcomers, who may have very limited or none whatsoever experience or even exposure in their Consulting Field. Your first few years are therefore going to be spent supporting other senior Consultants - and you're expected to learn by emulation and accumulate experience in the field.
Daunting? Of course. Boring? Absolutely. Researching and investigating multiple what-ifs, that in many cases don't get used or even acknowledged? Sure. Repetitive? It may seem that way to begin with, but over time you'll come to realize hardly any two business problems are actually identical. If nothing else, the Client and their people team will be different. Solving the same problem - over and over, again - for different Clients will give you a well-rounded perspective, and most importantly - that anecdotal knowledge that's a surefire mark of an excellent and trustworthy Consultant.
Remember, a Consultant has basically three things to offer Clients:
- answers based on their knowledge
- their awareness and acknowledgement of the limits of that knowledge
- ability to find answers that lie outside their knowledge
At the beginning of your career as a Consultant, you'll spend a lot of time in that third bucket. Gradually, you'll grow and learn to exist more and more in that first bucket.
Good Luck!
Learn about your chosen subject matter / area of expertise
Keep yourself informed and aware of the trends and industry guidance for your area
Never underestimate the need for strong interpersonal skills essential to Consulting
Practice humility - A Consultant shouldn't be a know-it-all; let your work speak for you
Learn from the masters - read up everything you can about your chosen career
Consulting is a way of working, and perhaps a bit of a lifestyle as well - the haloed life of a Consultant, flying in each Monday and out Thursdays.
Take a moment to organize that idea completely - Consultants are important, impressive and crucial in the context of their subject matter. Clients go to Consultants to ask questions that they themselves can't seem to find answers to, without spending a considerable amount of time &/or effort. Should I produce or purchase? How should I scale up my operations? Should I expand overseas? What is the growth area in my industry over the next decade? What does the future look like?
OK, so not that last one as much - but you get the idea.
Which brings me to acknowledge and explain why your current work as part of your internship may seem like drudgery, and may be forcing you to have second thoughts. To become a Consultant that your Clients can rely upon, who would know enough to actually give actionable advice - you have to master your subject matter and become an expert. There was a time when decades of actual hands-on experience led to folks becoming consultants later on in their careers. With the advent of Business Schools and on-the-job-training concepts, Consulting has become a learnable tradeskill, not just made up of first-person life lessons.
Consulting Firms work very hard to train and groom newcomers, who may have very limited or none whatsoever experience or even exposure in their Consulting Field. Your first few years are therefore going to be spent supporting other senior Consultants - and you're expected to learn by emulation and accumulate experience in the field.
Daunting? Of course. Boring? Absolutely. Researching and investigating multiple what-ifs, that in many cases don't get used or even acknowledged? Sure. Repetitive? It may seem that way to begin with, but over time you'll come to realize hardly any two business problems are actually identical. If nothing else, the Client and their people team will be different. Solving the same problem - over and over, again - for different Clients will give you a well-rounded perspective, and most importantly - that anecdotal knowledge that's a surefire mark of an excellent and trustworthy Consultant.
Remember, a Consultant has basically three things to offer Clients:
- answers based on their knowledge
- their awareness and acknowledgement of the limits of that knowledge
- ability to find answers that lie outside their knowledge
At the beginning of your career as a Consultant, you'll spend a lot of time in that third bucket. Gradually, you'll grow and learn to exist more and more in that first bucket.
Good Luck!
Gulshan recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rosa’s Answer
Andrea, congratulations on getting that far. At first, things might look difficult in consulting, especially in one of the big four. The work is voluminous and quality output is required. In a short, while you will learn many things and you will feel more sure of your choice.
Updated
Olga’s Answer
Deciding on a career path can be a challenging decision, especially when you're unsure if consulting is the right fit for you. It's great that you have an internship with one of the big four consulting firms, as it provides valuable exposure to the industry. However, feeling doubtful and overwhelmed is a common experience, particularly when starting out in a new role.
To help you make an informed decision, here are a few factors to consider:
1. Self-reflection: Take some time to reflect on your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Consider what aspects of consulting appeal to you and align with your strengths. Think about the type of work environment, challenges, and opportunities you thrive in.
2. Research the consulting industry: Gain a deeper understanding of what a career in consulting entails. Look into different types of consulting (e.g., management, strategy, technology) and the specific roles within those areas. This will help you determine if the work you're currently doing is representative of the broader consulting field.
3. Seek mentorship: Reach out to professionals in the consulting industry, both within your current firm and outside of it. Engage in conversations to gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and rewards. They can provide guidance and help you evaluate if consulting aligns with your aspirations.
4. Explore other options: If you're feeling overwhelmed by your current internship, it might be worth considering other career paths. Research alternative industries or roles that align with your interests and strengths. This exploration can help you gain a broader perspective and make an informed decision.
5. Talk to your supervisor: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to communicate your concerns with your supervisor. They may be able to provide guidance, reassurance, or even adjust your workload to better suit your abilities and interests. Open communication can help you gain clarity and alleviate some of your doubts.
Remember, it's normal to feel uncertain about your career path, especially during an internship. Take the time to evaluate your options, seek advice, and consider your long-term goals. Consulting can be a rewarding and challenging field, but it's essential to ensure it aligns with your interests and aspirations before committing to it.
To help you make an informed decision, here are a few factors to consider:
1. Self-reflection: Take some time to reflect on your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Consider what aspects of consulting appeal to you and align with your strengths. Think about the type of work environment, challenges, and opportunities you thrive in.
2. Research the consulting industry: Gain a deeper understanding of what a career in consulting entails. Look into different types of consulting (e.g., management, strategy, technology) and the specific roles within those areas. This will help you determine if the work you're currently doing is representative of the broader consulting field.
3. Seek mentorship: Reach out to professionals in the consulting industry, both within your current firm and outside of it. Engage in conversations to gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and rewards. They can provide guidance and help you evaluate if consulting aligns with your aspirations.
4. Explore other options: If you're feeling overwhelmed by your current internship, it might be worth considering other career paths. Research alternative industries or roles that align with your interests and strengths. This exploration can help you gain a broader perspective and make an informed decision.
5. Talk to your supervisor: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to communicate your concerns with your supervisor. They may be able to provide guidance, reassurance, or even adjust your workload to better suit your abilities and interests. Open communication can help you gain clarity and alleviate some of your doubts.
Remember, it's normal to feel uncertain about your career path, especially during an internship. Take the time to evaluate your options, seek advice, and consider your long-term goals. Consulting can be a rewarding and challenging field, but it's essential to ensure it aligns with your interests and aspirations before committing to it.
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Hi Andrea,
Congratulations on your internship, and I'm really sorry to hear you've been feeling overwhelmed. Please see optional next steps below for questions you might want to ask yourself to gain clarity.
What's your dream career? Is it business-related, or not necessarily?
Especially when starting something new, work can feel daunting and overwhelming. Do you feel that you have a shot at becoming good at your job as you get used to it?
Do you prefer to work on projects that are similar to one another, or to have more variety?
Congratulations on your internship, and I'm really sorry to hear you've been feeling overwhelmed. Please see optional next steps below for questions you might want to ask yourself to gain clarity.
Amit recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Andrea,
Congratulations on your internship! It seems like you're exploring consulting since you're uncertain about working for a large company. To help you decide, consider taking on a small project for a non-profit organization, for example. This will give you a better idea if consulting in your area of expertise suits you.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Congratulations on your internship! It seems like you're exploring consulting since you're uncertain about working for a large company. To help you decide, consider taking on a small project for a non-profit organization, for example. This will give you a better idea if consulting in your area of expertise suits you.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Updated
Shelly’s Answer
Hello Andrea,
You may find Consulting "confusing" or "overwhelming" to start with. However, there are a few ways that may help you further your thoughts in determining if Consulting is a right fit for you.
1. Self-reflect - write down the Pros & Cons about what you like and dislike about Consulting and more importantly, figure out the reasons behind them and see if these actually lines with the Consulting Industry or just the particular project(s) you are working on.
2. Talk to your RL and Project Lead and gather their thoughts on #1.
It is not unusual to feel uncertain or even overwhelmed when you are first exposed to a new field. You are in the right place to seek guidance on it. Best luck on your adventure.
You may find Consulting "confusing" or "overwhelming" to start with. However, there are a few ways that may help you further your thoughts in determining if Consulting is a right fit for you.
1. Self-reflect - write down the Pros & Cons about what you like and dislike about Consulting and more importantly, figure out the reasons behind them and see if these actually lines with the Consulting Industry or just the particular project(s) you are working on.
2. Talk to your RL and Project Lead and gather their thoughts on #1.
It is not unusual to feel uncertain or even overwhelmed when you are first exposed to a new field. You are in the right place to seek guidance on it. Best luck on your adventure.
Updated
Shelly’s Answer
Deciding if consulting is the right fit for you involves assessing your interests, skills, and long-term career goals. Consulting can be demanding but also highly rewarding, offering exposure to a variety of industries, complex problem-solving, and the opportunity to work with diverse teams. Consider whether you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy tackling new challenges, and possess strong analytical and communication skills. Reflect on your current internship experience—while some tasks may feel mundane, think about whether you enjoy the overall problem-solving aspect and client interaction. Also, seek feedback from mentors and colleagues to gain insights into your strengths and potential fit. Ultimately, choose a path that aligns with your passion and where you see yourself growing and thriving.