A professional who has worked in the Consulting Industry, specifically the Management Consulting Industry for over nine years, knows that the life of a professional consultant is paved with financial rewards, red-bottomed shoes, career opportunities, and travel experiences not normally available through traditional employment. If you're single, I would be hard-pressed to find a better job as your consulting career will take you to countless cities and even countries across the globe. You will routinely encounter brilliant people in your line of work, as well as people from different cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Depending on the length of your engagement, you’ll never stay in a single location long enough to grow tired of the surroundings. BUT, if you’re in a relationship, I can’t think of a worse profession to call a career. The strains of constant travel and being apart from your loved ones can only lead to discord in your relationship. This is obviously a generalization, as I’ve personally known many professionals in happy relationships, but it is a risk worth considering.
Are you the adventurous type? Then consulting will provide you with numerous opportunities for adventure. Consulting will afford you the chance to travel to places you may have never thought you would visit—London, New York, Paris, and Beijing being typical destinations. On the other hand, during the early stages of your career, you should expect to visit less glamorous locations such as Butte, Montana or even Lincoln, Nebraska (no offense). If you like the idea of staying in a single city, a single office, and just stability in general; consulting may not be the life for you. You are paid that ridiculously high salary because Fortune 500 companies expect you to come to them. Travel is an integral part of this career, so get used to it.
Do you like repetition? Getting so comfortable with the same routine at work that you can do it with your eyes closed? If your answer is "Yes," then turn around now, don't pass “Go,” and don't collect $200.00…this isn’t the job for you! Consulting demands a lot from its practitioners, the main trait being ambition and the desire for bigger and more complex challenges. This career isn’t for the meek or timid but rather for the overachiever looking for rapid movement up the corporate ladder. If this is you, then you’ve chosen your career wisely.
All in all, a career in the Consulting Industry is a fruitful career. Even if you find yourself growing tired of the job after a few years, your work history and talent will be sought after by many other companies, as Corporate America understands the trials and tribulations associated with the career and values any professional with such experience. If you've read this article and have decided to finally sign that offer letter and send it back to the home office, then welcome to the world of 60-hour workweeks, constantly eating out, and a different hotel bed every month…enjoy the ride.
By: Alfred Garcia
Edited By: Michael C. Podlesny