Are you considering a career in consulting? It can be a great option for those who are looking for a challenge and want to explore different opportunities. However, it's important to understand the pros and cons of consulting before making a decision. Professionals who lack a strong work ethic or who can't work long hours may not be successful in consulting. It's not a 9-to-5 job and you may feel like you're “always connected” as you're expected to spend a lot of time on the road.
If you're looking for stability and structure, you may want to consider another career path. On the other hand, if you enjoy working independently and find customer service functions tiring, consulting may not be the best fit for you. You can design your work to a large extent, but you'll need to create your own work structures and be responsible for your impact. Many people choose consulting because they're not sure what they want to do, so it can be a great way to learn and explore while getting paid.
It's important to think about how consulting aligns with your personal and professional value system before making a decision. Consultants are expected to always be “active”, making it difficult to find a clear separation between personal and professional life. Additionally, consulting is not always the best option for obtaining professional capital among prestigious generalist corporate jobs such as investment banking, corporate law and professional services. If you can handle the pressure and are easily bored, consulting may be the right career choice for you.
It can provide an opportunity to learn and grow while being challenged. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
