Pros and cons of a consulting career
Consulting has unique upsides and challenges. Weigh these key factors to decide if consulting is right for you.
Life as a consultant isn’t for everyone so in this blog we’re going to share the top pros and cons of consulting so you can decide if this is the career for you.
Key Pros of a Consulting Career
Accelerated promotions and rewards based on merit. You don’t need to wait for your boss to leave in order to be eligible for promotion.
Unparalleled learning and development opportunities. This spans across formal certifications and training materials developed within the firm.
Exposure to diverse industries and business challenges. There’s plenty of variety to keep you interested.
Working with smart, motivated people and building a strong team bond.
Potential Cons to Consider
Tight deadlines with high client and firm expectations can lead to long hours which makes work-life balance challenging.
Frequent travel and time away from home. Some people consider this a positive as the opportunity to travel at the company’s expense is certainly very exciting.
Pressure to constantly deliver exceptional work.
Staying a generalist versus specialising.
Reflect on What's Important to You
Consulting isn’t for everyone and to avoid finding that out the hard way, here are some questions you might want to reflect on:
Are you comfortable with ambiguity and change?
Can you adapt your communication style to various audiences?
Do you thrive under pressure and tight timelines?
Is gaining broad experience appealing or does deep specialisation in one area interest you more?
There’s no right or wrong answer, however it’s important that you approach a consulting career with open eyes.
Make the Best Decision for You
Do the pros outweigh the cons? It depends…
Some prospective consultants will read this blog and see the negatives as positives and vice versa.
Ultimately, whether consulting is right for you or not is a decision you have to make based on your current life circumstances. However, we can help equip you with the things you need to consider.
Good luck!
