I have so many issues with the culture of the consulting world. I don’t think this is specific to my company. Does anyone else feel this way and does it ever go away? 1. Constant use of buzz phrases “loop back to this”, “pick the low having fruit”, “be in lockstep”, etc. without any real substantial value driven. 2. Regular expectation of work/travel after standard work hours and no acknowledgement. 3. Superficial connections based on forced corporate mentorship (due to high turnover)

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Noted. Will definitely circle back to this conversation once we discuss internally and get our ducks in a row.

funnylike

lol love how the use of buzzwords made your top 3 issues with consulting culture. First world problems lol

likefunny

“Optics over Outcome” - Consulting Mantra

likesmartfunny

This is just corporate America? Aside from 2 which is maybe more consulting specific…

like

Welcome to the real world. Sounds like you may be new to the professional workplace.
- Every profession has its jargon; construction, cops, doctors, consultants all have their slang.
- Every job and company has spoken and unspoken expectations and standards. You either accept them or you need to find something that fits you better.
- This industry has never been a 9-5 job. Our jobs are based on completing tasks, not working a 40-hr week, with 1-hr lunches and 25-min breaks. If that’s what you want, look elsewhere.
- High turnover is relative. Top consultants average is 15-20%. Try FS (30%), IT (44%), Retail (69%).

like

Not just that, having seen people use buzzwords, they become "experts" and then start undermining folks who actually had "real" "actual" "tangible" "experience" around the core of the periphery that the buzzwords surround!!

But you gotta accept that "reality" and outpace outachieve outsmart such people, not to survive but to excel!!!

like

Those buzzwords are also used in industry, not just a consulting thing.

Welcome to American style capitalism.
It is what it is.
It's the same everywhere, in all fields and industries.
Fight Club made fun of this over 20 years ago.
Even CNN talks like this.
What's the alternative?
What other options are there?

In an ideal world, students are taught rhetoric, so they have a rigorous and well-defined vocabulary to draw from when attempting meaningful discussions. Instead (at least where I’m from), we teach “speech” or “public speaking” which emphasizes persuasion rather than clarity or logic. We struck our bargain, and we’re paying for it with these loosely-defined terms that don’t map to anything concrete, but do sound pleasant and/or clever.

Not a complaint, it is what it is, and those who do have/get rhetorical training are usually advantaged by appearing more forthright and genuine.

like

It’s called gatekeeping

We don’t use buzzwords. I haven’t seen many CXOs or investors use them either.

Buzzwords are *so* middle management.

You’re just so immune you don’t recognize them any more :-)

Related Posts

How is everyone surviving the corporate culture? When I look at people around at work and see through them, I definitely don’t want to become them. Have people lost humanity?

like

What kind of hours does PWC risk assurance work throughout the year? Fall busy season? Also, do you travel a lot?

like

Help please!!!

Strategy & Ops at large tech company (non-FAANG) - 120K TC (San Francisco)

Rotational Program at Industrial Firm - 170K TC (Chicago)

Industrial Company:
- Would pay for grad school
- Comp is insane
- Work is more niche
- Company culture is rough
- MBB / tech exit
- smaller less known company

Tech Company:
- Cool company
- well known
- Enter tech early on
- Salary lower than other by a lot
- PM / Biz Ops exits

Both companies have good MBA placement. What would you do?

like

Me to United: I'm going to miss my connection because my flights delayed 2 hours. United to me: well you can hope that flight is delayed too.

like

Anyone do the 15 nights mandatory quarantine in Taiwan? I need to go back for visa reasons and looking up which hotel to stay at. Thinking of staying in Marriott for the points but would love any recs! Can I use someone’s Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite contact or something? Overwhelmed with this whole process 🥲

For experienced accounting professionals considering a transition into a career with solid work/life balance, a fast-growing biotech company near San Francisco is hiring for a SOX Compliance Manager and Senior Accountant/Manager roles. Roles pay well over $100k.

Generous benefits, fun company culture, and VERY favorable stock options. Message me if interested, and I will try to screen you for an interview!

Interviewing for Business Consulting Senior Manager - Technology Risk and Business Consulting Manager - Technology Risk at EY. Currently with Deloitte Global within the Confidentiality and Privacy group at the SC level. How’s the WLB? How’s the salary? Is it worth the jump esp since I know I am being underpaid severely after 4.5 years at the firm?

like

For those of you that have very large bonuses / equity grants compared to your base pay- how do you allocate reoccurring paychecks compared to your lump sum payments?

I recently joined this club- my base pay stayed consistent at 120k. My TC went from 150k to 250-300k.

One thing I can think of is maxing my 401k during the year than spreading that bonus out to cover the delta.

What else? This is a whole new world for me.

like

Recently created an AA account, can you receive miles for a flight that was booked without an account but hasn’t been completed yet?

like

I need to make a decision by tomorrow:
Current base salary: $55k
Current bonus: 10.5% (~$5k)
Vacation: 2 weeks
*been with company for 4 years. Started as a product data analyst out of school.

New offer base salary: $90k
Bonus: 12% (~11k)
Vacation: 3 weeks

Counter offer: $80k
Bonus: 14% (~11k)
Vacation: 3 weeks

The new offer would require significantly more travel. I have a young family and value time at home. My heart is telling my to take the counter offer from my company.

like

I’m at a hotel bar getting a drink while I wait for my hookup. Now I understand why hookers hang out at hotel bars. There are so many fish here to fry.

funnylike

Anyone willing to give Marriott points for delta miles? I know you can’t transfer delta miles cheaply but happy to book mile flights with your guidance..willing to trade at 2 Marriott points per mile.

like

What are some feel good or fun things your company does to build on its social culture in a remote environment?

like

Some of you really only bill 17/1800 hours? Are you just busy doing non-billable work or you just don’t have enough work coming to you? If it’s because you don’t have enough work does that mean you have your evenings and weekends to yourself too? Could you maybe help the rest of us out who never get either?

likefunny
like

Any insider knowledge of EY modifying the frequent traveler program policy now that most travel will be reduced?

like

Can someone tell me more about citrin cooperman NJ office? What’s the culture and work life balance situation there?

like

Hi Amazonians. Can you share the work culture in Retail tech team or in Amazon in general. I've received an SDE1 offer. I have other offers from Microsoft and Goldman Sachs as well. I am really confused between Amazon and Microsoft. All the people I've talked to have said to take the Microsoft offer. Please share your thoughts. Thanks.

YoE: 9 months

like

Hey ladies! I have an interview Monday for a recruiter position for a travel nurse company. Any tips for the interview or even the position once I get it?

like

More Posts

For someone who joined PwC AC Bangalore in December'21, how much hike and bonus can be expected?
CCTC: 11lpa

like

Let’s say you accidentally invent some incredible thing—at what point do you give up the in-house and go to an agency? But... you’re you, and you’re supposed to know how to do this.

like

Travel and colocation are ramping back up. Finding it hard to get steps in. Hotel gyms don't have barbells and only have dumbbells up to 50 lb. How does the barbell crew here get heavy lifting in more than just on weekends?

like

Why does Axtria says that it is a great place to work? They give their bags with the stickers saying "Axtria,great place to work certified in 2020 and 2021"?

Is that true?

funnylike

Hi, anyone give some love for activating DM

likehelpful

Am I doomed? I’m 36. Huge partier and spend $ like its going out of season. Make about $215k all in and have little savings. I just have terrible savings habits and just enjoy living for the moment.

like

Any insight on working for the CFTC? I have some experience at the SEC, is it a similar kind of culture? Specifically interested in WLB and openness to telework. Thanks in advance!

like

How long do you wait to hear about an offer? It’s been almost 5 months of interviewing with a top company and I’m waiting on a decision. What’s your threshold for waiting?

I am Joining capg in July as Consultant , when I will be eligible for appraisals

like

Do you all think I should put open rates and CTRs on my resume for email marketing? I'm a copywriter (obvs) and trying to show results.

And what would be rates worth bragging about? (I have looked up the average rates but not sure if I should include analytics if it's just above average. Like say 35% for open rates and 4% for CTR.)

*Please only comment if your thoughts are constructive.

like

Looking for a credit analyst relates job that pays minimum of 80K - 100k in Los Angeles. Open to work from the office .

likehelpful

KPMG fishes, can someone provide details on the comp is decided after a candidate completes all the rounds and the decision is a hire? Does the PMD get involved or is it just the talent group based on the team feedback?KPMG

like

How to get a Biotech job in abroad?? Experience is needed?? Am 2017 passed out student is there any sponsorship??

like

If you work with me, you’ll recognize this from our Zoom and Teams calls.

Post Photo
like

Thoughts on traveling to Canada on H1B for personal reasons in the coming week? I am scared if the coronavirus cases rise I may not be able to enter back into US.

like

How to handle being mansplained by an Experienced Hire with less than 5 months at your Firm?

like

How can I become a tax consultant, how challenging is it and how much is do they pay for an entry level consultant

like

0.4 Panic watch election results and tweet furiously

like

Looking for a role in HR? Are you in NYC/on the East Coast? I specialize in ALL HR roles - send me your resume?

like

Thoughts on Mcgarry Bowen Chicago?

Additional Posts in Consulting

Currently in the cloud space. When is a good time to exit consulting? Goal is to become a tech lead in a mid to large size corporate. Thanks.

like

Drinks in atl Westin peachtree

like

What are your passions in life?

like

Met 2 of our new hires last night at a training. They've been here 3 days and are already concerned about being laid off. Felt bad for their anxiety but think it's ill-placed to some extent

like

Anyone sold their lease to Carvana? How was the process?

like

Aside from the obvious Vegas or Miami, where are the best places to go for my bachelor party in the next 2 months? Not sure where's a good place to travel with covid restrictions and travel bans still active in many places.

like

Hello all! Deloitte is hiring for consultant through manager level roles. Please send me a message if you would like to apply

likefunny

Who would have thought that a firm that replies all to thousands of emails would have problems understanding technology?!

like

That moment when you are freshly on the beach and you are still hoping, no one knows so you get a really relaxed week

like

Maybe I’m out of the loop…but how are all these consultants on here making low to mid six figures with 3 years industry experience? Perhaps I’m just in the wrong industries but that seems too short a time to be advising others in a field. Are these just internet exaggerations? Or is there something big I’m missing?

likefunnyuplifting

Q for my desi folks: I came to US 7 years ago for masters from a Top 3 school and have been at McK since. My family in India still think of me as a failure who couldn’t clear IIT/IIM and took the easy way out. They try to downplay my achievements every chance they get. How do you cope with such negativity?

like

Time vs money...which would you choose and why?

like

May be moving to Cali to work in San Fran (Fin District). Where to live with a family that's a) "affordable" (by NoCal standards), b) commutable and c) decent schools?

Season 3 will be a great reason
To forget all about reality

like

Is it possible to move from ZS Associates to MTS Health Partners investment banking? Im very interested in the healthcare transaction/deals world and also have a (non-target) finance degree

like

How do you deal with 2 leaders who don't like each other? They constantly talk crap about each other when the other isn't on a call. One of them is telling us to not schedule meetings or run things by the other...

like

Someone I worked a couple projects and had little respect for is now at McK. I now have less respect for their "prestige".

funnylike

I make 125k and got an offer for 200k with better benefit (same col). Should I jump (3YOE)? Fun industry work with a lot more ownership and high visibility but scared to lose flexibility of consulting

likefunny

Went on three dates in last three weeks. Two of them backed out when they came to know that I travel everyweek. The one left was unhappy this morning when I got up at 4 to catch my flight. FML !

like

Any PwC 🐟 from Zürich willing to connect?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal