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Chief
Depends on the consulting firm and on the job you’re applying for.
If the consulting has a very strong reputation (i.e. MBB, T2) or if it has Industry focus, you should be able to apply for jobs that require 2x or more your YOE.
I’ve received contacts from HHs with opportunities for jobs that required 8-10 YoE, even though I only have 4
Pro
What do you mean by industry focus
No one with 1.5 YOE from consulting has anything valuable to offer when the requirement is 3 years. Albeit, 5 years in consulting at a top firm will probably get you a gig that requires 8 YOE.
OP, you leave. Idk how this is difficult. You could take a 2 YOE job and get promoted in 6 months. It is not cut and dry.
Chief
Consulting is sort of a mixed bag. You get a lot of experience presenting cleanly, working hard, and figuring things out on short notice. But you don’t learn deep expertise in a topic and you generally get away without worrying about the consequences of a bad recommendation.
You’ll be promoted more quickly and your income will rise faster, but no you won’t get a get out of jail free card for being a consultant. That said, the experience will likely be beneficial in less direct ways down the line.
Pro
lol everyone get a load of this guy working at BAH lmfao. Buddy the average tenure here is 2 years. That’s enough time to have it figured it out enough to the point I know I want to get out. Just cause you’re content with your mediocrity doesn’t mean I will be
Pro
Was I lied to by my professors and recruiters?
Pro
Pretty much
I’m going to answer this as if it’s a serious question, since I find it interesting to think about the differences between consulting and industry (I’ve spent a few years in both).
Consulting: I learned to communicate effectively to a wider range of audiences, I’ve done more complex/rigorous analysis, I’ve been exposed to a broader range of industries, perspectives, and concepts (hence the overused heuristic of “A year of consulting is like 2 in industry!”)
Industry: I actually owned something - my team was responsible for a piece of the business from initial strategy development through all of the implementation. That requires a different mindset and skillset. I had to deal with consequences of strategies that I put in place 3 years prior.
If person A spends 2 years in consulting and person B spends 4 years in industry, they will end up with different skill sets and perspectives. It’s a qualitative, not quantitative, difference. In my opinion having both experiences helped me become more well rounded
Pro
Got it thanks that makes sense. So what should I do now
Rising Star
https://youtu.be/-c4CNB80SRc
Rising Star
Agreed. We tend to be more implementation.
Your professors didn’t lie but they over simplified a complex process. That is not only dependent on having a ‘stamp’ of any consulting firm on your resume. You need a good profile + a great resume that is solid in content and results/impact irrespective of the consulting firm (it matters but it is not the only thing)
My humble opinion based on the hint of entitlement and understandable naivety of this post (which is okay since you’re new to the realm) : don’t assume you SHOULD and WOULD be getting offers just cause you bagged 1.5 years in consulting. That ALONG with other factors make you a valued prospect.
TL:DR : dont put all your eggs in one basket. Show them a great whole picture, not just your prior consulting badge.
Pro
I mean I don’t think I’m entitled to offers lol but I was definitely struck. My program shoved consulting down our throats and fed us a lot of propaganda which included consulting as a fast track. But sure I appreciate the offer thank you. I’ll dm you
Is this a serious question?? You can’t just apply a multiplier based on what you have on paper and expect it to work out. Recruiters still need to see if the 1.5 years has translated well to a role requiring 2x YOE. Focus on what you’ve done/the impact you made vs YOE
Pro
Got it thanks
This guy is high on his own farts
Pro
Serious answers from experienced pros in consulting and industry pls
Pro
Obviously it is. Am I just here to waste my own time lol
It sounds like some people responding to this question may have never been told consulting would be a gateway to other industry jobs. I am considering consulting bc I heard it could help you learn more about the roles in industry and it looks nice on paper so it would help me get an industry job after! I hear from others that usually consultants form good relationships with the client and then the client may hire them at their company.
@EY 1 thanks!! that’s really helpful to note!
@consultant it sounds just replying on the consultant title may not be sufficient and clearly communicating your specific skills that would translate well to the industry role in your job apps/ resume is crucial. Maybe be more intentional with the jobs you apply to as well?