Very general, but got any advice on transitioning from college to being a working adult? What stuff did you guys screw up that you'd recommend I don't do? 22yo fresh consultant here

likehelpfulsmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

Work is not the end all be all. Make sure you make time for your friends and your hobbies. It will often make you better at your job to have things you enjoy and are successful at outside of work. I would have prioritized my time differently and been better at carving out time for non-work things. Work often feels urgent while you can always reschedule time with friends etc. I would have done less of that rescheduling.

likehelpfuluplifting

Thank you!

Oh, and be very, very careful before hooking up with anyone at work. If you want something casual and they don't, it can be a mess. If you want something serious and they don't, it can be heartbreaking.

Stick to Hinge.

likehelpfulsmart

Absolutely agreed. Work hookups should be avoided tbh. Doesn’t usually end well for anyone.

smart
Recent IconRecent

People have named a lot of the important stuff so adding smaller things to the list

1. Expect to use absolutely none of the education you sacrificed so much for

2. Most people are meek and lack vision - this is a big one - do not expect your peers or leadership know what's best or are willing to do the right thing vs. keep quiet and hope it works out.

3. WHEN (not if) your incompetent leadership tries to gaslight you, it will be okay and it is not the end of the world. You WILL have bad leadership who tries to pin things on you, stifle your career because you're a rising star, or just doesn't like you. It will work out as long as you are working to get off that team and don't put up with BS

4. Trust the grad students (but not the MBAs 😂)

5. Be yourself at all times; things work out faster and better when you don't have a fake work persona.

likesmarthelpfulfunny

I wish I knew (2) and (3) before I started. Definitely. Great advice SC1

like

Save more than you spend - max out that 401k contribution. Don’t forget to exercise. And try not to be drunk all the time.

likefunnyhelpful

D1 is spot on about exercising. When I first started my job, I wouldn’t get home until 6:30 or 7 and of course by then all I wanted to do was eat dinner. I’m still trying to lose that weight. Good luck!

like

If you’ve got any student debt, live frugally and pay it off ASAP

likehelpful

CE1, we are all making assumptions about OPs goals here but yours is the most extreme. although i agree it builds wealth the fastest, it is also is the most uneven in terms of lifestyle throughout career. Maximizing retirement deferrals requires living well below means in your twenties. You’ll retire rich but won’t have much fun in your 20s. To balance out lifestyle a bit more, take full advantage of firm matches and maybe even contribute 10% on your own but also payoff debt. Don’t buy a house with boatload of student debt. Way too much risk involved with that despite low rates...

Get a full physical and blood work done. It's good to have a baseline of your health indicators to compare against for the next ten years +

likehelpfulfunnysmart

Correct.

Work hard and play hard. Enjoy your youth, make memories, and don’t stress too much about exact $$$$$ in savings (but have a safety net always). Be kind to yourself and try not to compare yourself to people on the internet (on here, LinkedIn, or IG)

likehelpful

That makes a lot of sense as a heuristic for money, max out 401k and have a safety net but don't worry incessantly. Thanks!

Don’t get caught up in trying to be a rockstar at work - that extra year at associate or whatever is actually no a big deal. I remember when I started everyone was OBSESSED with making Senior Associate or the like in 2 years versus three. People worked so many extra hours, sacrificed, etc. Looking back years later all I can think is..why? Careers are a marathon not a sprint take it easy and enjoy your life.

likehelpfulsmart

Very good to know, I'll be sure to focus more on learning and figuring out what areas really enjoy as some other folks here suggested! Appreciate it

Get roommates.

1) You're (eventually) going to be traveling and it's nice to have people who will bring your mail / packages inside
2) You should be saving every spare cent you can and investing that in the market (ETFs). Roommates are the best way to do this. If you take that approach and the market has a few good years, you could be sitting on $1M by the time you're 30. You'll appreciate the sense of freedom and security that gives you.

likehelpful

^^this is what I’m doing now and I’m going to bank every paycheck until I’m forced back to the office đŸ€‘

like

Focus on keeping your body healthy (good diet, exercise, sleep)
Surround yourself with positive people. Don’t compete with your friends. If you’re thankful for people, tell them.

likesmarthelpful

Fully wholeheartedly agree, but I'll take extra care to not make compromises there or fall out of the habits so tyvm!

Learn Index Match and never use Vlookup again

Focus on your OWN journey

Two years from now you might feel “behind” as you start seeing friends exit to Product FAANG or PE deal side or might see that one kid you knew was smart have a start up take off

Whatever your goal is, set our mind to it and do not worry about what others are doing as everyone has their own problems

Find mentors (both internally at your firm and externally) that are where you want to be and learn from them and go for the opp you want with everything you have

Take the GMAT now so you don’t have to worry about it when responsibilities increase if you decide b-school makes sense for your goals

Spend on experiences (trips with friends and dates) and have a blast

Exercise and meditate as others do have said

Get rid of majority of social media, as you get older you”ll quickly realize your actual friends will text/call you

Take PTO and don’t be afraid to hold your ground on any pushback or you”ll be that “resource” that is also available on Christmas haha

Have something outside work you are working towards or passionate about so your identity doesn’t = work/client. You”ll find you”ll actually do much better at work when you care less and will be actually promoted quicker or calm during exit op interviews

likehelpful

I am a vlookup addict. I’ve tried to stop and I can’t

funny

Don’t think too far ahead. Stay looking 1-2 years out in a scope of what you want to do professionally. Specially, focus on finding out what you’re interested in. Focusing too much on the company name, titles, comp, etc is a one way ticket to horrible anxiety. It’s important, but will fall into place if you find an industry you’re passionate about.

likehelpful

I would add that have some tentative plans for for the future 5- 10 yrs out but have the realistic expectations that everything will change. Like make some small actions that you think may benefit you later based on best guess of where you may be. EX: maybe you plan on getting married by like 30 ish start saving like $20 a week to build a nest egg for that cause I know plenty of people here who got in massive debt to pay for a wedding, but if you don't get married by that point worse case you can use to by a house or a retire etc

Make a budget spreadsheet/tracker. It’s fun when you start having money of your own to spend and can get out of control fast, esp going out multiple times a week/end.

likehelpful

Great point, thanks!

Therapy. And save.

likesmart

Therapy for what? serious questions since this is unheard of in my culture.

like

Agree with the person who said to live with parents, especially during this wfh period. Educate yourself about finances and budgeting. Pay off your loans, set yourself up to have a financially fruitful mid-20s - max ESPP, 401k, save for home or investment property.
Laugh to the bank when you have no debt a passive income stream in you mid to late 20s

like

Don‘t scratch your balls in front of colleagues (seriously, had a young colleague who couldn’t stop doing it).

funnylike

I explicitly told Carol to stop bringing her tennis gear to meetings as a comfort blanket; does she not know scratching won't improve ball grip?

What % of my paycheck should go to my 401k if EY doesn't match for the first year? :(

like

But the IRS has a maximum amount one can put into an IRA (6,000) and 401k (~19,000) for the year as well as a combined contribution limit.

likefunny

Max out 401k match contribution; save money for grad school - you’ll want it to spend then; don’t wait for others to travel with you, you’ll never go - do solo trips or through a program like contiki or bucketlust; when you’re on pto, be on pto; maintain your friendships, regardless of distance, make it work; get to know your parents and siblings as an adult; there will always be someone that can party harder than you and still balance it- don’t try too hard to keep up; wear sunscreen!!!!

like

Great Question!
Make sure you manage your manager:
1. Be responsive..if you get an email even if you don’t have the info respond and say “got it or you are working on it”
2. Update you manager on tasks given especially so they don’t have to ask you for a status
3. Always ask for a due date for projects
4. Read your emails twice before responding and (don’t reply all unless necessary) I can’t stress this enough..read everything twice. Check your work.
5. Learn to anticipate needs of the project
6. Make friends with your MDs assistant, treat everyone with respect and get to know people. Be nice to the IT team.

like

Don't do the something of blowing through all your money because you're young enjoy yourself but make reasonable decisions because honestly every dollar right now is way more important than you think it is if you expect like an 8% average increase in the market as you should for the next 40 years you're talking about you know one year of maxing out paying for like two or three years in retirement or saving for a house

likehelpful

Business Analyst 1 I agree however, I seen a lot of people and particularly in our field make stupid financial decisions that will likely haunt them later. Like almost everyone in my start class spends ridiculous portions of their on there "in the moment" lifestyle that they are putting almost nothing away for retirement, and have no safety net if things take a dive like they did last summer. Of course have fun and of course spend a little bit of cheddar, but... Be smart I trying to keep a balance so a future family of mine can move up a rung or two instead of moving back or standing still

Related Posts

like

Standard Chartered Anyone can tell what's the average at Standard chartered gbs Chennai or Bangalore location? Glassdoor is not being very useful!

like

Any Microsoft folks here willing to do a referral? Found a job I’m interested in!Microsoft

like

Hi

I am a Sales professional with 8+ years of B2B sales experience in India geography .
My key skills are : Business Development, Account Management, Contract Negotiations, Partner Management, Basic IT proficiency in AWS, Machine Learning and MS office.

Kindly refer me in any suitable roles based out of Bangalore.

like

Anyone have success cold applying for VC roles and not in MBB? Just submitted an app last week and they should be reaching out this week, but I’m not sure how long to wait before giving up


like

Hello,
How important is a Master's degree in Data Science for a career in data science and AI? I have ~4 years of experience as a data scientist but only have a BTech degree in CS. Do you guys think not having a Master's can hamper my career progression?
Thanks.

Got tickets to the World Cup by man flights are expensive and so are mike redemptions. Anyone have tips in find best award availability?

like

I just got laid off and I just don’t know what to say “if” I ever get an interview. Any tips would be appreciated. I know when you get laid off, no one wants to hire you.

What are your thoughts on UK’s economy in the following years? How do you think it will impact daily life?

like

Perceptions of the CAIA designation?
Who can it be helpful for?

like

been wearing odd socks to work all week. feels secretly rebellious 😝

likefunny

Where’s everyone partying tonight đŸ’ƒđŸ»

like

What is meant by BGC Scheduled in ibegin TCS?

My DOJ was 4th July and it was showing the status as "Joined"

Now, the status is showing as 16/08/2022 BGC Scheduled.

like

Hi!
I have an Italian citizenship and currently live in London. I would like to apply for my next opportunity in The USA! Does anyone how to apply? Or what is the best path to follow to be hired when you’re European?

like

My practice got super busy after the pandemic. I have had a waitlist and been incredibly busy. It’s been stressful, but I have been grateful for business & to be helping people through a crazy time. This fall, I’ve noticed things slowing down and I don’t really know why. Has anyone else seen any similar trends (or know what might be going on)? TIA.

like

Hi all, any idea on what PwC india pays for a Tech Director? Range!!

like

Being given a PE ops role which would put me on a 6 year track to partner vs 3 year track if I stay in consulting. Pros/Cons of taking this role?

like

How much is your emergency fund? My husband and I are DINKS with 5K monthly expenses but (because we are very privileged) live near family who could help us if something happened. We only keep 5K in our emergency fund because I want to invest as much as I can in index funds.

like

What do you do for a rush? I was medically separated and delved into this business thing fully. It's okay but I'm missing something.

I cant fight or spar anymore due to concussions. I'm punishing myself in the gym but it's not enough. Couple of my boys got really get into skydiving; I didnt really care for it like I'd hoped. Not sure how else to describe the feeling I'm looking for. Don't have many hobbies.

Any recs for things that helped you bring back that spark/purpose post-service?Thanks

like

Additional Posts in Consulting

Anyone reject a google offer for a role they didn’t think was right for them but did so in a way google was still open to interviewing them for other roles?

like

I am desperate to get out of my current firm. Would it be worth it to reach out to my alma mater's alumni network? Not sure how much it'll actually help considering I only have one year of experience and not many companies are hiring atm...

like
like

Joining BCG as a Project Leader soon and am curious what onboarding is like. Is it just at your home office or somewhere else?

like

Any 🐠 at #HRTechConf?

like

what is a keyboard shortcut that use all the time that you think others don’t know about? What is the shortcut and what does it do?

likesmart

For those with IBS, do you prefer WFH, Hybrid or in office?

like
like

Switched firms with a promotion to the title of Associate. At my old firm, the entry level role was also called Associate. Any advice on how to distinguish between positions on a resume?

like

Feeling really burnt out, on H1B. Can't just take a break from work, also no utilization in this environment is detrimental. What can I do?

like

Anybody here at Carvana Co.? Is it looking like another round of layoffs?

like

One of my team members is rolling off my project in a few months and my manager wants me to take over the work stream and sub-team he was leading. I don’t want to 😭 I need a new job ASAP 😂

likefunny

has anyone participated in the MLT program? looking into it and would like to learn about the overall experience!

like

About to board a flight, see a guy with a sweatshirt that says, “I’m a consultant. To save time, let’s just assume I’m never wrong” 😂

funnylike

Work phone is much nicer than my personal. Thinking about just swapping the SIM cards between the phones. Has anyone done this? Or is this a bad idea?

like

I can't stop thinking about work.

like

Just worked my ass off on a BD project while staffed full time on a project. MD didn't even invite me to the client meeting to show off the product. 😡

like

Any of the female consultants out there been asked what their "rate" was when having a solo drink at the hotel bar? I mean, I can't help it that I'm popular...

like

I feel like I’m in the twilight zone seeing all this turnover/layoffs and practitioners firm jumping

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