The Reality of Tech Consulting
With many college students fixated on landing positions at MBB and FAANG, I felt it necessary to share some insights about tech consulting based on my 8 years in the industry.
First off, the work-life balance isn’t as rosy as recruiters make it seem. When they say “it depends on the project,” they mean “prepare to log 60+ hours during crunch periods, which are all too common.” Client emergencies will disrupt your weekends, regardless of your plans.
Travel may sound appealing, but after spending 200 nights in indistinguishable Marriotts across the country, you’ll feel differently. You’ll get well-acquainted with airport lounges and will miss countless birthdays and events. Those loyalty points won’t make up for the strain on your personal life.
While the compensation is decent, it’s not as transformative as many think. Although the starting salary looks attractive compared to other fields, when you break it down by hours worked during busy periods, it’s considerably less appealing. And the performance bonuses you’re promised? They’re often discretionary and often smaller than anticipated.
As for the work itself, it’s rarely as innovative as it’s portrayed. Much of consulting involves applying the same solutions with minor tweaks for various clients, crafting PowerPoints, and managing client expectations. Those cutting-edge AI and blockchain projects highlighted in recruiting materials represent only about 5% of the actual work.
Perhaps most concerning is that the skills you develop tend to be increasingly specialized. After 3-4 years, you might find yourself with a hyper-focus on specific technologies or methodologies that could limit your opportunities in other roles or industries.
If you’re genuinely passionate about this line of work, that’s fantastic. But if you’re only chasing prestige or think this will lead you to early retirement, you might be setting yourself up for burnout and disillusionment.
Lastly, your college case competition victories? They won’t impress anyone in the real world. Real clients are far more complex and political than any simulation you’ve experienced.
One response
Thanks for sharing your insights! It’s refreshing to hear a real account of the tech consulting experience, especially since the glamor often overshadows the realities you outline.
Your points about work-life balance and travel resonate with what I’ve heard from others in the industry. It’s surprising how much emphasis is placed on flexibility and perks during the recruitment phase, only to reveal a different story once you’re in the trenches. The grind can really take a toll, and the 60+ hour workweeks you mention can lead to significant burnout if you’re not prepared for it.
The issue of compensation is also a critical one. It’s easy to get enamored with the high starting salaries without considering the workload and how it translates to actual hourly earnings. Performance bonuses being discretionary is another important reminder for newcomers who might be banking on that extra income.
Your comments on skill development hit home as well. It’s easy to fall into the trap of becoming highly specialized in niche areas. It makes sense—companies often want experts—but it can be challenging when trying to pivot to other roles or industries later on.
Overall, your message about aligning personal passion with career choices is vital. It’s essential for prospective consultants to understand what they’re signing up for beyond the surface level. Thanks for keeping it real!