How does first 3 months look like for an associate consultant?

Hi!

It will go something like as follows:

• First week or two will be training and onboarding with your peers (Excel, ppt, navigating your firm, basic consulting skills)
• Then, you will be staffed on a project as a 'learner' - it could be DD, strategy, transformation, etc.
  • You will shadow a more senior consultant and support them with individual pieces of work (analysis, slides, etc.)
  • It's not likely that you'll have too much client exposure to start with
  • You are expected to 'learn the ropes'
• Then, you will be staffed on a project properly - probably towards the end of this time, you will be given a full workstream and start interacting with clients, conducting analysis etc. on your own.

To maximise your learning and settling in:

• Ask questions - nobody minds a new joiner with lots of questions. Anything that takes you more than 30 mins to do, or you don't understand - ask for help from your seniors
• Keep note of your feedback - any time a manager or senior gives you feedback on how to improve, write it down and refer to it. The faster you internalize, the faster you improve
• Practice your comms - to get comfortable with clients and senior internal stakeholders, practice what you are going to say before big meetings to build confidence 

hey :)

your first 3 months will likely be intense but exciting! you’ll probably get staffed quickly, often on a fast-paced project with lots of exposure. expect to ramp up quickly on problem-solving, Excel, and slide-making. you'll spend a lot of time understanding the client, industry, and team dynamics.

try to be super proactive, ask questions early, and overcommunicate with your manager. getting feedback often (and acting on it fast) helps a lot. also, observe how top performers work and mimic what makes them effective. don't stress about knowing everything, your attitude and willingness to learn matter more.

happy to share more concrete tips if you want!

best,
Alessa :)

An absolute mess :) Prepare for the worst. 

Joke aside, it will likely be both exhilarating and tough. My first year actually was the hardest, but it's also when I feel I changed the most.

I've written a guide with people like you in mind, who are just joining, and I hope you'll find it useful. It comes with some practical advice on how to navigate this period:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant

Best,
Cristian

Hi there!

It will probably be hard and you’ll feel you’re the only one struggling. Spoiler: everyone things the same. It gets better with time :)

 I recommend for you to reach out to Associates that are in the 2 years mark of this role to get their perspective.

Good things for you to study before starting: excel (advanced), PPT and thinkcell, and read books about persuasion and creative problem solving (I like the one from Chris Voss (forgot the name of it in English!) and “Switch”).

Good luck!

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the upcoming consulting career!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, your first weeks will likely be a mix of onboarding and training - expect to sit through sessions on MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, internal tools, and how the consulting firm runs projects. The actual “real” consulting work usually starts in week 2 or 3.
• Moreover, once you are on your first project, I would advise you to be very proactive: ask questions, share early drafts, and don’t wait too long before checking in with your supervisor - people expect new joiners to need guidance, and showing curiosity helps you.
• Lastly, trust the process. Your supervisors, mentors, and the people responsible for your career usually know best, so I would strongly advise you to listen closely to them and follow their advice for optimal progression.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there, and congrats on the offer!

The first 3 months as an Associate Consultant are all about learning, adapting, and building credibility. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect and how to make the most of it:

What to Expect:

1. Onboarding & Training:
   You’ll likely start with formal training (consulting toolkit, communication, Excel/PPT, etc.), followed by informal learning on your first case.
2. First Case Experience:
   Expect to be staffed quickly—usually on a short or low-risk engagement at first. You’ll get exposure to structured problem-solving, data analysis, and client deliverables right away.
3. Lots of Feedback:
   Feedback is regular and part of the culture. Don’t take it personally—it’s how you grow. Ask proactively and show you’re open to learning.
4. Ramp-Up Curve:
   The learning curve can feel steep at first—especially around slide quality, problem structuring, and communication—but it levels off quickly with repetition and coaching.

Tips to Accelerate Learning & Settle In:

• Be Curious, Not Perfect: Ask thoughtful questions. You’re not expected to know everything, but you are expected to learn quickly.
• Overcommunicate Early: Keep your manager in the loop on progress and flag risks early. It builds trust.
• Master the Basics: Nail the hygiene—structured thinking, clean slides, good notes, and well-organized analysis go a long way.
• Find a Peer Buddy or Mentor: Having someone 6–12 months ahead of you can make a huge difference (this is usually assigned automatically as soon as you join)
• Stay Organised: Track your tasks and own your deadlines. Consulting moves fast, and managing yourself well will help you stand out.

You’ll be surprised how much you grow in just 90 days. Stay open, humble, and hungry to learn—and you’ll settle in quickly.

Best of luck in your new role! 

Evelina