This happens the whole time. Now, it is not true that your work is being credited to someone else. They know it was your idea - they just felt the task required someone more experienced. 

Since you were on bench, it would make sense to have you involved, but not necessarily lead. You should ask to be involved, under the direction of the other consultant, given that you've already done some research, are knowledgeable about the topic, and seem to have available time for that.

Hi there,

It's certainly normal be upset and frustrated about this. You have valid concerns and it is understandable that you would want to prove yourself and take ownership of a project.

That said, the main solution is to suck it up! (sorry). It's  important to understand that sometimes things don't go as planned.

It's also important to understand there's a world where this isn't your fault…perhaps you just have bad managers/leadership and need to “survive” here until you can find a better manager/boss.

Moving forward, always get things in writing. Make sure to followup via email “summrizing” the discussion.

In general, you can make the best of this current situation by staying proactive and taking initiative. Look for opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge, and to contribute to the team in any way you can. Seek out mentorship and guidance from more senior members of your team, and look for opportunities to work on internal projects or initiatives that can help you gain visibility and build your reputation within the company.

(editiert)

Hi there,

Sorry to hear but this is common in consulting. Virtually every project is run by EMs/Associates/BAs but Partners are the face of the project to the client and generally credited with the work. Different situation, but shows you that it's somewhat systemic.

In your situation, you could benefit from a sponsor. Time is limited and you want someone senior to support your continued path in the firm. In these conversations, that you have to initiate, you can share those concerns, without sounding bitter or overly negative (this is important). Instead, ask them for advice and you might get yourself a powerful ally.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Moritz

Hi there,

I think this is not an uncommon situation to be in, especially in your more junior years in consulting.

At the end of the day, it comes down to increasing your visibility in your firm/team. How can you do that?

• Proactively ask for work
• Discuss your development goals with every member of your team
• Put partners on CC on important problem-solving emails/ask them for their input on your initiatives early on (double effect: you can refine your content early on + are visible)
• Increase the amount of content you produce
• Speak up in team meetings → don't be shy to present your ideas or counter someone else's

All the best for your future. It's a tough time at the moment across all firms with many consultants sitting on the bench…

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about this bad experience!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• Whether or not to accept the situation is ultimately up to you, but it's important to remember that in any workplace, credit and recognition are not always given fairly or consistently. While it can be frustrating to have work that you've done be credited to someone else, it's important to remember that this is a common experience in the workplace.
• In terms of learning from this experience, it's important to remember that in the future, it's best to have conversations like this in writing or at least follow up in writing to make sure that everyone knows and there is a proof for who came up with what idea. This can help to ensure that your contributions are recognized and that you are given credit for the work that you've done.
• In terms of making the best of your situation, you can continue to take initiative and build your skills in areas that are relevant to your team's work. You can also seek out opportunities to work on internal projects or initiatives, and network with other consultants to learn about potential projects and opportunities.

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

Best,

Hagen