Hi Annie,
I worked for McKinsey in Sydney so thought I would just share a few thoughts:
- The industry is very consolidated - McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte are probably the biggest players though Bain's offering is growing. I think OW is in a similar boat but don't know their situation well. McK for example now has 6 offices across ANZ (Syd, Mel, Bris, Perth, Canberra & Auckland)
- Australia is much more insular as an economy than most of the world, so consultants here typically stay in Australia a lot more than a UK one would stay in the UK (though this may vary by firm). Work in consulting typically mirrors the economy, so mining and banking are the 2 big area's here
- Culturally consulting in Australia is very laid back. In McKinsey it's almost certainly the least formal and best for lifestyle (read hours) office globally. I worked across 15 off offices in my time and nothing really came close. It may vary by firm though
- Australia is well regarded, but doesn't quite have the repuation of London or New York. Ultimately I have found employers care far more about the company you work for rather than where you work for them
- McKinsey is probably close ot 50% foreign born. Sydney in general is a very mulicultural and ex-pat heavy city, and definitly an easy place to live (I am still here)
I would encourage you to consider the personal implications of moving to the other side of the world. This is what many of my colleagues found the hardest
Hope this helps, let me know if you want any further info
Thanks
Cameron