Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Did you have to make any sacrifices along the way to become a consultant? Would you do it aga

consulting help MBB opinion
New answer on Sep 21, 2019
3 Answers
1.8 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 20, 2019

Hi, y'all! Could you give me an insight into your thoughts?

Cheers!

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Vlad
Expert
replied on Sep 20, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Usually, you sacrifice the time. I know a lot of people who sacrificed personal relationships. I know a lot of people who sacrificed health. And I know some cases when it has led to some serious, almost tragic health issues.

The previous McKinsey Managing Partner Dominic Barton once wrote an e-mail to the whole company about his cancer. It's absolutely worth reading

Best

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous on Nov 20, 2019

Hi Vlad, where can we find this e-mail? Or could you possibly tell us what its message was? Thanks in advance :)

(edited)

Deniz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 21, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

Yes, having worked in 5 years in consulting, I can easily tell you that I sacrificed my time and health during my career. Given the tight deadlines and high-pressure work environment, one can easily work very long hours and do not get enough sleep (and this is typically a continuous cycle, not a one-off project). Around me, I also have seen quite a few people leaving the job because of the sacrifice the job requires. That is why consulting is not for everyone.

Best,

Deniz

Was this answer helpful?
Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 20, 2019
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Yes of course. The biggest sacrifice you make are personal - consulting takes up a lot of your time and leaves mininmal time for family, friends, significant others or your passions and interests. It is a conscious decision you are making to focus on your career and de-prioritze other activities.

Of course there are ways to get around it but it usually involves a lot of planning and effort. I have worked with folks who were running an ironman while working 15 hours a day. It is possible but takes a huge toll on you

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely