How long is the probation period in consulting?

consulting Probation
New answer on Apr 30, 2021
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Anonymous A asked on Apr 18, 2021

How long is the probation period in consulting? Roughly what's the percentage can not pass the probation? Please indicate firm and location

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Florian
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replied on Apr 19, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

It does not matter since in top-tier consulting you will always be on probation, even if the official period has ended.

You will be subject to constant performance feedback

  • weekly or bi-weekly feedback on a project
  • bi-annual 'official' reviews

and if your performance is not sufficient or you don't progress fast enough, you will be CTL'd (counseled to leave). There are few steps in-between, yet up-or-out is real to a certain extend.

That being said, I know only very few people that got actually asked to leave in the first few years at McK. Most leave in the first few months, the rest sticks around. Partially, because recruiting and interviewing evaluates who can do the job and who cannot.

In short, I would not worry about it.

Cheers,

Florian

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Adi
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replied on Apr 18, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

6 months typically. Sometimes it can extended by 3 or 6 months if there are certain performance concerns.

I am not sure of % of probation pass rate, but during my many years in consulting it varied. But most of the times it was experienced hires without any prior Consulting experience at Manager or above levels that struggled to adjust to consulting life and left or were asked to leave.

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Anonymous B replied on Apr 18, 2021

Depends on the country - in Germany it is six months.

In my previous job (Tier2 consulting) I've never heard of anybody who did not pass the probation time. Based on my understanding it is rather a formality so that people who demonstrate such a substantial lack of consulting skills that it would be not worth the time and money investing in them are filtered out.

Obviously, as it is very difficult to fool 4-5 interviewers and get an offer, this is quite rare.

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Ian
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updated an answer on Apr 18, 2021
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Hi there,

It depends on the company. Most companies have a probation period of 3 - 6 months. That said, check your contract and it will tell you quite explicitly!

Most people pass their probation. You essentially have to not do your job/not care to not pass probation.

(edited)

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Denis
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replied on Apr 18, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Germany - 6 months. Ppl with no client-service long-hours efficient working style experience (inv bankers, consultants, m&a lawyers) certainly struggled more.

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Raj
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replied on Apr 30, 2021
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Formally - 6 months usually but also each performance appraisal year

Informally - every half year appraisal

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Florian gave the best answer

Florian

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