Is it advisable/possible to study part-time while working as a management consultant in London.

Question

Hi all,

I am a 23 year old about to graduate from The University of Edinburgh with an EE degree.

Right now I have an entry-level consulting offer from a London-based consulting firm (MBB+) but I have also developed an interest in Data Science. I shopped around and I found out that The University of Edinburgh offers a part-time MSc Data Science, Technology and Innovation program which can be completed over a period of up to 6 years - if I were enrolled, I would aim to finish in 3-4 years. However, I have also read about how intense and life-consuming a career in consulting can be especially in terms of work-life balance and free time.

Given this situation, would it be advisable to pursue part-time study while working as a management consultant in London?

Answer 1

Hello!

I would totally disencourage you from doing it.

First, consulting -particularly at the beggining,when you are still building your skillset- is very demanding in time and energy.

Secondly, companies don´t like "sharing you" -experience talking here, since I run an ONG, which was super super challenging while I was at McKinsey. I was never supported for doing so, only by some individuals-.

In a nutshell: there is plenty of time for you to do this, wait a bit and try not to put too much on your plate in an important and decisive point of your carreer.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 2

Hi there,

Like you mentioned, the consulting work is very demanding. You'd for sure have long hours during weekdays and maybe need to travel depending on the case.

Can you only spend time on study on weekend? Is that feasible? Otherwise I am afraid it might not work the best for you. Spreading yourself too thin might result in lower performance in both work and study.

An alternative is to work for 2-3 years, then go for a full time master in data science if you still see it crucial for your long term goal. One of my ex-colleague in BCG did exactly this.

Best,

Emily

Answer 3

Hi,

You will put yourself under immense straint if you study part-time while working in management consulting. You will have less than not a life. It's just not worth it.

I have a few alternative suggestions:

1) Start the consulting role and THEN see if you think you can take on more

2) Ask the firm if you can work 3-4 days a week

3) Work for the firm for a couple of years, and then see if either 1) they will pay for your degree or 2) You can find a less demanding job in which your studies can be completed in parallel

Congratulations on having these tough decisions in the first place - life is good when you have "too much" to do and too little time!

Answer 4

Hi,

The average lifetime as a consultant is 2 years. It's just not worth combining it with studying. You can always leave the firm and get this degree later

Best

Answer 5

Dear A,

I would not recommend you to study part-time, while you are working full-time in consulting. So either you could start working part-time and also study part-time, or you take a leave after a couple of years in consulting in order to complete your Master's degree and then get back to the Industry. IMHO second option is more preferable.

The reason for this is that it would be extremely hard to keep work-life balance, and additionally squeeze study there. It will probably take your whole free time. And consequently your grades will also suffer from the high work-load. Rather do it step-by-step. You are still very young, so go for it.

Good luck,

André