Hi!

Great question. 

Actually, the Junior Associate role doesn't even exist in most geographies. It only exists in some, where it's a transition role between BA and Associate. 

For a detailed breakdown of what the role requires (in case you are already in the firm), check out the briefing from PD that explains the specific expectations of this role. 

High-level, a BA is more focused on analyses, whereas an Associate is more focused on insights. A BA has a carve-out of a workstream or a workstream under closer supervision of an EM, whereas an Associate is self-standing. The Junior Associate role is in between. 

Sharing with you two guides with tips on how to be effective in your first year in consulting. Hope you'll find them helpful:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Good luck!
Cristian

Hi,

The nature of consulting work across all the positions below the project leader / engagement manager roles is more or less the same. But the more senior you become:

1. The more important & challenging work streams you are expected to undertake;
2. The more autonomy you are expected to have;
3. The more (senior) client exposure you will get.

PL & EM roles are different, since there's more project management work involved.

But it all varies depending on the project. Sometimes BAs can pick up the work streams previously done by Associates / Consultants etc.

Hope this helps,
Nick

Hi there,

While it's mostly the same tasks, the level of oversight you have changes.

Additionally, you generally start to get more exposure to the client (leading interviews, driving solutions/frameworks, etc.)

Remember, this also will change regionally AND, importantly, based on YOUR performance and how much they trust you!