When it comes to working at a consulting firm, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of time you should stay at a consulting firm depends on your individual goals and the type of consulting you are doing. Generally speaking, the ideal time to leave a consulting firm is between 21 and 30 months, or just under 2 years and up to 2.5 years. The “big four” consulting or accounting firms are Deloitte, Ernst and Young, KPMG and PwC.
These firms offer a variety of services, including consulting. The “MBB” firms are McKinsey, Bain and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). These firms focus more on management consulting, specifically strategy consulting. Consulting is not a 9-to-5 job and most applicants are aware of how demanding it can be.
That's why consulting firms are making an effort to retain people by addressing lifestyle issues. Jenny Rae gives an inside look at the work-life balance you can expect when working at McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte and other management consulting firms. Kristina Kang, senior change management consultant, shares her experience in the field. At the highest level, a consultant is someone who is an expert in something and helps other people or organizations. McKinsey, Bain and BCG have more intense working hours than Big4 and other consulting firms, although there are differences between different geographical areas.
Other consulting firms may require some type of test before you submit the application or while you submit it. In conclusion, the length of time you should stay at a consulting firm depends on your individual goals and the type of consulting you are doing. It is important to consider the lifestyle implications of working in the industry before making a decision. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how long you want to stay at a consulting firm.
