In the typical consultancy representation or with the “Big Four Firms”, consultants work on a project for three to six months or so. They are always on the move, travelling to customer sites and juggling multiple projects at once. A day in the life of a consultant is full of highs and lows, moments that really matter, and sometimes pushing themselves to their limits. The client may be up all night dealing with a work-related emergency and drinking coffee as if it were a life-saving elixir during the meeting.
Reading this “day in the life” description will not give you the best picture of the management consulting industry's work. When you have just left school and haven't grown much, these kinds of early life experiences open your eyes to the possibilities that life offers, if you are willing to work for it. If you are trying to find the purpose of your life, the core motivating goals of your life, and better ways to manage your time and be more productive, there is an exercise that will help you determine what motivates you. I remember a time many years ago when I was in my dead-end job, making the decision to do whatever it took to get into management consulting and wondering what a day in the life of a consultant really was.
I chose a day that is neither the worst nor the best, to show as accurately as possible what an average day in the life of a consultant looks like. I was able to see parts of the management consulting lifestyle, but I wanted to see the whole story. A lot of my readers are curious to know what a day in the life of a consultant looks like, so this is my best chance to answer that question. A consultant's day is full of surprises and challenges.
They must be prepared for anything that comes their way and be able to think on their feet. They must also be able to juggle multiple projects at once and be able to adapt quickly when things don't go as planned. They must also be able to handle difficult clients and situations with grace and professionalism. The life of a consultant is not for everyone, but it can be incredibly rewarding for those who are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required.
It can open up new opportunities and provide invaluable experiences that can shape your future career path. It can also provide an opportunity to travel and explore new places while still doing meaningful work.
