Being a consultant can be a dream job, but it can also turn into a nightmare. The stress of the job can have serious consequences, both personally and health-wise. Despite the risks, consulting can lay the foundation for success in any career you pursue after consulting. The emphasis in consulting is on billable hours and the culture is to praise employees for the hours they put in.
This can lead to unhealthy political dynamics within the consulting organization. As a consultant, you will be influencing large, powerful organizations around the world. This is a huge responsibility and can be very stressful. Traveling is tiring, stress is overwhelming, and long hours can take their toll. However, having worked with some of the top organizations in the world can make you more attractive to other companies.
Understanding how technology works in complex organizations is essential to being an effective consultant. Mika Kim, a former Big Four consultant, explains why her career as a consultant paid off for her personally in this YouTube video. Being at the forefront of technology evolution and understanding how it works in complex organizations is key to growing as an effective consultant. Consulting is a high-risk profession that involves a lot of work stress. But if you are able to manage it well, it can be very rewarding and beneficial for your future career.
