Life as a Management Consultant: Insights from Four Decades of Experience

With over 40 years of experience in consulting, I have seen the highs and lows of working in this field. In this article, I will share insights into what it's like to work in a consulting firm, including the work itself, things I liked, things I didn't like, and the desirable consulting skills.

1. Typical Management Consulting Work

Management consulting is a broad field, offering a diverse range of services across various functional areas and industries. My own experience was rich and varied, forming a core practice area and specialized service area, with specific domains of expertise.

Functional Areas: Management reviews Process improvement Management systems development MIS design Performance measurement Project and contract management Facilitation services

Special Service Area: Performance-based contracting

Domains: While I worked across all sectors, my specialized areas included the U.S. Federal Government, particularly focusing on healthcare and environmental organizations.

2. Things I Liked About Being a Management Consultant

My experience as a management consultant was both challenging and rewarding. Here are some of the positive aspects of the role:

Providing important advice and assistance to major organizations and managers Designing and executing my own work, offering a high degree of freedom Sense of camaraderie with colleagues Excitement and satisfaction from winning new project opportunities Client and staff feedback reflecting positive results and performance Producing valuable outputs and achieving significant outcomes for clients Receiving the prestige and recognition of the position, firm, and the profession Enjoying competitive compensation

3. Things I Didn't Like About Being a Management Consultant

While the consulting field has many benefits, it also comes with its share of challenges:

Corporate politics and bureaucratic structures can be challenging Intense competition among partners, leading to siloed approach in practice areas Constant high-pressure situations to secure business and inherent risk associated with the industry Significant time demands, often conflicting with family and personal commitments

Travel, although a necessity, was not overly burdensome in my years at Booz Allen and other consulting firms because the majority of my clients were based near my home in the Washington, DC area. My monthly travel requirements averaged about 4-5 days, which was manageable. During my tenure at various consulting firms, I averaged about 60 hours a week. When running my own firm, my time commitment dropped significantly.

4. Desirable Consulting Skills

To excel in the consulting field, certain skills are essential. Here are some key skills a consultant should possess:

Strategic thinking: The ability to analyze complex problems and propose actionable solutions. Technical proficiency: Expertise in relevant areas such as management systems, data analysis, or technology. Communication skills: Effective written and verbal communication to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. Project management: Skills to manage projects from start to finish, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. Leadership: Ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Analytical and problem-solving skills: Strong analytical skills to dissect data and solve complex issues.

Conclusion

Working as a management consultant is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. It requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills. Whether you enjoy the freedom and prestige of consulting or find the demands too intense, it's important to be aware of what you're getting into. As someone who has spent over four decades in the field, I can confidently say that the experience is invaluable and often life-changing.