Disrespectful environment, poor performance mgmt
Pros
- high profile clients and projects with some interesting problems to solve - very social environment with a variety of projects - work life balance in general ok for consulting - life is very good as analyst/ consultant level with all the perks and less demanding expectations - because it's so big you definitely will meet some exceptional people who mentors you and helps you grow - free phone with latest model, upgraded every 3 years. Working technology in general above expectation. Good travel policy.
Cons
- Your experience is coincidental, can be extremely good or bad depending on people you work with. There is a lack of consistency of quality of people. To be fair 60% of projects are good experience but unfortunately it's the 40% that stinks and sticks. - Shocked by the lack of integrity of some colleagues, especially some people in leadership position - integrity and respect is not something highly valued by the company. Backstabbing is completely ok - it's an unspoken norm to climb up. HR is powerless and everything is down to Partners. Can't take it? Too bad - who ask you to be so weak? - Very hierarchical. There is no formal upward feedback. As long as seniors/ partners like you, you can abuse people under you with no consequence whatsoever. Certain managers only 'command' people and don't do any real work. Politics and sales take so much of their time that they forget what managing and coaching people mean. - Project work doesn't really differentiate performances - it's all about internal work and who you know. Certain leaders are not inclusive at all and only work with a small cluster of people. Even with new staffing tool, the process is still primarily relationship driven. Project opportunities may not open to you even though you have the most suitable skills. - Performance review is all about finding faults and imperfections about you rather than strength based. It is extremely subjective. Within 10mins a few partners who you probably never get a chance to work during the year define who you are and what bonus you are getting. Most people to them are just a number on a spreadsheet. There is no formal appeal process. You want to appeal? Be ready to hear how people lie, back stab, rip you apart and put a magnifying glass on your imperfections. It’s eye-opening how anecdotes can apparently paint a picture of you that’s unfamiliar to yourself or anyone who actually knows about you. - Lack of innovation. It's all about best practices and checking with experts. Original insights and innovative ideas are not rewarded because the firm is so risk focused. Not adding value to clients? Who cares?! As long as you are bringing revenue.
