Biggest Challenges Faced By A Consultant At Big 4 Consulting Firm
Jack from a Big 4 consulting firm identifies the biggest challenge as the need to constantly "raise your hand" for more challenging tasks and then "back it up" with excellent execution, especially as expectations rise with experience and promotions. This challenge is seen as a positive aspect of the job, feeling like "a master's degree" in continuous professional development, where one is "driving your own career" and acting as both "challenger and champion."
Professional Development, Overcoming Challenges, Career Growth, Big 4 Consulting, Adaptability
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jack Hirsch
Consultant
Big 4 Consulting Firm
Santa Clara University
Accounting
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Technology
Consulting
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Overcoming the initial learning curve and adapting to the intense environment of a Big 4 consulting firm, where new hires are immediately faced with challenging tasks despite limited practical experience.
2. The need to continuously take on more challenging assignments to meet increasing expectations as one progresses in their consulting career, requiring a balance between ambition and the ability to deliver results.
3. The empowering aspect of driving one's own career development through constant learning and self-improvement, viewing each new challenge as a form of professional growth and a chance to expand one's skill set.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your role?
My biggest challenge in my role is being willing to take on something I know will be a significant challenge and growing at an appropriate rate. What do I mean by that? You start at firms like the Big Four with minimal technical knowledge. You have your degree, but frankly, it doesn't always get used that often.
You're asked to do things you've never done before; it feels like being thrown out of the cradle and into the fire. It's intense. After a while, you get your footing and can generally figure out how to navigate things. Most people do this when they join.
Then, your expectations increase, especially with more pay, experience, and higher promotion levels. Expectations naturally go up. The challenge is to raise your hand and say you're ready for something more challenging. You also need to back that up and execute well when you sign up for something more difficult.
I actually really enjoy that aspect of my job. I think it's really cool. It feels like a master's degree in a way, like professional development. You're always learning something, and you're exactly driving your own career. That's pretty empowering as a young professional; you are your own challenger and your own champion.