Hey folks! I’m currently working in financial planning and analysis at a big company but I’m thinking about making a switch to strategy consulting. My current role feels pretty routine and I’m not finding it very engaging anymore. I keep hearing about opportunities at major consulting firms and I’m curious what it’s really like. What are the good parts and bad parts of working at these places? Also, does anyone have suggestions on how to prepare for interviews or what they look for in candidates? I’d really appreciate any insights from people who have made this kind of career change or work in consulting. Thanks in advance!
the jump isn’t too bad if u can handle high-pressure environments. main thing is learning to think like a consultant - you need frameworks for everything and polished presentations. ur finance background definitely helps, but expect 70+ hour weeks and tons of travel. i’d recommend hitting up networking events through ur local consulting chapter - that’s what really helped me break in.
Having navigated both corporate finance and strategy consulting, I can offer some insight into this transition. Strategy consulting can be highly rewarding in terms of intellectual challenge and skill development, but it often comes with a significant sacrifice of work-life balance. The travel demands can be intense, with expectations of being on-site at client locations four days a week. While your experience in financial planning and analysis provides a solid foundation in analytics, consulting requires broader strategic insight and the ability to deliver compelling presentations under tight deadlines. It’s essential to enhance your storytelling skills and focus on converting complex analyses into clear, actionable insights for executives. The financial rewards are considerable, but it’s vital to weigh whether the lifestyle aligns with your long-term career aspirations. Many consultants return to corporate roles later, equipped with stronger strategic capabilities and expanded networks. In interviews, emphasize your creative problem-solving skills to stand out, as firms appreciate candidates who can think innovatively while maintaining analytical rigor.
Strategy consulting could be a great fit! Your FP&A experience is actually a huge plus - you already get business metrics. I’d start grinding case studies every day and reach out to consultants on LinkedIn. The mental stimulation alone will be such a breath of fresh air after doing the same routine stuff.