Overseas Management Consulting Advice
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by: KevinGao
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Word Count: 490
Today we conclude the second part of our two part discussion of the key questions in International Management Consulting.
What is the Lifestyle of an International Consultant Like?
1. What can you expect in housing, salary, benefits, and perks when you work abroad?
In general, you will have benefits that are fairly similar to those you would consider to be standard consulting perks in the US. You will be able to attend fashionable team and firm events, travel stylishly, and have an expense account.
The downside is that your pay and bonuses may be smaller than you would expect in the United States. You might have fewer perks. McKinsey's Asian offices, for example, do not give Blackberries to their junior consultants. When you arrive at Engagement Manager level, you will be awarded one.
If have been hired in the US and will be relocating to your new position, you will be considered an international hire. You will then receive some relocation benefits. These could include an increased relocation bonus and temporary housing. Other than that, you will be on a par with all the other local consulting hires.
2. What kind of lifestyle can you expect? What hours will you work? What kind of social life is there?
This greatly depends on the country and the office you settle on. If you are in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan) the work will be harder. If you are in South America or Latin America ( Brazil, Argentina, Mexico) your work day will be shorter.
You will want to consider the cultural issues that exist in each country and office very carefully. The fact that alcohol cannot be bought legally in Saudi Arabia is a good example. Clearly, it is important to research the cultural mores of your targeted destination before you apply. This will prevent potentially problematic errors.
Click here for the guide to management consulting CVs and resumes.
What Are the Duties an International Consultant Can Expect?
1. Will the work differ from that done by a consultant in the US? Will you have more responsibility or less?
When you think about consulting overseas, there are generally two categories you might fall into. One is consulting in a developed country. This would include Western Europe or Japan. The other is consulting in an emerging economy. This would include Vietnam and the Czech Republic.
When consulting in a developed country, your work won't differ much from consulting in the US. You would find differences in your client base and the industries you would deal with. Also, your firm's strengths and reputation would add some variables.
If you go to an emerging economy, your job would be somewhat different:
-Your clients may not be as sophisticated.
* There might be greater variety in the experience and quality of your partners and principals.
-You will have fewer resources in your local offices.
That wraps up our tour of overseas business consulting life. Please post your questions about international consulting below, and I will update the article as I receive them.
About the Author
Management Consulted is a resource for the consulting industry. Written by an ex-McKinsey consultant, its purpose is to help readers learn about management consulting. Read the complete guide to consulting interview questions today!
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