Consultants of the Big 4 firms may be required to work beyond their contracted 40 hours a week due to the pressure and expectations of their company. This is known as the culture of consulting firms and is something that all consultants should be aware of before accepting a job. Generally, it can be said that consultants can expect to work between 50 and 70 hours a week. This number may vary depending on the project and location, but it's important to understand that long workdays and weekends are common in the consulting industry.
During due diligence or before commissioning, consultants may have to dedicate additional hours to meet important deadlines. Before starting at McK, I spoke to about 10 people who worked there and they were all very transparent about working hours. It's important to go the extra mile if you want to succeed in one of the big four companies, as this will likely result in the same amount of hours. Working in the consulting industry can be demanding, and it's important to understand the time commitment before taking the plunge.
People who work in investment banks, corporate strategy or consulting, in addition to auditing, may have to dedicate 2 or 3 hours a day more than usual. Taking an extended vacation every year is also important for success in this field. As an expert in the field of consulting, I can tell you that it is essential to be aware of the potential for long working hours when considering a job with one of the Big 4 firms. It is not uncommon for consultants to work between 50 and 70 hours a week, and even more during times of high pressure or deadlines. Additionally, those who work in investment banking, corporate strategy or consulting may need to dedicate 2 or 3 extra hours per day.
It is important to take regular vacations throughout the year in order to maintain a healthy balance between work and life.