Marketing Consultants

Consulting firms offer good pay and great perks, and they expect consultants (especially new college grads) to do whatever it takes (work on weekends/nights, etc.) to complete a project on time. Many consulting firms have become cognizant of the stress experienced by workers who put in long hours. For example, Simon-Kucher & Partners, a major strategy and marketing consulting firm, offers leaves of absence, flexible or part-time work arrangements, and temporary work-from-home options to help its consultants deal with life challenges, such as family illnesses, or to allow them to expand their horizons by pursuing additional education or just taking time off from work to recharge. To help its consultants have a little fun, the firm also has scheduled team dinners, office “happy hours” and outings, and holiday parties, along with sponsoring sports teams.

A typical day for a marketing consultant might involve several hours working at the office as well as time meeting with clients at their offices. Since many large consulting firms have international offices and clients, consultants should expect to travel frequently. Some consultants travel 90 percent of the time, while others may travel only a week or so a month.