From Intern to Full-Time Consultant: Shift in Expectations

When you become a full-time consultant, you are no longer the “new kid”. The firm will now have a lot more expectations from you, and in turn, you will also have a lot more and lot bigger responsibilities to manage. This transition can be daunting, as you move from a structured, closely supervised time that focuses more on learning and testing to one that demands greater autonomy, initiative, and accountability.

🔎 Let's take a look at the five changes in expectations from intern to full-time position:

Taking Ownership

As an intern, you were likely given ad-hoc tasks by the consultant or manager (for example Engagement Manager in McKinsey and Project Leader in BCG), and you would go from task to task to reach the end of each working day. At the end of each task, you would send it to your reporting manager, and then wait for the next task.

By contrast, as a full-time consultant, you would be expected to take ownership of your work and operate much more proactively through self-driven initiatives and motivation. This ability is called taking ownership - and it is a minimum requirement for a good consultant. In case interviews, this is often what is referred to as “driving the case”. There are three main ways you can set yourself on the path of taking ownership and they broadly consist of “being one step ahead”:

• Proactive Problem Identification: Rather than waiting for assignments, actively seek out areas where you can add value. This might involve identifying inefficiencies in the project workflow, spotting gaps in the analysis, or recognizing additional client needs that haven't been addressed.
• Solution-Oriented Mindset: When you identify a problem, don't just bring it to your manager's attention. Come prepared with potential solutions or approaches to address the issue. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the project.

• Resourcefulness: If you encounter a task or topic you're unfamiliar with, take the initiative to educate yourself. Leverage your firm's knowledge management systems, reach out to colleagues with relevant expertise, or conduct your own research to quickly get up to speed.

   

Managing Your Workstream

As an intern, you were likely working on small components of a larger workstream. You might have been asked to create a specific analysis, build a few slides, or conduct research on a particular topic. Your role was to complete these discrete tasks and hand them over to the consultant or manager overseeing the workstream.

In contrast, as a full-time consultant, you'll often be responsible for entire workstreams within a project. This is a significant shift that requires a different level of planning, execution, and oversight. You're no longer just completing individual tasks; you're now managing a complex set of interrelated activities that contribute to the overall project objectives. Some key aspects of effectively managing workstreams include:

• Strategic Problem Decomposition: You'll need to learn how to break down large, ambiguous problems into manageable components. This involves using frameworks like issue trees to structure your approach and ensure comprehensive coverage of the problem space. It's not just about doing the work, but about figuring out what work needs to be done in the first place.
• Comprehensive Work Planning: Develop a detailed work plan for your workstream, including key milestones, dependencies, and deadlines. This plan should align with the overall project timeline and objectives. You'll need to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency and be prepared to adapt your plan as project needs evolve.
• Effective Time Management: With multiple responsibilities and moving parts within your workstream, effective time management becomes crucial. Use techniques like time blocking to allocate focused time for different tasks. Learn to accurately estimate how long tasks will take and build in buffer time for unexpected challenges or changes in project scope.
• Proactive Stakeholder Management: As the owner of a workstream, you'll be interfacing with various stakeholders, including team members, clients, and potentially external parties. Learn to manage these relationships effectively, keeping everyone informed of progress, potential issues, and key decisions. This includes managing upwards to your project manager, laterally with your peers managing other workstreams, and potentially downwards if you have junior team members supporting your workstream.

Developing a Problem-Solving Mindset

As an intern, your primary focus was likely on completing assigned tasks accurately and efficiently. You might have been given specific data to analyze or research to conduct, with clear instructions on what to do and how to do it. Your problem-solving was typically confined to figuring out how to execute these tasks effectively.

In contrast, as a full-time consultant, you're expected to adopt a comprehensive problem-solving mindset. This goes far beyond simply executing tasks – it involves understanding the broader context of your work, thinking critically about the problem at hand, and developing innovative solutions. You're no longer just answering questions; you're now figuring out what questions need to be asked in the first place. Key aspects of developing a strong problem-solving mindset include:

• Holistic Understanding: Always strive to understand how your workstream fits into the overall project objectives and the client's broader business context. This big-picture thinking allows you to make more informed decisions and provide more valuable insights. It's not just about doing your part well, but understanding how your part contributes to the whole.
• Hypothesis-Driven Approach: Rather than diving straight into data analysis, start by forming hypotheses about potential solutions or outcomes. This approach guides your analysis and helps you focus on the most relevant information. It also allows you to be more efficient in your problem-solving, as you're constantly testing and refining your ideas rather than aimlessly exploring data.
• Pattern Recognition: Develop the ability to look for patterns and connections across different aspects of the project. Your unique perspective and the breadth of your involvement might allow you to spot insights that others have missed. This skill often distinguishes exceptional consultants from good ones.
• Implications and Recommendations: When presenting your findings, don't stop at merely reporting the data or analysis. Always consider the broader implications of your work and be prepared to propose concrete next steps or recommendations. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates your ability to translate analysis into actionable insights for the client.

Balancing Independence with Collaboration

As an intern, your work was likely closely supervised, with frequent check-ins and guidance from your manager or mentor. Your role in team discussions might have been more limited, primarily focused on reporting your assigned tasks or asking for clarification.

In contrast, as a full-time consultant, you're expected to operate with a high degree of independence while still maintaining effective collaboration with your team. This balance is crucial for project success and your professional growth. You're no longer just a task executor, but an integral part of the team, expected to contribute meaningfully to the project's direction and outcomes. Key aspects of balancing independence and collaboration include:

• Judicious Escalation: While you should strive for independence in problem-solving, it's critical to recognize when you need guidance or support. This doesn't mean escalating every minor issue, but rather discerning when a challenge could significantly impact the project timeline, quality, or outcomes. When you do seek help, come prepared with specific questions, potential solutions you've already considered, and a clear articulation of the issue's implications.
• Strategic Communication with Leadership: Develop the skill of providing concise, impactful updates to your manager or project leader. Focus on communicating progress against key milestones, significant challenges or risks, and important decisions or insights. Learn to distill complex information into clear, actionable points. This not only keeps your leadership informed but also demonstrates your ability to manage your workstream effectively.
• Active Team Engagement: In team meetings and discussions, shift from a passive listener to an active contributor. Share your insights proactively, ask thoughtful questions that drive the conversation forward, and be open to feedback and alternative perspectives. Your unique vantage point on your workstream can provide valuable input to the broader project strategy. Additionally, be prepared to constructively challenge ideas when appropriate, always focusing on improving the project outcomes.
• Cross-Workstream Collaboration: Take initiative in collaborating with team members managing other workstreams. Look for areas of overlap or synergy, and proactively share information or insights that might be valuable to their work. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to more comprehensive solutions and demonstrates your ability to think beyond your immediate responsibilities.

Adapting to Increased Pressure and Responsibility

As an intern, your responsibilities were typically limited in scope and impact. The pressure you experienced was mainly related to meeting deadlines for specific tasks or impressing your supervisors for a potential full-time offer. Your work, while important, was usually reviewed and refined by more senior team members before being presented to clients.

In contrast, as a full-time consultant, you'll face a significant increase in both pressure and responsibility. Your work now has direct implications for the client's business and your firm's reputation. You're no longer shielded from client interactions or the consequences of project outcomes. This shift can be both exhilarating and daunting, requiring a new level of professional maturity and emotional intelligence. Remember, adapting to this increased pressure and responsibility is a process. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but with the right mindset and support, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for significant professional growth. Key aspects of adapting to this increased pressure and responsibility include:

• Cultivating Mental Resilience: The consulting lifestyle can be demanding, with tight deadlines, high client expectations, and often long hours. It's crucial to develop strategies to maintain your composure and performance under pressure. This might involve regular exercise to manage stress, practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques, or establishing a support network of mentors and peers. Remember, resilience is not about never feeling stressed, but about bouncing back effectively from challenging situations.
• Embracing Ambiguity: Unlike the more structured environment of an internship, full-time consulting often involves working with incomplete information, shifting client needs, and evolving project scopes. Develop your ability to make decisions and progress your work even when you don't have all the answers. Learn to identify what information is critical versus nice-to-have and become comfortable with making educated assumptions when necessary. Always be prepared to adjust your approach as new data or insights emerge.
• Ownership of Outcomes: As a full-time consultant, you're now responsible not just for completing tasks, but for the quality, impact, and implications of your work. This means being prepared to stand behind your analysis and recommendations, even in the face of client scrutiny or challenging questions from partners. It also means taking ownership of both successes and failures, using both as opportunities for learning and improvement.
• Managing Client Expectations: You'll likely have more direct client interaction as a full-time consultant. Learn to manage client expectations effectively, balancing their desires with what's realistically achievable. Be prepared to push back diplomatically, when necessary, always focusing on delivering the best possible value to the client.
• Ethical Decision Making: With increased responsibility comes the need for strong ethical judgment. You may encounter situations where there's pressure to cut corners or present findings in a particular way. Develop a strong ethical compass and the courage to speak up when you believe the right course of action is being compromised.
• Continuous Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your performance and emotional state. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and areas for improvement. Seek feedback proactively, not just from superiors but also from peers and junior team members. Use this self-awareness to continuously refine your approach and develop your professional capabilities.

Conclusion

As you can see, the transition from intern to full-time consultant requires significantly more personal responsibility and independence. Consultants must proactively identify problems, manage their work areas, and find a balance between independence and teamwork. Coping with increased pressure and responsibility, along with continuous self-reflection, is crucial for success in this role.

Explore the other articles in our content series "From Intern to Full-Time Consultant":

👉 [Coming soon] Article 2: Deepen Your Skills
Learn how to further develop your analytical skills to tackle more complex tasks.

👉 [Coming soon] Article 3: Strengthen Your Business Acumen
Discover how to develop a deeper, practical understanding of industries and business models.

👉 [Coming soon] Article 4: Enhance Your Communication Skills
Develop your abilities to communicate effectively with clients, team members, and leaders.

👉 [Coming soon] Article 5: Develop Your Executive Presence
Learn how to present yourself as a competent leader.

👉 [Coming soon] Article 6: Cultivate Client Relationships
Understand how to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients.

👉 [Coming soon] Article 7: Manage Work-Life Balance
Get tips and strategies for finding a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Happy reading! 😊

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