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Overseas Management Consulting Advice
By John Chang | June 5, 2009
Today we resume our two part series about key questions regarding International Management Consulting.
An International Consultant’s Lifestyle
1. How do salary, benefits, housing and perks compare with those of US consultants?
Usually, your benefits would be comparable to the standard package you would receive in the US. You would have the opportunity to attend lavish firm and team events, travel first class, and use your expense account.
Conversely, your bonuses and your pay might be less than you would receive in the US. Your perks might be fewer. For example, if you work for McKinsey’s Asian offices, you will not be given a Blackberry until you make Engagement Manager Level.
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 is very much dependent upon the country and the office you end up in. In Japan, Korea, and China, you will work harder. In Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil, you will have a shorter work day.
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 CV 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.
-Your principals and partners will be more varied in both experience and quality.
* Limited resources in your local office.
That wraps up our tour of overseas management consultant lifestyle and salary. If you have more questions about consulting abroad, please post them here, and I will update the article!
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