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WSJ — Business — Consulting — Employment — Workforce — Pandemic

For Once, Rookie Consultants Don’t Have Enough To Do

Rookie consultants are facing a lack of projects and downtime, causing stress and uncertainty. Consulting firms are laying off recruits and delaying starting dates for new hires.

1 min read
  • Rookie consultants are experiencing a lack of projects and downtime, causing stress and uncertainty.
  • Some young consultants spend their downtime exercising, watching Netflix, or napping while still being paid.
  • Consulting firms like KPMG and Ernst & Young are laying off recruits, while McKinsey and Bain have delayed starting dates for new hires.
  • The slowdown in consulting work due to the pandemic has led to a hiring death spiral and a decrease in demand for consultants.
  • Excessive downtime hinders the development of strategic-thinking and communication skills for young consultants.
For Once, Rookie Consultants Don’t Have Enough To Do
With few clients, some young workaholics are spending their days watching Netflix. They’re still getting paid.
WSJLindsay Ellis

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