Are you considering a career in consulting? If so, you may be wondering how many hours you can expect to work. Working in the consulting industry can be demanding, and it's important to understand the time commitment before taking the plunge. In this article, we'll explore the average hours worked by consultants at the Big 4 firms, as well as the factors that can affect your work schedule. The Big 4 firms are Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC.
These firms are known for their rigorous work schedules and long hours. According to reports from former consultants, the average workweek is between 58 and 65 hours. However, this number can vary depending on the project and your location. For example, if you're working on a project near your office, you may only need to fly in on Monday morning and fly back Thursday night.
This could reduce your total hours worked to around 50 per week. On the other hand, if you're working on a complex project or during peak season, you may need to work up to 70 hours per week. This is especially true for those working in mergers & acquisitions or IT consulting. During due diligence or before commissioning, consultants may need to put in extra hours to meet important deadlines.
It's also important to note that many consultants work more than their contracted 40-hour workweek due to pressure and expectation from their firm. This is known as the "culture of consulting firms" and is something that all consultants should be aware of before taking a job. Overall, it's safe to say that consultants at the Big 4 firms can expect to work between 50 and 70 hours per week. This number can vary depending on the project and your location, but it's important to understand that long hours and weekends are commonplace in the consulting industry.
