Analysts gather and analyze data, draw conclusions from their analyses andinsert their results into the “stories” the team presents to the client.
Analysts spend their first two or three years learning the consulting ropes.They join projects that span multiple industries, functions and technologies.They start to build reputations for being reliable, spectacular, insightful orquick. They also start to understand what areas of specialization they prefer.
Analysts typically spend two to three years at consulting firms before gettingan MBA or abandoning the field altogether. Some consulting firms nowpromote leading analysts directly to the associate level. At some of the topconsulting firms (Bain, BCG and McKinsey, for instance) the typical analystpath includes business school before promotion to associate. In rare cases, asterling analyst is given the option of promotion without business school. Inother firms (e.g., Booz Allen Hamilton), analysts routinely win promotions toassociate after two to three years. Among the Big Four’s IT consultingpractices, an MBA is not necessarily a prerequisite for promotion. In fact, thepursuit of an MBA may be encouraged or discouraged, depending on theconsultant’s area of specialization.
Analysts are selected for inquiring minds, quantitative aptitude andwillingness to learn, rather than any specific industry or functionalexperience. Most consulting firms offer training programs, but the mainlearning occurs on the job. Analysts come to play more important roles withinthe firm as they gain experience.
When client members are involved in the team, an advanced analyst mightalso manage the client’s work on the team to some extent. Take advantage ofsuch circumstances as your opportunity to shine.
