Pros
- Good kickstart into data industry, if you're lucky you can gain exposure to big name clients and technologies without a tech background/degree. - Lots of clients means lots of exposure, and lots of opportunity to develop. I feel like my skills have skyrocketed in the last 2 years. -Paid me during extended periods of bench time - Chill and relaxed office environment, in a prime location - [Neutral point] The clients you're assigned to can be a complete gamble: some may be a fantastic environment for you to build skills and contribute, others can be overly stressful, others can lead you with little to do. I think I had a relatively average experience with clients, but I've heard some horror stories!
Cons
- Clear communication barrier between HQ and consultants, which has been a problem for years. HQ members have an information advantage over consultants in terms of available roles and specificities of the client contract, which you will never see. They use this advantage to say whatever they feel necessary to get and keep consultants in roles, which can often lead to frustration over mismanaged expectations. As an example, I was told a contract length was 12 months (a lie) - I signed a 12 month tenancy agreement to meet the obligations of my role. The contract ended up only being 6 months, so I spend half a year paying London rental fees unnecessarily. - Training fees outlined in the contract are massively overvalued in my opinion, when you account for the 30-40 consultants per cohort. - If you're looking for a tight-knit company culture, this isn't it,