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> When you’re an internal employee, you’re often encouraged to ‘stay in your box’ and not disturb the existing hierarchy. By contrast, as a consultant you don’t

> When you’re an internal employee, you’re often encouraged to ‘stay in your box’ and not disturb the existing hierarchy. By contrast, as a consultant you don’t need to worry as much about the internal politics or history when suggesting changes. Indeed, you’re often encouraged to step outside your boundaries and make suggestions. What companies encourage this? I want to work for these companies. I have the feeling that companies like EY, Accenture, Deloitte and PWC don't encourage this. I also feel that McKinsey, BCG and Bain don't fully encourage this. So which companies are good to work for? I am not looking to become a consultant per se. I simply know that I step outside of boundaries by default [1]. I am clueless in this, I need a career coach. I don't know how to find a good career coach. What I have liked to do in the past (personal/professional): pentesting, Python, C++, JavaScript, data scraping, building web apps, data analysis, improving business processes, trading (signal trading), investing (value investing) and playing poker (standard math of hand ranges, pot odds, fold equity, etc.). [1] Example: at one company I was a programmer and I saw an approach to improve their business model. This has helped the company to generate 10% more revenue. As a result they get pissed because I am not programming enough.

_57jb 5y ago
You might have an approach that is unlikable. I say this because I am exactly that. I often cut straight to the point and can't really read the room. I think I'm helping and being brutally honest when in reality it comes off condescending or arrogant. I heard a quote that I really like, honesty without kindness is cruelty. That helped me rethink my approach towards how I communicate.
- isoprophlex 5y ago
  > I think I'm helping and being brutally honest when in reality it comes off condescending or arrogant. > honesty without kindness is cruelty That is so very spot on. I strongly identify with this, great quote.
  - willcipriano 5y ago
    The alternative is the Willy Wonka mindset. You tell them the right thing to do and half heartedly say "No... stop... don't"[0] as they go with the plan that is presented in a manner more conducive to their ego and feelings. If I wanted to go through the song and dance of buttering everyone up so they will do what I say, why bother coming up with a good idea as well? I'd just say the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, that might be why the ideas that get acted upon tend to be so bad. What's the point of the quality of the idea has no impact in it's odds for adoption? [0]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdDXeYM4ss https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdDXeYM4ss
- mettamage 5y ago
  Thanks, this helps.
eastbayjake 5y ago
I wouldn't characterize great consultants as "not worrying" about politics or history -- a large part of the job is change management, not just finding the "right" answer but helping ensure it is actually acted on and has impact. But McKinsey does include "maintain an independent perspective" as one of our core values, and entrepreneurship (i.e. not just "staying in your box") is a common expectation across all our people whether they do strategy work or help clients build software. If you're interested in learning more, we're hiring: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/seniorsoftwareengineer-mckinseydigital-58764 https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/seniorsoft...
- mettamage 5y ago
  Unfortunately, I am not a senior software engineer. I have 2 years of experience in different stacks and a master CS. As far as I understand it, that makes me medior at best.
  - eastbayjake 5y ago
    There are lots of digital roles available in "Search Jobs": https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs?interest=Digital https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs?interest=Digita... Software Engineer may be a better fit, you'll need to select your preferred region but here's a representative US role in client consulting: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/softwareengineer-mckinseydigital-58765 https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/softwareen...

_57jb 5y ago

You might have an approach that is unlikable. I say this because I am exactly that. I often cut straight to the point and can't really read the room. I think I'm helping and being brutally honest when in reality it comes off condescending or arrogant. I heard a quote that I really like, honesty without kindness is cruelty. That helped me rethink my approach towards how I communicate.

isoprophlex 5y ago
> I think I'm helping and being brutally honest when in reality it comes off condescending or arrogant. > honesty without kindness is cruelty That is so very spot on. I strongly identify with this, great quote.
- willcipriano 5y ago
  The alternative is the Willy Wonka mindset. You tell them the right thing to do and half heartedly say "No... stop... don't"[0] as they go with the plan that is presented in a manner more conducive to their ego and feelings. If I wanted to go through the song and dance of buttering everyone up so they will do what I say, why bother coming up with a good idea as well? I'd just say the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, that might be why the ideas that get acted upon tend to be so bad. What's the point of the quality of the idea has no impact in it's odds for adoption? [0]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdDXeYM4ss https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdDXeYM4ss
mettamage 5y ago
Thanks, this helps.

eastbayjake 5y ago

I wouldn't characterize great consultants as "not worrying" about politics or history -- a large part of the job is change management, not just finding the "right" answer but helping ensure it is actually acted on and has impact. But McKinsey does include "maintain an independent perspective" as one of our core values, and entrepreneurship (i.e. not just "staying in your box") is a common expectation across all our people whether they do strategy work or help clients build software. If you're interested in learning more, we're hiring: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/seniorsoftwareengineer-mckinseydigital-58764 https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/seniorsoft...

mettamage 5y ago
Unfortunately, I am not a senior software engineer. I have 2 years of experience in different stacks and a master CS. As far as I understand it, that makes me medior at best.
- eastbayjake 5y ago
  There are lots of digital roles available in "Search Jobs": https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs?interest=Digital https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs?interest=Digita... Software Engineer may be a better fit, you'll need to select your preferred region but here's a representative US role in client consulting: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/softwareengineer-mckinseydigital-58765 https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/search-jobs/jobs/softwareen...