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Want To Consult Overseas? Find Out How
By Kevin Gao | June 9, 2009
Today we will take up Part II of our series about the key questions of International Management Consulting.
An International Consultant’s Lifestyle
1. How do salary, benefits, housing and perks compare with those of US consultants?
Usually, your benefits would be comparable to the standard package you would receive in the US. You would have the opportunity to attend lavish firm and team events, travel first class, and use your expense account.
Conversely, your bonuses and your pay might be less than you would receive in the US. Your perks might be fewer. For example, if you work for McKinsey’s Asian offices, you will not be given a Blackberry until you make Engagement Manager Level.
If have been hired in the US and will be relocating to your new position, you will be considered an international hire. You will then receive some relocation benefits. These could include an increased relocation bonus and temporary housing. Other than that, you will be on a par with all the other local consulting hires.
2. What is the lifestyle like generally in terms of hours worked and social life?
This greatly depends on the country and the office you settle on. If you are in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan) the work will be harder. If you are in South America or Latin America ( Brazil, Argentina, Mexico) your work day will be shorter.
In each office, there are cultural issues that are of great importance. These will vary from office to office and country to country. For example, in Saudi Arabia, you cannot buy alcohol legally. So you can see that it is very important to research your chosen destination thoroughly before you ever apply. In this way, you can prevent embarrassing or disastrous errors.
Click here for the guide to management consulting CV and resumes.
What Does an International Consultant Do?
1. How is working as an international consultant different from working as a consultant in the US? Is there more or less responsibility?
When you think about consulting overseas, there are generally two categories you might fall into. One is consulting in a developed country. This would include Western Europe or Japan. The other is consulting in an emerging economy. This would include Vietnam and the Czech Republic.
In a developed country, your work will be very much like what you would do in the US. The variables would be your mix of industries and clients in your target country. Additionally, the local reputation and strong points of your firm would make a difference.
If you go to an emerging economy, your job would be somewhat different:
-Your clients may not be as sophisticated.
* There might be greater variety in the experience and quality of your partners and principals.
* Limited resources in your local office.
That wraps up our tour of overseas management consultant lifestyle and salary. If you have more questions about consulting abroad, please post them here, and I will update the article!
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