Consulting divisions also exist in many large companies with another primary business. Strategy specialists typically work at the CEO level, form long-term relationships with a limited number of clients, don't work for competitors in the same industry, and tend not to do much implementation. Industry experts generally have particular knowledge in selected industries, work for several competitors in the same industry and have a broader client base. Students interested in management consulting should also explore the MAS arm of public accounting firms. MAS departments are growing in size and importance and offer positions very similar to that of a business analyst within a management consulting firm.
Initial duties are often more research than solution based.
It is important to note that a consultant's initial experience will vary from firm to firm. New consultants at a smaller firm will generally receive more responsibility in a shorter period of time than they would in a larger firm. In some of the larger firms, where you may be assigned to an industry group, many of your hours may be tied to a computer doing analysis and modeling. Students considering different consulting firms as potential employers should thoroughly research each firm to fully understand the nature of the work they will be expected to do. The training experience is different as well.