At Ernst and Young, work is also tackled from a group standpoint, with entry-level hires working alongside professionals who have more experience. A new grad would not be the lead on a consulting project, but would do a lot of the support functions. Given these demands, consulting firms tend to look for students who possess the potential to be productive and satisfied employees in an environment that requires rapid learning and adaptability. He says he also looks for people who can endure the strenuous nature of constant travel, even local travel. Indeed, many companies have found global consulting a necessary condition of business in the 1990s.
Retention is also a crucial issue for human resource managers in consulting.
CAP Gemini's Discovery Program, its recruitment effort aimed specifically at entry-level consultants, includes retention initiatives.