In this case, management analysts would assess the prices and characteristics of various machines and determine which best meets their department s needs. Working Conditions Top Management analysts usually divide their time between their offices and the client s site. In either situation, much of an analyst s time is spent indoors in clean, well-lit offices. Since they must spend a significant portion of their time with clients, analysts travel frequently. Analysts and consultants generally work at least 40 hours a week.
Uncompensated overtime is common, especially when approaching project deadlines.
Analysts may experience a great deal of stress as a result of trying to meet a client s demands, often on a tight schedule. Self-employed consultants can set their workload and hours and work at home. On the other hand, their livelihood depends on their ability to maintain and expand their client base. Salaried consultants also must impress potential clients to get and keep clients for their company. Employment Top Management analysts held about 344,000 jobs in 1998.