Might be a dumb question, but I was wondering if any of us in consulting actually get any fulfillment from the job?
I've been in strategy consulting for about 7-8 months now, fresh out of undergrad. Between layoffs at my firm and getting over the new grad learning curve, it's been quite tumultuous.
I think consulting is a great field. I've certainly learned a lot and met some good mentors.
But to be perfectly honest, I've always wanted to be a doctor.
In college, I started off taking courses towards a biology major but gave up after earning a B- in organic chemistry and some B+'s in math. After the first few science courses, I had around a 3.56 science GPA. By contrast, the average successful medical school applicant of my race has a 3.73 science GPA. My college was extremely competitive and had limited resources for a large student body, so I just felt there was no point in pursuing a path I wasn't academically cut out for and would never get good at.
As a result, I switched majors. I earned better grades in economics (A-/A) and just felt consulting was a natural next step. My cousin was an economics major at the same college and went into (economic) consulting, so I just followed in his footsteps.
However, I don't really get any fulfillment out of this job and feel like the role doesn't play to my strengths. While I've been slowly getting better at hard skills (PPT, Excel, business concepts), I feel like I'm not likeable / good enough at relationship building to get ahead. I don't know - there's just something about me that doesn't translate into high performer status in consulting.
Now - don't get me wrong, I'm willing to put in the work to get better at consulting. I'm setting up 10 coffee chats a week to network with directors; I own up to any mistakes I make and show people how I'd get better, and I try to be a value-add in any way possible.
But I just don't really have the passion for business that I have for medicine. To be specific, if I became really good at consulting, I'd get promoted, make more money, and help clients make more money. But if I became really good as a doctor, I'd be helping people at their most vulnerable times. And that just feels a lot more meaningful to me than any role in business.
Does anyone have any thoughts? I don't know if this would resonate with anyone since people seem genuinely passionate about business roles here.
I completely understand that not everyone can pursue their passions for a living, and I'm willing to accept that sometimes a job is just a thing you do for income.
And from the business side of healthcare, I understand insurance and administration can make being a good doctor difficult.
Comments ( 4 )
I do. If you enjoy being creative, you'll find your niche. Don't give up if you feel like you can still swing it. I do Rx, which means we help turn around struggling businesses. If you like helping people in need, that could be somewhere to look!
If you'd find yourself among the 5% top performers at your company with a clear path toward becoming a partner, would you still be interested in medicine?
I believe so.
But obviously, I'm not in a position of being a top performer, so I can't really say for sure lol
Suscipit quis consequatur esse atque omnis quo aut quisquam. In vero voluptatem error ab. Minus pariatur perspiciatis sed rerum facere doloremque. Voluptas aspernatur repellendus ex fugit et.
Voluptas eum rerum placeat perspiciatis aliquam. Debitis ex et assumenda voluptates cum odit veniam. Deserunt rerum recusandae inventore vel vitae aperiam vero nulla.
Amet quibusdam rerum quisquam recusandae cumque. Ut non praesentium impedit aliquid inventore sapiente magni consequatur. Ea voluptate ipsum a dolores tempore sit velit numquam. Vitae molestiae labore laborum consequatur minima et ut aperiam. Veritatis et quia itaque et numquam fuga.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...