Private consulting firms... in the public sector?

Question

Apparently, a lot of the big consulting firms have their own public sector divisions. Does anyone know about the work environment (say, if you got a job at BCG working for the public sector)? Are the qualifications similar to private consulting? Is compensation similar?

It seems like this could be an interesting job. I'm not too fond of the government and would never want to work in it... but working as a private consultant to help it run more  efficiently ? That's something I could do (the government probably needs more help than private businesses anyway).

Some graduates of Harvard's Kennedy School go into private consulting (according to their website, about 1/3). They land jobs at places such as Bain, BCG, KcKinsey, Deloitte, etc... would a degree from HKS be as useful for getting a consulting job as an MBA would? It is cheaper and easier to get into, so it doesn't hold the same prestige.

sterling19 · Answer

HKS is prestigious enough to be on consulting firms' radar. What matters is whether a school has on-campus recruiting with top-tier firms. Does a HBS student have an advantage over a HKS student? I would say it really boils down to the case interview.

My guess would be compensation and lifestyle is more dependent on what firm you work for. I doubt a McKinsey private sector group is paid more and works less than a McKinsey public sector group. The hours and pay structures at these kinds of firms tend to be set in stone until Director-Partner level.

If you're really interested in public consulting, I would check out Booz Allen Hamilton.

jz4analytics · Answer

Thanks. I would think that an MBA at a lower-ranked school would be more prestigious than an MPP at HKS. But, I could be wrong. It is an interesting option I didn't consider before.

Do you know anything about the work life, if you go into public consulting? Is there the same expectations for travel?

sterling19 · Answer

I don't personally have this information, but I would imagine it depends on the firm and what office you are based in (D.C. offices probably don't travel as much).
You might find this excerpt helpful:  https://www.consultingcase101.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-management-consultant-from-booz-allen-hamilton/

jz4analytics · Answer

Thanks, this is helpful. I figured most federal consulting would be in the DC area. That is one nice thing. The work that consultants do sounds interesting, but the 80% travel would be draining. Doing similar management consulting in the public sector without much travel might be better.

jz4analytics · Answer

Thanks, this is helpful. I figured most federal consulting would be in the DC area. That is one nice thing. The work that consultants do sounds interesting, but the 80% travel would be draining. Doing similar management consulting in the public sector without much travel might be better.

Private consulting firms... in the public sector?

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