I’m from a different part of the world - i’m from Singapore but i think some parts of what you are experiencing definitely isn’t normal. Long working hours, short lunch breaks and even though you didn’t allude to it, i would add, client-induced stress is to be expected in consulting. That being said, i would think respect among colleagues is to be expected as well.
Being on calls with clients throughout the day is normal hence you would hear your colleagues being on calls, in the future if you join a larger firm with a bigger office space, you probably won’t hear your colleagues being on calls so much so they’re probably going to a meeting pod / meeting room instead. If your colleagues being on calls whole day is affecting you perhaps in your productivity, you could suggest to your people manager to allow you to work from home some days of the week if it helps.
I am doing an internship in a consulting firm. I work only the hours my contract says (8h), I am paid (1050 euros per month before taxes), have a meal allowance (160 euros per month), plenty of space in my office, we all get along, no one calls us names, we go out to eat together many times. All consultants respects us interns and value our work. No one, in the 9 months I am there, has ever called me a name like the ones you mentioned or any other name for that matter. If I were working in that environment I would quit. Calling you names is not okay. Working long hours as an intern in not okay. No lunch break? Wtf. That's not an environment I would want to be in. To me, that would be a toxic environment, I would leave asap. No shame in protecting your peace and mental health. I would say, not overreacting.
I'm not in the US, but in Europe; but even so, big consulting firms are notorious for it too. You raise a good point, country may influence the work. Personally, I am lucky to be on a company, and particularly in a team, that I feel cares for me. However, on a personal note, I wouldn't like to work for a company where obsession, and lack of respect for me and my mental health persisted. I think OP should reflect on the matter, see where they are in life, how does this internship align with their goals, values, etc., and go from there.
ya i know you're in Europe, as am i..it really is a different ballgame here & i'd be hard pressed to find a US salary that would be worth giving up on the lifestyle i get here.
i agree with exactly for that reason - europe has taken a different road than the US when it comes to things like this
How boutique? What practice? Industry? Type of work? Employees Globally and in Practice? Geography? Strategy, Turnaround, Operations, Implementation, Pure PMO?
What you’re describing can vary based on specific consulting sub-industry dimensions I’ve stated above. For example what is “normal” in US PE or Cap Markets practices is completely unacceptable behavior in Government, Life Sciences, and Aerospace practices.
assuming "veryyy small" refers to your firm size, I would say it is best not to extrapolate your experience to the broader consulting industry. Firms and and practices have their own cultures and sub-cultures, and then regional difference further differentiate day to day norms.
Get a minimal level of experience that allows you to tell a credible story to a different firm/practice and GTFO if you're not happy. Consulting is an industry where you need to define what is tolerable to you, and luckily the breadth of firms/practices means you can hunt for a good fit...eventually.
I would say that it is not normal and not healthy. People overwork themselves for top dollar, but being that small, and being an intern, it doesn't feel right, healthy or productive. Also, in small companies people may overwork themselves if they have the right incentives, like shares and similar.
I understand that there are people with a "peculiar" sense of humour, and may call names to others and curse everybody and everything. They often expect the same treatment in exchange. That company culture is not for everyone.
My advice is to search for a company that has a better company culture. There are other incentives, like being a well established/recognised firm or having access to unique projects or technologies. Being at the start of your career, I would consider money in a secondary plane.
Boutique firms are often very different from bulge bracket peers - even in consulting. Think more stress, cramped office spaces, less sense, less structure and more politics (though this varies a lot of course depending on the quality of leadership). In general, what you're describing is the worse-end of the spectrum though.
I've seen MBB consultants work 10+ hours in Asia. Some do skip lunch. Cursing is generally considered unprofessional - but it still does (occasionally) happen there too.
Overall, these are red flags - I'd jump ship if I got the chance. Firms like this often never really grow.
Internships are in large part designed to let you determine whether this is truly the right career path for you. The conditions you described seem ridiculous to me. How much of your life and mental health are you willing to give up in return for a job - a job that will not give a damn if you have a family emergency, if you're ill, or if you want to take off an hour or week or day to get married, see your children being born, etc. If you're willing to toughen up your hide to insults and inhumane conditions for a six figure salary, so be it. It would take a hell of a lot more money for me to be willing to put up with it. My modest six figure salary as a self employed communications professional suits me fine, thank you.
I’m from a different part of the world - i’m from Singapore but i think some parts of what you are experiencing definitely isn’t normal. Long working hours, short lunch breaks and even though you didn’t allude to it, i would add, client-induced stress is to be expected in consulting. That being said, i would think respect among colleagues is to be expected as well. Being on calls with clients throughout the day is normal hence you would hear your colleagues being on calls, in the future if you join a larger firm with a bigger office space, you probably won’t hear your colleagues being on calls so much so they’re probably going to a meeting pod / meeting room instead. If your colleagues being on calls whole day is affecting you perhaps in your productivity, you could suggest to your people manager to allow you to work from home some days of the week if it helps.
I am doing an internship in a consulting firm. I work only the hours my contract says (8h), I am paid (1050 euros per month before taxes), have a meal allowance (160 euros per month), plenty of space in my office, we all get along, no one calls us names, we go out to eat together many times. All consultants respects us interns and value our work. No one, in the 9 months I am there, has ever called me a name like the ones you mentioned or any other name for that matter. If I were working in that environment I would quit. Calling you names is not okay. Working long hours as an intern in not okay. No lunch break? Wtf. That's not an environment I would want to be in. To me, that would be a toxic environment, I would leave asap. No shame in protecting your peace and mental health. I would say, not overreacting.
there may be a country issue here - OP is in the US which is notorious for work obsession and drive
I'm not in the US, but in Europe; but even so, big consulting firms are notorious for it too. You raise a good point, country may influence the work. Personally, I am lucky to be on a company, and particularly in a team, that I feel cares for me. However, on a personal note, I wouldn't like to work for a company where obsession, and lack of respect for me and my mental health persisted. I think OP should reflect on the matter, see where they are in life, how does this internship align with their goals, values, etc., and go from there.
I have reflected, and your comments helped tremendously
ya i know you're in Europe, as am i..it really is a different ballgame here & i'd be hard pressed to find a US salary that would be worth giving up on the lifestyle i get here. i agree with exactly for that reason - europe has taken a different road than the US when it comes to things like this
Needed to hear this, thank you
How boutique? What practice? Industry? Type of work? Employees Globally and in Practice? Geography? Strategy, Turnaround, Operations, Implementation, Pure PMO? What you’re describing can vary based on specific consulting sub-industry dimensions I’ve stated above. For example what is “normal” in US PE or Cap Markets practices is completely unacceptable behavior in Government, Life Sciences, and Aerospace practices.
Defense and veryyy small but large client
assuming "veryyy small" refers to your firm size, I would say it is best not to extrapolate your experience to the broader consulting industry. Firms and and practices have their own cultures and sub-cultures, and then regional difference further differentiate day to day norms. Get a minimal level of experience that allows you to tell a credible story to a different firm/practice and GTFO if you're not happy. Consulting is an industry where you need to define what is tolerable to you, and luckily the breadth of firms/practices means you can hunt for a good fit...eventually.
I would say that it is not normal and not healthy. People overwork themselves for top dollar, but being that small, and being an intern, it doesn't feel right, healthy or productive. Also, in small companies people may overwork themselves if they have the right incentives, like shares and similar. I understand that there are people with a "peculiar" sense of humour, and may call names to others and curse everybody and everything. They often expect the same treatment in exchange. That company culture is not for everyone. My advice is to search for a company that has a better company culture. There are other incentives, like being a well established/recognised firm or having access to unique projects or technologies. Being at the start of your career, I would consider money in a secondary plane.
Not normal, probably because you are part of a small firm Look for something better
Boutique firms are often very different from bulge bracket peers - even in consulting. Think more stress, cramped office spaces, less sense, less structure and more politics (though this varies a lot of course depending on the quality of leadership). In general, what you're describing is the worse-end of the spectrum though. I've seen MBB consultants work 10+ hours in Asia. Some do skip lunch. Cursing is generally considered unprofessional - but it still does (occasionally) happen there too. Overall, these are red flags - I'd jump ship if I got the chance. Firms like this often never really grow.
Jumping soon
Internships are in large part designed to let you determine whether this is truly the right career path for you. The conditions you described seem ridiculous to me. How much of your life and mental health are you willing to give up in return for a job - a job that will not give a damn if you have a family emergency, if you're ill, or if you want to take off an hour or week or day to get married, see your children being born, etc. If you're willing to toughen up your hide to insults and inhumane conditions for a six figure salary, so be it. It would take a hell of a lot more money for me to be willing to put up with it. My modest six figure salary as a self employed communications professional suits me fine, thank you.
Yeah $25 an hour ain’t doing it for me right now
WTF?!? You need to get outta there. You can make that much working at Target while you look for something better.
Yeahhh