A Day in the Life of a Consultant: McKinsey Management Perspective
A consultant at one of the MBB firms describes a typical day when he's traveling, at a client site, and in the office. Read this article to find out whether consulting is the right fit for a person or you.
By Jeremy H.
Posted December 26, 2024
Table of Contents
Hi, I’m Jeremy H., an MBA, Consulting, Undergrad, and VC coach on Leland. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, I worked as a business analyst (pre-MBA entry-level position) at an MBB firm for three years. Even though I worked in a limited number of industries and geographies, I can attest that there is no truly typical day for a consultant, which is one of the numerous things that keep the job interesting. With that being said, this post will illustrate what many of my weeks in consulting have looked like.
I will take a different approach than most other day-in-the-life articles by describing three different kinds of days: travel days (Monday and Thursday), non-travel days (Tuesday and Wednesday), and office days (Friday). The project described in this article occurred in a remote area of the country and involved more travel than average. Overall, travel varies from consultant to consultant and project to project.
Overview of a Day in the life of a management consultant
Management consulting is dynamic, fast-paced, and challenging. The management consultant profession offers unparalleled opportunities to solve complex problems, collaborate with talented professionals, and impact various industries. However, no two days are identical. Consultants adapt to changing client needs, project timelines, and team dynamics by working closely with their clients, making each day unique. To help aspiring consultants understand what the role entails, this article breaks down a week into travel days (Mondays and Thursdays), non-travel days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), and office days (Fridays).
Travel Days: Mondays and Thursdays
5:00–5:45 AM: Morning Routine
The day begins early with a quick and functional morning routine. A light breakfast—such as fruit, granola, or a protein bar—provides energy without slowing things down. Packing is streamlined, with essentials like chargers, business attire, and travel-friendly snacks carefully organized. A brief review of the week’s agenda ensures priorities are clear before heading out.
5:45–6:45 AM: Transit and Email Catch-Up
During the Uber ride to the airport, the first tasks of the day begin. Consultants often check their inboxes for weekend emails or urgent requests. A glance at an enormous inbox piled with client communications or project updates can guide priorities for the morning. Quick replies or updates to PowerPoint decks and Excel analyses ensure everything is ready for the day’s client meeting or team meeting. On lighter mornings, this time is used to rest or sit back and recharge for the day ahead.
6:45–8:15 AM: Productive Waiting Time
The airport provides a window for productivity. Whether waiting at the gate or onboard the flight, consultants take time to review their to-do list, prepare for meetings, or align with project timelines. Occasionally, this is an opportunity to connect with a business analyst or coworker traveling on the same flight to discuss the next steps for the project. Once on the plane, tasks vary from finalizing presentations to catching up on rest, depending on how much work remains for the day.
8:15 AM–1:00 PM: Arrival and Travel to the Client Site
After landing, the team transitions to the client site. If the project budget allows, a private driver makes it possible to work or rest during the two-hour commute. On other occasions, rental cars are shared among the team, with driving duties rotated. During this time, team members often talk through project details, prepare for the upcoming client meeting, or briefly rest to adapt to time zones.
Lunch is typically quick and convenient—chain options like Jimmy John’s or McDonald’s provide the sustenance needed to keep things moving without disrupting the schedule. While these meals aren’t glamorous, they’re a practical solution for busy consultants managing tight timelines.
1:00–6:00 PM: On-Site Client Engagement
Arriving at the client site marks the true start of the workday. Workspaces vary greatly—from comfortable conference rooms to more utilitarian setups in less accessible locations. Regardless of the environment, adaptability and professionalism are key.
The afternoon typically involves:
- Meeting the Engagement Manager: Aligning goals and immediate tasks for the day.
- Client Interactions: Connecting with the site’s financial manager to review priorities.
- Facility Tour: For example, donning a hard hat to tour a water treatment facility and gather operational insights for cost-reduction strategies.
After gathering the necessary data and observations, I dedicate the remaining hours to data analysis and deck preparation. Excel is a constant companion during this period, as I crunch numbers to refine our recommendations. If it’s a Thursday, the schedule shifts slightly to accommodate the drive back to the airport.
6:00–8:00 PM: Hotel Check-In and Recharge
The day winds down with a 30-minute drive to the hotel, where the focus shifts briefly to personal tasks. After checking in, consultants take time to unpack, iron clothes for the next day, and relax with a quick dinner—often ordered through Uber Eats. A brief conversation with family or friends provides a personal touch before refocusing on the evening’s work. A 30-minute nap can be an invaluable energy booster before diving back into deliverables.
8:00–11:30 PM: Evening Work
Evening hours are often where the real work happens. After a long day of client meetings, site visits, and travel, it’s time to shift focus back to the project and ensure everything is in line for tomorrow. Here’s how I typically spend these hours:
- Running Excel analyses – I dive into the numbers, often updating or refining financial or operational projections. This is the part of the day where I double-check the data, looking for trends, anomalies, or insights that might help move the project forward. It’s not glamorous, but it’s critical to ensure the workstream is on track and we’re meeting our client’s goals.
- Reviewing PowerPoint slides – I spend time reviewing PowerPoint slides that will be presented to the client or internal stakeholders. The goal here is to ensure the slides are clear, concise, and aligned with the project objectives. Every slide needs to tell a story, and it’s my job to make sure the visuals support the message. This is where attention to detail matters most.
- Responding to feedback or preparing for tomorrow – I also take time to address any feedback from earlier meetings or communications. If the lead partner or engagement manager has provided notes or revisions, I’ll make sure they’re addressed before calling it a night. Additionally, I prepare for tomorrow’s team meeting, making sure I understand the agenda, any action items, and what’s expected from me during problem-solving sessions.
By the time the workday is over, I try to clear out most of the enormous inbox that’s built up throughout the day. I take a moment to update my to-do list for the next day, making sure everything is clearly outlined and prioritized. I’m also mindful of the time zones and make sure I’ve addressed any critical items before the clock runs out.
After wrapping up the work, I take a quick shower, which helps me unwind and reset for the next day. The shower signals the end of a busy, productive day, and I’m usually in bed by 11:30 PM, ready to start the cycle all over again tomorrow.
The Value of Travel Days
Travel days offer more than just the chance to transition between locations. They’re an opportunity to work closely with teams, align priorities, and stay productive even while on the move. By carefully balancing rest, work, and personal time, consultants navigate these days effectively, ensuring each moment contributes to the project’s success. Working closely with executive teams during these travel days is crucial for fostering strong interpersonal connections and delivering tailored solutions based on client needs.
Non-Travel Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
7:00–7:15 AM: Wake Up and Start the Day
I wake up after getting seven or eight hours of sleep. On slower-paced projects, it’s easier to get the full eight hours, which helps me feel more refreshed and focused. However, when the pace picks up on other projects, I often manage with just six or seven hours of sleep, so I make sure to take advantage of the quieter days to rest up for what's ahead.
7:15–8:30 AM: Morning Routine and Team Breakfast
After getting dressed, I head downstairs to meet my team for the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. This is often a low-key but important part of the day, where I check in briefly with colleagues and get a sense of everyone’s mood. My manager is usually the first to finish eating and pulls out her laptop to catch up on emails and messages. Once we’ve wrapped up breakfast, we organize ourselves and head over to the client site, either carpooling in one or two cars. This is a quick but vital moment for team bonding before the busy day ahead.
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Client Check-In and Work Priorities
Upon arriving at the client site, we settle into our designated team room where we have our first formal check-in of the day. My manager goes over the objectives and tasks we’re focused on for the day. Typically, she’s happy with the plan, though she might suggest a few additions or remove some lower-priority items. I use this time to finalize a PowerPoint slide for that afternoon’s problem-solving session, based on the analyses I did the night before. I also work through several other tasks on my to-do list, ensuring everything is ready for the upcoming meetings.
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
By noon, we’re all hungry, but there are no food options on-site. Someone takes the initiative to place the lunch order, and we all pitch in our choices. In some client locations, we’re lucky enough to have a cafeteria or nearby restaurants to choose from. On those days, I’ll often walk with a colleague to grab lunch and chat for a few minutes to catch up. Today, we’re eating in the team room while continuing to work through minor tasks and prepping for the afternoon. Lunch isn’t just about eating; it's another chance to multitask and stay on top of the project.
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Problem-Solving Session
The Associate Partner (AP) arrives from her second flight of the week and joins us for the afternoon session. While she eats, we dive into the problem-solving session. This is where we review our progress and discuss next steps. She’s generally pleased with how things are going but suggests I reach out to a few analysts who worked on the same workstream during a prior project to get additional perspectives. I take the next available moment to find the analyst’s contact on the firm’s Intranet and shoot them an email to schedule a call. This kind of problem-solving session is a key part of managing client expectations and keeping the project moving forward.
2:00 – 5:30 PM: Workshop Preparation and Delivery
The afternoon is focused on finalizing the PowerPoint deck for my workshop with the control room operators. I go through the slides one last time, ensuring everything is polished and ready. At 2:30 PM, my manager and I walk down to the control room to meet the operators. It’s a tough crowd—mostly ex-military personnel who are not particularly thrilled to see us.
I lead the workshop, presenting on the client’s third-party spending, manufacturing processes, and possible opportunities for cost-saving. I also run an exercise where the operators write down their ideas for cutting costs. For the most part, their suggestions show promise. We sort through them, rank them in terms of prioritization, and wrap up the session after about ninety minutes. Back in the conference room, I document the ideas so I can follow up with the relevant individuals later.
5:30 – 9:00 PM: Dinner with the AP and Team
After a productive and successful day together, the AP wants to go out to dinner. We make a reservation at one of the nicest restaurants in town. After returning to the hotel, I take a quick moment to chat with my girlfriend on the phone, typically for around 20 minutes. It’s a nice way to unwind before the dinner.
Once we’re at the restaurant, the majority of the conversation isn’t about work. It’s more relaxed, and we talk about everything from personal life to leadership in the firm. Networking during these dinners is a key part of the job, especially when you run into client managers and get introduced to their families. The dinner runs a bit longer than I expected, but it’s a good opportunity to connect with firm leadership in a non-work setting.
9:00 – 11:30 PM: Evening Work and Follow-Up
Back at the hotel, it’s time to wrap up the day. I open up Excel again to review the cost-saving ideas from the afternoon workshop. I start running through some quick calculations to assess their potential financial impact. After that, I sent follow-up emails to the clients who had raised ideas, making sure to confirm our next steps. Some clients tease me about working so late, but it’s a necessary part of the job to keep everything on track.
Once my productivity slows down, I call it a night. I take a quick shower to freshen up, then head to bed, ready to wake up early for another busy day tomorrow.
Office Day: Fridays
8:00–9:00 AM: Start of the Day – Excitement for the Office
Fridays are always my favorite days in consulting. There’s something about wrapping up the week on a high note, knowing the weekend is just around the corner. I wake up feeling motivated and ready to dive into the day. Since Fridays tend to have some extra perks at the office, like food, I skip breakfast at home and head straight to the office.
The office is just a five-minute walk to the light-rail station near my apartment. The ten-minute ride downtown is peaceful, giving me a moment to mentally prepare for the day ahead. The office building is conveniently located, right across from the light-rail station. It’s known for being in one of the most expensive commercial real estate locations in the city, and I can’t help but feel a bit proud to be working in such a prime spot.
After saying hello to the security guard and taking the elevator up, I drop my bag in a quieter part of the office and head to the kitchen area to grab breakfast. There’s usually something fresh waiting—today it’s a spread of fresh-cut fruit prepared by one of the office staff. I catch up briefly with a colleague or two, discuss what’s on their plate for the day, and mentally prepare for the tasks ahead.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Morning Work – A Mix of Tasks
The morning is often a mix of individual work and team meetings. Depending on the week and the project, I could be preparing for an internal problem-solving session, attending a Zoom meeting with a client, or digging into Excel and PowerPoint for analysis and presentation preparation.
On a typical day, I might be finishing up deliverables for a project or reviewing a PowerPoint deck for a meeting later in the day. Some mornings are dedicated to brainstorming or collaborating with the team, while others are quieter, focused on individual tasks like updating financial projections or finalizing a client deliverable. As always in management consulting, flexibility is key, and no two mornings are exactly alike.
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch – A Midday Break
Around noon, it’s time for lunch, and today is a treat. Lunch is catered at the office, and we’re lucky enough to have one of the best taco joints in town providing the spread. Depending on how much work I have or how social I’m feeling, I may grab my plate and join my team and colleagues for lunch in the breakroom. Other times, I’ll just eat lunch back at my desk, using the downtime to catch up on emails or finalize a PowerPoint presentation.
This is also a good time to chat informally with other team members or catch up on what’s happening across different departments. Consulting requires constant communication and good relationship-building, and moments like these are great for strengthening those connections.
1:00 – 4:00 PM: Afternoon – Scheduling and Networking
In the afternoon, I check off a few more important tasks on my to-do list. The typical day is winding down, but there’s always something to stay on top of. First, I confirm my flights and hotel arrangements for the following week’s travel. If the project has reached a point where travel is required, this is when I make sure everything is booked in advance.
If the project is nearing completion, I might have some staffing calls with the lead partner or engagement manager, discussing future opportunities and aligning on the next steps for upcoming projects. This is also a time for networking and building relationships within the firm. I may even have an informal chat about the right career direction or future opportunities with a partner or someone from a different department.
In between these tasks, I may also check in and talk with a few people about the office’s personal wellness initiative, discussing how we can improve work-life balance or suggesting ways to make the office environment more supportive.
4:00 – 5:30 PM: Wrapping Up and Preparing for the Weekend
As the day winds down, more people begin to leave the office. I enjoy this quieter time to focus on finishing up my work for the week. A partner passes by and casually asks when I plan to head home, and I mention that I’m planning to stay until I’ve finished everything on my plate.
Before wrapping up for the weekend, I make sure to update my to-do list for Monday. By writing down the tasks for the upcoming week, I ensure I can hit the ground running when I get back to the office. This is one of those simple but effective habits that helps maintain productivity and reduces stress at the start of the following week.
Some colleagues head to the office cafeteria for a happy hour, which I sometimes join for a quick coffee break. However, my priority is to finish up my tasks and ensure everything is wrapped up, so I can leave the office without the nagging thought of work hanging over the weekend.
5:30 – 5:45 PM: Leaving the Office – Reflecting on the Week
Finally, I pack up my things, grab my bag, and head down to the elevator. As I leave, I take a moment to reflect on the week—what went well, what I could improve, and of course, what I’m looking forward to. It’s a quiet moment to appreciate the work I’ve done, and the projects that have progressed.
I step outside, heading to the light-rail station to catch my ride home, ready for a weekend of rest and extra sleep before diving back into the busy cycle of consulting on Monday.
Work with Management Consulting Coach
Consulting isn’t for everyone, especially due to the relatively fast-paced lifestyle, but the work is interesting, dynamic, rewarding, and well-paid. It feels like the right job for me at this point and stage of my life. Interested in working with me on preparing for a career in consulting, or your MBA/undergraduate application? Go to my profile here and book a free intro call!
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