Today we resume our two part series about key questions regarding International Management Consulting.

An International Consultant’s Lifestyle

1. What can you expect in housing, salary, benefits, and perks when you work abroad?

Usually, your benefits would be comparable to the standard package you would receive in the US. You would have the opportunity to attend lavish firm and team events, travel first class, and use your expense account.

The downside is that your pay and bonuses may be smaller than you would expect in the United States. You might have fewer perks. McKinsey’s Asian offices, for example, do not give Blackberries to their junior consultants. When you arrive at Engagement Manager level, you will be awarded one.

If have been hired in the US and will be relocating to your new position, you will be considered an international hire. You will then receive some relocation benefits. These could include an increased relocation bonus and temporary housing. Other than that, you will be on a par with all the other local consulting hires.

Second: What is the lifestyle like when working abroad? What are the hours? What is the social life like?

This greatly depends on the country and the office you settle on. If you are in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan) the work will be harder. If you are in South America or Latin America ( Brazil, Argentina, Mexico) your work day will be shorter.

In each office, there are cultural issues that are of great importance. These will vary from office to office and country to country. For example, in Saudi Arabia, you cannot buy alcohol legally. So you can see that it is very important to research your chosen destination thoroughly before you ever apply. In this way, you can prevent embarrassing or disastrous errors.

Click here for the guide to management consulting CVs and resumes.

The Duties of an International Consultant

1. Is the work different from that of a US consultant? Is the responsibility greater or less?

There are two general categories to be considered when consulting abroad. There is consulting in developed countries, like Japan and Western Europe, and there is consulting in emerging economies like the Czech Republic and Vietnam.

If you go to a developed country, your job will be very similar to that of a US consultant. Your client base and the industries you would deal with might differ. The strengths and reputation of your firm might play a different role.

In an emerging economy, your work might differ for several of reasons:

-Your clients may not be as sophisticated.

* There might be greater variety in the experience and quality of your partners and principals.

* Limited resources in your local office.

That wraps up our tour of international management consulting life and culture. Post additional questions about consulting abroad below and I’ll update the article!

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