#consulting Hi I am new here. I have been working in international development (think United Nations /World Bank ) and would love to join the private sector. I have 7 year’s of experience. Sustainability and the federal practice areas are where my skills are more transferable. I prefer sustainability. I am hesitating between going for a job with a manufacturer of consumer goods in their sustainable supply chain practice (remote) , or a sustainability Consultant /manager at one of the Big 4s. My ultimate goal is to start my own business , so I am looking for a place where I can build on my business acumen, sales / persuasive communication skills , and executive presence. Remote is what matter to me, then salary, and work life balance. I would appreciate any feedback you might have. I reached out to two partners who want to chat with me, but I want to get some feedback here before I meet with them.
The Big 4 manager role will give you exposure to selling professional services as well as advising clients in different industries. The consumer goods role will likely give you more exposure to doing the actual work vs advising on strategy / doing research. Can you share more details about the consumer goods role as well as what type of business you’d like to start? Those details will help assess which role is more in line with your future goals
Thank you for the response. The consumer good role focuses on working with external agencies /regulators to compile reporting datas for the f500’ s annual reports. It also involves working with their marketing team to bring visibility to sustainability initiatives. The role sits with the supply chain department so I guess that there might be opportunities to learn and do work in consumer packaging. It is also worth a chocolate manufacturer and I already have domain knowledge and relations in that vertical. I would like to start a food brokerage / import business to help producers from emerging markets go international… and perhaps create my own coffee/ cacao brand. I have done a product market fit and brokered a B2B trade deal last year between two international firms. I targeted the Big4 because if I don’t get to build my own business, I thought I would at least have the possibility to buy into a partnership. My ultimate goals is to be an international deal maker.
Very cool. Based on your interests it sounds like the consumer goods role is a better fit, assuming you are sure you want a business in the food industry. Big 4 will give you a broader exposure to diff industries, so if you’re interested in that it’s something to consider. How do the offers compare financially?
Yes I am definitely sure that while the business might start as a service (brokerage/ low barrier to entry and minimal start up cost ) , the long-term goal is to create my own line of product. I actually don’t have an offer. I know I can get the Big4 offer, but did not want to pursue it and burn that bridge with the partners who want to refer me by picking the consumer good. I will update you when i have something on hand. Based on Glassdoor and other data, the offers might be in similar ballpark. Except that with the F500, I foresee having more WLB/ time to build my business on the side. Plus it is remote, includes traveling but not consulting level traveling.
With the Big4, exposure to different industries seem tempting and more aligned with my personality. But I am a generalist and I am looking to build domain expertise after so many years of work experience.
Late response but with Big4 demands it’s going to be horrible trying to build your own business on the side - and note that you probably have to get special permission to do so
Thank you. Yes it can get complicated with Big 4 and trying to build my own business.
I am having idea to manufacture products with recycled materials. Wondering if I can DM you and get your suggestions? Thank you in advance
Hi, I would have loved to help but my experience is limited to raw materials , not packaged/ post-harvest/ processed goods. But I would be happy to connect with like minded individuals.