1) Lack of strategy and overemphasis on IM
If you're coming from a Big 4 and are used to strategy projects, you won't find that here. In Chicago, the work is almost 100% IM implementation/support projects. "Strategy" here means IM strategy not business strategy.
2) Demotion from manager to analyst
If you're a SC/Manager and are coming into Slalom - fully expect that your first role will be as an analyst. In a field that you have absolutely no experience in. All they truly need are bodies to fill chairs, they don't utilize or value the analytical rigor that permeates culture at the Big 4 firms. It's a sink or swim culture where they throw experienced hires into IM projects and expect that the natural "leaders" will rise to the top. This makes sense if you are staffed on the type of projects in which you've led in the past. However, if you're coming from a strategy or analytics background you may not have experience in leading a typical IM project and will be staffed (and treated) as an analyst.
3) Tedious staff-aug work
Fully expect to be bored mindless and be sitting in a chair with absolutely no clear project goals. They need you to look busy rather than develop interesting client solutions (that are in your area of expertise). Ultimately, if you have subject matter expertise in a particular field (strategy, advanced analytics, etc.), don't expect that your first job be driving business strategy or generating insights using analytics. Instead, expect to be sitting in a seat.
4) Lack of compensation and benefits
Read the reviews... they're all true. It's kind of ridiculous.
