Pros
Due to the extensive hours and having to customer face as the expert in the life sciences industry chosen for you (clinical, quality, regulatory) you do learn a lot. For new graduates it’s a semi-good starting point but you will quickly want to leave once you have an understanding of the industry and technology. For the most part the people you work with are great and understand your frustrations.
Cons
Pay is under market value. No work life balance- as an associate consultant expect to work at least 50 hour weeks after you honeymoon period of 4-6 months. Associate consultants have the load of the entire project on their shoulders. Expectation is to know absolutely everything about the system as well as to provide guidance to high profile customers with little to no experience. The industry they pick you in could shape your career and you have little to no choice in the matter. Promotions are slim and your hard work is meaningless. Managers do not do their job effectively to promote success and mental well-being for their reports.
