Where Lazy Consultants Go - Management Consultant Slalom Employee Review

2.0
3 May 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Note: This review specifically applies to the Business Advisory Services (BAS) practice within the Chicago office as I have not had enough exposure to the other markets / practices. Slalom is a great place to be if either of the two apply to you: 1) You just couldn't make it in the Big 4 or any other strategy firm 2) You've plateaued in your career, and you have no desire to grow, move up, or develop yourself professionally

Cons

Commute - Slalom will try to sell you on "no travel / local projects." What you'll find, however, is that all but a handful of clients are in the suburbs of Chicago. With limited public transportation options, you'll likely end up spending the same amount of time (if not more) sitting in Chicago traffic than if you were traveling. Project Alignment - In interviews, you will be told that you have full control over your career. The reality of it, however, is that you are a plug and play consultant. You will be placed in the next open spot, regardless of your background or experience and you won't have much of a say in it. If you do, however, decide to voice your concerns, you will be talked into staying on the project for only "X number of months," which can easily turn into years. Projects - Anyone who has been in consulting knows how important it is to be staffed on a good project. He/she also knows thatso much of that is dependent on business development leaders. Unfortunately, what you'll find is that Client Service Partners (CSP) and Client Service Leaders (CSL) have absolutely no industry knowledge in the accounts they own. They don't know what they are selling most of the time, so what ultimately gets inked is grunt work the client doesn't even want to do. Culture - Slalom puts a great deal of effort into organizing social gatherings and events. This is their way of compensating and covering up the major inadequacies in other areas: PTO, 401k benefits, annual bonuses to name a few. Lastly, while the office never fails to have a stocked kitchen with snacks and a fridge full of beer, this alone, from my perspective is not enough to call Slalom one of the "Best Places to Work."

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Slalom Response
10y
This is John Tobin. I plan on sharing this review with the Chicago leadership team. If you are up for a conversation to discuss more your experiences, I would really welcome this - Simply email me at johnt@slalom.com. In addition, if you want to provide more feedback anonymously, simply email feedback@slalom.com.

Explore other reviews about Slalom

5.0
15 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place to work and life balance

Cons

Not a great palce to work

3.0
5 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Historically a 'people-first' company, until recently. Valued their people and worked to create a great, inclusive, creative culture. Lots of training and learning opportunities as well as career growth opportunities. Great support system across the markets, re: resources, advice, mentoring. In regards to client work — Slalom perfected the true client collaboration and partnership. They work with the client on finding solutions together. I had a great experience there for over 10 years, until the most recent re-orgs and layoffs (Q1 2026).

Cons

Recent re-orgs and flattening of the company's capabilities and reporting structure has led to many communication issues across the company (local vs. national) and a new system that puts the onerous on the consultant to find their next project and avoid 'bench time' between projects, now competing with hundreds of other consultants across the US for the same role. The new system is less than a year old and was riddled with issues. These changes, and major communication issues have led to a large increase in attrition compounded by many rounds of layoffs.

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