Achieving your utilization target each year is difficult when the Managing Partners are not bringing in the work. You are on your own to find billable work - no one is looking out for you which is how they want it. It is a sink or swim mentality which works for some but not all.
Gartner Consulting's business model is not conducive for long term career growth. The associate gets blamed for not making utilization targets even though it is not their responsibility to bring in the work. It is the MPs responsibility to develop business, win work, and then bring on the associate to execute. Although this is preached over and over, in the end, it is still the associate's fault for not achieving utilization which is then reflected in your performance evaluation.
There is NO training or professional development opportunities. You make your own. It is claimed that since you have access to Gartner Research that you can use that as your professional development. That is not a formal professional development program.
Many times you are thrown on engagements simply because you are available. Rarely, do they match you with a project based upon your expertise. When you are trying to further excel in your career and get more exposure to projects that are more applicable to your background you run up against a brick wall. Everything within Gartner Consulting is based upon relationships so if you are not an outgoing person or an extrovert, you are going to have a hard time making this happen.
Consulting is the ugly stepchild within Gartner. It is merely another means for a client to gain use of the Research. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but does limit repeat work with a client.
Turnover within consulting is between 40-50%. They are not interested in long term career minded professionals - they are interested in low-cost, short-term, burn out. Keep that in mind before joining.
Gartner as a company does not practice what it preaches. Gartner Research may espouse one thing but Gartner proper does not even adhere to what it produces. Very disappointing.
Many say that it is great to have Gartner on your resume - maybe so but I certainly didn't experience that. Gartner opened no doors during my job search. Maybe if I had been in Research that would have been different.
Gartner Consulting tries to ride on the coattails of the Gartner brand formulated from the Research component. Consulting has a lot to learn and change before it can truly live up to the brand recognition established by Research.
