- Most of the "Consulting" work is just software testing. Very frustrating testing process since the consultant has no control over the software's quirks. It's unlike any of the other consulting jobs you may have also applied for. Most people stop learning relevant things after one year. After a year you will just be learning things that only apply to Manhattan Associates workflows or the software. Very little aspects of the software translate to new jobs.
- Because the workplace average age is young expect a lack of experience. Managers don't know how to effectively manage. They're managers just because they have stayed long enough, not because they have skills. They are work allocators, not team builders.
- Travel experience can vary from a cool city to the middle of nowhere or none at all. Can also vary in length of time (4 days a week for a year, one week each month, one week a year) depending on your project. Also consultants don't get a heads up on travel. Cancel your plans, you're actually on site next week.
- Big company name means big senior management. Which also means people who won't take the time to say hi to you after your team just had a successful go live. And they sit right next to you in glass closets, watching you as you work. So get comfortable with the "open office space" here.
- Open office space really means that Manhattan Associates went for the efficient office space. They act like it's a silicon valley type space, but there aren't any of the fun aspects of that here (even wearing T shirts or hoodies is a no no). Expect to see the same people in their pseudo assigned seats, and the same people hiding out in conference rooms while they try to make it look like they're doing real work.
- Working with project "teams" is actually just playing whack-a-mole with blame. Expect any issues that come up to be routed to another person down the blame-chain. Design leads and Project Managers are quick to blame the consultant when they are at fault (and they knows they're the ones at fault) in order to cover their reputations. Expect harsh words from seniors when things start to go wrong. Don't expect any kind of good job when you do good work or have a completely successful go live.
- Big client names to put on your resume when you want to leave. These clients are demanding, and as a consultant you will learn to say yes to all work handed to you so the client doesn't get upset.
- You are evaluated on your ability to bill work, even though you don't have any say in how much work your client is willing to make billable. Billing is out of your control, but you will be graded on this percentage.
- Promotions rules are strict. There isn't incentive to do good work in your first year because you won't be up for promotion until your second year. Good work in your first year will only get you on heavy projects in your second year. You won't need these heavier projects to get promoted since the promotion rules are more based on a general evaluation (were you here for two years? were you a lead consultant?) than actual skills.
- Work from home policy is actually a lack of policy. Several people are able to work from home (and you won't ever see them in office), but if you aren't one of them then you will get weird looks whenever you leave the office before 5:30. Even if you don't have any work, expect these looks. There's no relaxed work culture here.
