As soon as we finish the graduate year (unless we fail and do it *really bad*), we transition into level 1 consultants. It is pretty clear about the promotion possibilities and salary potentials as well. In terms of career aspirations it does provide opportunity for us to develop professionally according to what you like to do or feel like exploring.
There is a clear promotion pathway and expectations set about what you need to achieve to apply for a promotion. I feel that I have a clear idea of what my career progression would look like at Escient, and there are opportunities to specialise (and change your specialty) throughout your career.
It definitely feels like Escient wants to promote you if you work for it and I think it is incredibly fair in the process. I believe that the promotion process is good but I am unsure of what it actually entails. However Escient, doesn't have the development and training that I am looking for. It also depends on the specialisation you want.
Everyone in the graduate program got promoted with the same changes across the board, I believe the next promotion that is merit based won’t occur for another 18 months or so, but I’m not entirely sure on that.
I think there are plenty of opportunities to work on engagements but few advisory or strategic consulting opportunities. I am not sure the company can incentivise and reward high-performing or ambitious consultants long-term. This may change as the company matures and secures bigger engagements. Unfortunately, whilst larger companies have much poorer cultural and employee well-being factors, they can provide development and remuneration opportunities that can't be matched by smaller firms.