Very lean staffing model. Projects usually conducted in teams of three (analyst, pm, consultant) with the analyst managing the heavy data modeling using proprietary methods in Excel. Be ready to have a consistently heavy workload and busy schedule.
Very analytical. Self-evident, but this may catch some off-guard. Be ready to be a quick study with data analysis, Excel, macros, PowerPoint, and above all, absolute attention to detail. PMs expect 99% accuracy at all times and little tolerance for mistakes. Some are okay early on, but don't make the same one twice.
Little work-life balance. Analysts manage multiple consulting projects at once, as well as survey operations, business development/CRM throughout a typical year. Busy season (May-Oct) workload around 60 hrs per week, but can easily be more. Often went home around 2am to return at 7am during busy season. Expect many late nights spent at the office during the nicest time of the year. Don't expect to travel, either. Not until you reach PM/Consultant level. Same goes for seeing the end product. Not once in my time there did I get to accompany a consultant to see the delivery. Could I have done more to achieve this? Yes, but I believe there is a lack of interaction and understanding between consultants and analysts that needs to be addressed.
Still/Quiet. Due to both the heavy workloads and behavioral composition of the team (largely introverted), few words are spoken outside of questions. Additionally, this job requires you to sit in front of your screen for hours at a time. If you lean towards the more active, cannot focus, or are seeking a more social atmosphere, this job is not for you. However, some may thrive in this environment, so this may or may not be a con.
Low Compensation. Entertaining in that they are Compensation specialists. Despite the hours/effort invested by analysts, salary rests at below-average for consulting industry. Management knows this and has attempted to address. Bonus opportunity is low due to how Aon umbrella converts it to a salary premium. No bonus achievable until PM status reached. Not good if motivated by targets and opportunities.
Siloed from Aon. Aon is slowly trying to integrate its many businesses under one banner while minimizing losses from evaporation of intangible assets (brands). It's messy at best. Some growing pains are natural, but other companies have managed it better. Also nobody knows who McLagan is, given it's niche offering. Aon is recognized, but more vaguely. Finally, little communication across other Aon-owned subsidiaries. McLagan is still very much its own entity. Felt no sense of connection to Aon.
Low Diversity/Engagement. The nature of the work truly demands a certain personality. As stated earlier, these are some of the smartest people you'll ever work with, and there is a sense of teamwork borne through mutual struggle during the year. However, if you do not fit into the mold, you will know. Many employees came from the same handful of colleges in the Midwest. As a result, there is a distinct lack of diversity in beliefs, behaviors, and even in other title 9 categories like race and gender. It is a delightfully quirky team, but if you're looking for a diverse environment, this is not it. Team composition leans toward the late 20s/early 30s, and is mentally mature and behaviorally conservative. Don't expect many happy hours or team building exercises either. The desire is there but little time is invested.
