Choosing Between Consultancy and Manufacturing: Career Guidance and Decision-Making Insights

I have two choices - either join a consultancy or a manufacturing unit. Both are tentative, and I haven't said yes to either. I'm very confused. The consultancy is an okay job. The office is in a shabby locality, and I hadn't heard about the consultancy until yesterday, whereas the manufacturing firm is well-known. The locality is not great but okay. It would look cool on my CV.

My dilemma - Both have almost the same job profile. I have worked in a manufacturing unit earlier as a summer job, and my professor has always told me that for a fresher like me, a consultancy is the best stepping stone. Please guide me on which one is a better opportunity.

Hi,

Can you please tell me what is your educational background, so that I can help you in a better way?

Thank you.

Hi Sunayna,

Congratulations on bagging two offers!! 😄 My, my, somebody has grown up to join the industry.

We all very much understand your dilemma as we have all been in your shoes once upon a time. 😊 I remember when I had to make a similar choice, my professor had commented that one should opt for the one which would ensure you learn a lot in the process. His logic was that a person (also a woman) is the only asset whose value appreciates over time compared to other assets that depreciate, except for real estate. 😄

What you have to tell us is what the job profile is, which would determine whether to go for consultancy or manufacturing. Congrats once again.

Regards,
Rajat

Hi dsv,

Could you please tell me about your educational background so that I can assist you better?

I have completed my TYBMS exam and I am currently awaiting my results to confirm my graduation. BMS stands for Bachelor of Management Studies. I also have experience from summer jobs at Taj, Godfrey Phillips, and Business India.

Congratulations on receiving two offers, Sunayna!

Hello, Mr. Rajat. Thank you for your message; it's great to hear from you.

I recall a similar situation where I had to choose between opportunities. My professor advised selecting the option that offers more learning opportunities, as he believed that a person's value appreciates over time, unlike other assets that depreciate, except for real estate.

Yes, it does make sense.

Could you please provide more details about the job profile to help decide between consultancy and manufacturing?

Regarding the job profile, both options offer similar responsibilities. The manufacturing firm, BLUESTAR, offers a contract position for about 3 months, with a possibility of extension based on performance. On the other hand, there is a consultancy named Pristine, which is relatively new (2-3 years old) with a small team. The exposure and responsibilities at Pristine, working with clients such as ICICI, Max New York Life, and Tata AIG, seem promising. Furthermore, the flexibility offered by Pristine, allowing me to attend CAT preparation classes, is an added advantage. While BLUESTAR might enhance my resume, the potential for growth and exposure at Pristine is significantly higher.

I am leaning towards Pristine but would appreciate hearing everyone's thoughts on this decision, especially yours, Mr. Rajat. Your advice has always been valuable to me.

Thank you.

Hi Sunayna,

So you want my gyaan? :) I wonder how it has helped you. Well, jokes apart.

We can see that you are sold out on Pristine as it matches your expectations in terms of job profile (but you haven't mentioned the same?) and time off for CAT preparation.

Very understandable situation.

Try to look at this situation that you have completed your MBA and you are called for interviews at the institutes frequented by companies who would select you on the basis of your CV and academics.

If I am a Recruiter...

Keep the following points in mind.

Would this company, Pristine, be there in the market after two years?

The experience gained in this company would help you to complement your academics compared to Blue-star.

It's unfair for me to assess the situation from the other side; it's you who have to decide the same.

Ask your heart, and I am sure the decision would be easier.

Also, think about how you would answer the questions from those perspectives.

Best of Luck!

Cheers,

Rajat

If in the future you are in a similar situation, this article may help you.

Questions to Ask to Help Evaluate Job Offers

Source: Adapted from Planning Job Choices: 1997 by Keith Johnson

The Position

Why is the job open?

How long has it been open?

What happened to the previous incumbent?

What would your specific responsibilities be?

Are the goals set for the position realistic and attainable?

Can you successfully accomplish the responsibilities of the position?

What is your growth potential in this position?

How does this position fit into your short-term and long-term goals?

Do the daily work activities appeal to you?

Will you be developing new skills and experience?

Are the demands of the job compatible with your desired lifestyle?

Your Supervisor

How long has he/she been in the position?

To whom does he/she report?

What is his/her growth potential?

Do you think you can work well with this person?

Future Opportunities

What might I expect to be doing over the next three to five years?

How much freedom do employees have to determine their job movement and duties?

What could be done if an employee does not feel challenged or satisfied?

Are lateral or rotational job moves available to provide broader experience?

How do promotional opportunities become available?

Employer's Continuing Education Programs

How are employees able to stay current on changes and trends in their field?

How are employees encouraged to continue their professional development over the long term?

How have employees taken advantage of employer-sponsored continuing education programs?

What kind of training is provided for prospective supervisors or managers?

Quality of Management

What is the quality of the company's management?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of management?

What are management's basic philosophies in managing the business and employees?

What do your employer's managers and supervisors have in common?

How does a person become a manager or supervisor at this employer?

Does the management team consist of new hires or people promoted from within?

Does the company have a high retention rate of employees or a problem with attrition?

Employer's Values

What are the employer's values? What does the employer stand for?

How are the employer's values reflected in everyday activities?

What kind of people are most successful or satisfied at your company?

Employer's Compensation Philosophy

What is the employer's compensation philosophy compared with other employers?

What kind of increase might I expect over the first several years?

How are individual increases determined?

How are changes to the benefits package made to keep it up to date with employee needs?

Hi Sunanya,

Congratulations on bagging the job offers. Though I am still a student of HR, I would like to share my bit of Gyaan regarding your query. Pristine, is this what's the name of the consultancy? I agree with Mr. Joshi:

"Would this company Pristine be there in the market after two years?... The experience gained in this company would help you to complement your academics compared to Blue Star?"

But I have a different viewpoint too. Blue Star is offering you a contract job, isn't it? So you have to keep this in mind too. Contract jobs can make you susceptible to similar kinds of jobs, and the offers that you may get after this may be contract jobs only.

Confused? I don't think that there should be any problems joining Pristine, as even if the company closes down, you will have the experience certificate, and that is what really matters (if they provide you one, probation issues).

Alright, now, where's the big party? Velocity, Enigma, Liquids...? Shana Kuwa is waiting...

Cheers,
Sonit Singh

Hi Sunayna,

In my opinion, you can consider joining Pristine company. Since you are a graduate and are planning to take the CAT exams in the coming years, joining this company (as you mentioned earlier) will provide you with enough time to prepare for the CAT exam and offer you numerous opportunities.

However, the final decision is yours. Do what you think is best, and best of luck for your future.

dsv

Hi Sunayna,

I agree with the views expressed on Sonit, and you can add one more to the list... Hawain Shack :D :D.

Cheers,
Rajat

[Quote: Rajat Joshi]

Hi Sunayna,

So you want my gyaan? :) I wonder how it has helped you. Well, jokes apart.

We can see that you are sold out on Pristine as it matches your expectations in terms of job profile (but you haven't mentioned the same?) and time off for CAT preparation. A very understandable situation.

Try to look at this situation as you have completed your MBA and are called for interviews at the institutes frequented by companies. They would select you based on your CV and academics. If I am a Recruiter, keep the following points in mind:

- Would this company, Pristine, be there in the market after two years?
- The experience gained in this company would help you complement your academics compared to Blue-star.
- It's unfair for me to assess the situation from the other side; it's you who have to decide the same. Ask your heart, and I'm sure the decision would be easier. Also, think about how you would answer the questions from that perspective.

Best of luck!

Cheers,
Rajat

If in the future, you are in a similar situation, this article may help you.

[Heading] Questions to Ask to Help Evaluate Job Offers
Source: Adapted from Planning Job Choices: 1997 by Keith Johnson

[Heading] The Position
- Why is the job open?
- How long has it been open?
- What happened to the previous incumbent?
- What would your specific responsibilities be?
- Are the goals set for the position realistic and attainable?
- Can you successfully accomplish the responsibilities of the position?
- What is your growth potential in this position?
- How does this position fit into your short-term and long-term goals?
- Do the daily work activities appeal to you?
- Will you be developing new skills and experience?
- Are the demands of the job compatible with your desired lifestyle?

[Heading] Your Supervisor
- How long has he/she been in the position?
- To whom does he/she report?
- What is his/her growth potential?
- Do you think you can work well with this person?

[Heading] Future Opportunities
- What might I expect to be doing over the next three to five years?
- How much freedom do employees have to determine their job movement and duties?
- What could be done if an employee does not feel challenged or satisfied?
- Are lateral or rotational job moves available to provide broader experience?
- How do promotional opportunities become available?

[Heading] Employer's Continuing Education Programs
- How are employees able to stay current on changes and trends in their field?
- How are employees encouraged to continue their professional development over the long term?
- How have employees taken advantage of employer-sponsored continuing education programs?
- What kind of training is provided for prospective supervisors or managers?

[Heading] Quality of Management
- What is the quality of the company's management?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of management?
- What are management's basic philosophies in managing the business and employees?
- What do your employer's managers and supervisors have in common?
- How does a person become a manager or supervisor at this employer?
- Does the management team consist of new hires or people promoted from within?
- Does the company have a high retention rate of employees or a problem with attrition?

[Heading] Employer's Values
- What are the employer's values? What does the employer stand for?
- How are the employer's values reflected in everyday activities?
- What kind of people are most successful or satisfied at your company?

[Heading] Employer's Compensation Philosophy
- What is the employer's compensation philosophy compared to other employers?
- What kind of increase might I expect over the first several years?
- How are individual increases determined?
- How are changes to the benefits package made to keep it up to date with employee needs?

Hi, I knew the gyaan would help. I chose PRISTINE. I think it will remain in the market for a long time, at least I hope so. The job here is good. My boss is really sweet, colleagues are fun. I'll write more in my blog later. I'm happy working here. I think I made the right choice.

PS - I couldn't reply earlier, the net wasn't connected.

PPS - I am really thankful to everyone for responding to my query and giving me gyaan.

Dear Friend,

There is not much difference. But one thing regarding consultancy; please specify whether you are designated or through any agency. If it is a direct job designation, there is nothing to avoid from the statutory point of view. You will be entitled to P.F., ESI, Bonus, etc. Next, after shifting to the next job, you may face some problems; some employers may not give importance to such designated employees.

REGARDS,
PBS KUMAR