4. ACCEPT THE BEST DEAL FOR YOU

So you got an offer? Well, good for you - we knew you had it in you. Before you sign anything, though, you have to appropriately evaluate each offer you get and make sure it's right for you. When you get your first offer, the firm is going to shower you with gifts and compliments, so never lose sight of the following important factors:

  • Salary: The average starting salary for a junior-level consultant is in the $45,000 range. This number may fluctuate according to the size and location of the firm, the size of a bonus check (average is around $5,000) and other benefits. Of course, you should be concerned with receiving the typical benefits package and inquire as to when the insurance kicks in (if it's not until six months down the line, there's a possibility that you may not even be with the firm anymore). Inquire about end-of-year bonuses, signing bonuses, and shop around to get the best offer. You're worth it, kid.

  • Travel: Yes, with today's global economy, consulting brings with it the opportunity to fly all over the world in business class (while you rack up the frequent flyer points), stay in the nicest hotels, and eat and drink at the finest restaurants. And the bad part is? Travel is often the most complained-about part of the job for young consultants who don't know what they're getting into. Most consultants work on remote assignments, typically flying out on Monday mornings and returning on Thursday evenings. In other words, you'll be spending the majority of your time in a strange city with strange people. It's all flashy and new going in, but after a few weeks of jet lag, it can grow tiresome. If you are intent on traveling, then not to worry - just whisper this into anyone's ear when you arrive at the firm and they'll have you off to Kuala Lumpur in no time. If you'd prefer a more moderate travel schedule, though, many firms are now accommodating this lifestyle preference with more regional staffing models. The glamour of travel quickly wears off when you're constantly away from home and friends, so it's important that you accept the good with the bad when you make your decision.

  • Hours: While you don't have to worry too much about working investment-banking-120-hour weeks, you will be seeing quite a bit more of the office (and other offices) than the 40-hour-a-week desk jockey. Most consultants work about 60-80 hours a week, depending on which point of the project they're currently at.

  • Vacation: You're gonna be working hard, so you'll probably be offered 2-3 weeks off in the first year. Chances are they'll offer this to you from the beginning.

  • Work environment: Even though you'll be traveling a lot, you'll still have a main office - an office that functions as your home base. So make sure you visit the place and look around - see if people appear happy. Faces don't lie.

So now you're prepared to tackle the world with your new job, power suit, bankroll, Palm Pilot and mind for solving complex issues. Break out that résumé, log onto the Internet and start recruiting some information of your own. And who knows? You may be a CEO before you know it.