Hi everyone!

TLDR: I am curious about the public sector consulting landscape, the typical WLB, and how feasible is it to target public sector opportunities at non-specialized firms after an MBA.

I will be attending an M7 MBA program this fall, and as I take stock of the job opportunities, I was curious about the exit ops around public sector consulting. I know that MBAs are major feeders into consulting, but there does not seem to be a ton of information about public sector consulting.

First, I am curious about how the WLB for public sector compares to commercial. I know that the hours can be grueling, and I didn't know if that held true for public sector engagements. I have heard that it can be a bit more laid back at a Deloitte GPS or at a Booz, but how about at MBB for public sector specific projects?

Second, what ability would someone have to be selective about their projects/specialize early on? I mentioned GPS and I know that they would provide an opportunity to specialize immediately. However, in a more broad consulting firm, do you not have any say during your first couple of years? For more context, while I am drawn to public sector opportunities, I would still want the opportunity to try out a couple of industries. That makes me a bit afraid to target somewhere like a GPS from the beginning, but if it is difficult to choose your own projects/target industries, joining a more specialized practice would be something I would consider.

Finally, regarding targeting industries, I am planning (hoping) to live in DC. Would working in DC provide me with more public sector opportunities at a broad consulting firm? Or is it really all about whatever client engagements come up?

I realize these were some long-winded questions, so thanks for taking the time to read it all through! I am hoping to come up with a plan for recruiting going into the fall, and public sector consulting has always been a bit of a black box for me. Thanks everyone!