A.T. Kearney is a global management consulting firm specializing in strategy, operations, mergers and acquisitions, and digital transformation for large enterprise clients. The company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, advises clients across industries including consumer goods, industrials, retail, and financial services, offering hands-on consulting, analytics, and implementation support. Known for practical, results-driven recommendations, the organization emphasizes collaboration between consultants and client teams to deliver measurable performance improvements. For professionals, A.T. Kearney provides a structured career path with mentorship, international project exposure, and training programs that support rapid skill development and leadership growth. The firm rebranded in recent years to the shorter name Kearney, reflecting its modern, global identity while retaining a strong legacy in strategy consulting. A unique aspect of the firm is its combination of boutique-style client focus with the scale to handle complex, cross-border transformations. That balance, together with a culture of continuous learning, makes A.T. Kearney attractive to candidates seeking rigorous consulting experience and broad industry exposure.
I asked a handful of current and former colleagues about A.T. Kearney, and the common thread was clear: people appreciate the work itself and the smart, collaborative teams. One senior consultant said they feel challenged in a good way, and another junior hire noted that mentors are usually available when you need them. A few employees mentioned that the early years can be intense, but the experience accelerates learning. If you search for A.T. Kearney employee reviews online, you will see many similar themes — strong project exposure, supportive peers, and high expectations.
The company culture at A.T. Kearney is best described as professional, meritocratic, and team-oriented. People tend to be direct but respectful. There is a real push for quality and creative problem solving, and that shows up in day-to-day interactions. Socially, teams organize events and informal get-togethers, but the vibe remains more work-focused than party-focused. If you value smart colleagues and a focus on client impact, the company culture at A.T. Kearney is likely a good fit.
Work-life balance at A.T. Kearney can be uneven. Some projects demand long hours and travel, especially for consultants on client-facing roles. That said, flexible scheduling and time-off policies exist, and many people learn to manage their calendars proactively. For those who prioritize balance, it helps to set expectations early with managers. When people mention work-life balance at A.T. Kearney, they often say it improves after the first few years or when you move into roles with less travel.
Overall job security is solid but tied to performance and practice demand. Consulting firms are project-based, so staffing shifts with client pipelines. Strong performers who build client relationships usually have good stability. During downturns, the company has rebalanced teams rather than widespread layoffs in recent memory, though some restructuring has happened historically in line with the market.
Leadership is generally respected for its industry knowledge and client focus. Senior leaders communicate strategy and prioritize building a reputable brand. Some employees wish for faster decision making and more clarity about promotions. Management style tends to be hands-on at the project level and more strategic at the office level.
Direct managers are a mixed bag but often praised for mentorship and technical coaching. Good managers help plan career paths, give constructive feedback, and push for stretch assignments. A common piece of feedback is that manager quality has a big impact on experience — great managers make the job rewarding, while poor ones can make it stressful.
A.T. Kearney invests in training. New consultants receive structured onboarding, and there are regular internal workshops, case training, and external course access. Learning is very on-the-job: you improve fast because you are doing real work with senior teammates. People report that if you take initiative, there are plenty of development opportunities.
Promotions are achievable for those who deliver consistently and build client impact. The path is fairly transparent: deliver strong project work, demonstrate leadership, and contribute to firm activities. Time-to-promotion can vary by practice and geography, and competition is real. Networking inside the firm helps.
Compensation is competitive with the consulting market. Entry-level consultants might see base salaries roughly in the range of 70k to 95k depending on office and region. Mid-level consultants and project leaders typically earn between 110k and 180k in base pay. Senior roles and partners are significantly higher, with total compensation including bonuses scaling substantially. These are approximate ranges and vary by location and experience.
Performance bonuses are a meaningful part of compensation. Annual bonuses depend on individual performance, project success, and firm results. Some offices have additional incentives tied to business development or client retention. Expect variability year to year.
Benefits are solid and usually include health, dental, and vision plans with employer contributions. Retirement plans and life insurance are common, along with wellness programs. Benefits are generally on par with other major consulting firms and are appreciated by employees.
Teams run regular engagement activities: speaker series, social events, volunteer days, and offsites. Regional offices hold networking events and knowledge shares. These activities help build relationships and reduce the pressure of intense work spells.
Remote work support improved significantly after recent shifts in the industry. Many roles now offer hybrid arrangements, and collaboration tools are well supported. However, client work often drives in-person needs, so full-time remote options depend on your practice and client expectations.
Average hours vary by project phase and role. Typical weeks can range from 45 to 60 hours during steady periods, with spikes during heavy delivery moments. Travel adds hours and long days, but hours usually taper after projects end.
Attrition aligns with industry norms: some turnover is normal as consultants move for lifestyle or role changes. The firm has had restructures in tougher economic cycles, but major blanket layoffs have been less common than incremental adjustments. Watch practice demand in your office as that influences turnover.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Justification: A.T. Kearney offers strong career development, a respected brand, and supportive teams, which earns high marks. The downsides are typical consulting trade-offs: variable work-life balance, travel, and manager-dependent experiences. For ambitious people who want fast learning and real client exposure, the firm scores well. For those prioritizing predictable hours or a fully remote role, it may be less ideal. Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives, making this a solid 4.0 in my view based on A.T. Kearney employee reviews, company culture at A.T. Kearney, and observed work-life balance at A.T. Kearney.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at A.T. Kearney
Supportive partners and a structured development program. A.T. Kearney gives great client exposure and continuous training. Flexible hours and strong mentorship helped me progress quickly.
High travel during some project peaks and a fast-paced review cycle can be stressful.
Professional environment and exposure to senior leadership. Competitive pay and good benefits made working at A.T. Kearney worthwhile.
Promotion timelines can be slow and there is some bureaucracy that affects speed of change.
Great client work and meaningful impact on projects. A.T. Kearney offers solid benefits and clear career paths for strong performers.
Long hours during delivery and occasional internal politics that slow decision-making.
Fantastic mentorship and a steep learning curve. A.T. Kearney invests in training and offers exposure to senior consultants and global projects.
Junior salaries are a bit below market in the region and project scopes can change quickly without clear communication.