Daybreak
McKinsey, Bain, and BCG welcomed AI with open arms. Creativity is the first casualty
Apr 14, 2025
Explore the consulting landscape of 2025, where AI is reshaping everything from report writing to data analysis. Far from fearing automation, top firms are embracing it, leaving junior consultants scrambling under tighter deadlines and higher expectations. A former Bain manager reveals the pressure to deliver rushed assessments that sacrifice quality for speed. Discover the disconnect between senior leaders' beliefs about AI's capabilities and the reality on the ground, and ponder what value remains when machines do most of the work.
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Quick takeaways
- Consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG are aggressively adopting AI, which significantly alters project dynamics and expectations for junior consultants.
- The integration of AI has paradoxically enhanced certain creative processes while compromising problem-solving abilities due to diminished trust in AI outputs.
Deep dives
The Rise of AI in Consulting
Consulting firms are increasingly integrating AI into their operations, dramatically changing the landscape of the industry. Major players like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG have embraced AI technologies, with McKinsey reporting that 40% of its new projects now deploy AI. Tools such as ChatGPT and Deep Research are being used to enhance report writing, data analysis, and presentation crafting, leading to quicker turnaround times. However, this reliance on AI has led to shorter timelines and higher expectations for junior consultants, creating a challenging environment where rushed tasks often lack depth and thoroughness.
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