As a analyst, you really just focus on the grunt work, which is common in large firms. The work is not too inspiring and most of it focuses on market research. Even though that is normal, I have heard taht companies like Deloitte and Mercer actually put their new people in front of clients, although I'm not sure how true is that.

A work/life balance at L.E.K. completely depends on the project your are staffed on. As you progress through the firm, you will gain the ability to manage your own hours and delegate tasks to the team. Analysts in the company do not travel, but as you get up to Associate Consultant, you will travel very often to the client site.

Most of the work at LEK is private equity related due diligences.

Even though in theory MBA's join as Consultants and have 'team leadership' responsibilities from day one and do indeed have 2-3 associates working for them, the 'thinking' is really done by the partner at top. Everyone else is basically just executing - that includes managers, junior partners, and of course consultants and below. The basic thumb rule for LEK is that every person works a level lower than their designation.

Expect very long hours, and exceution work. If you are lucky, you can be staffed on a very anaytical project, which really is the only strength at LEK

As an early Associate at L.E.K., you will not get to travel very often. This has its ups and downs. There is an aura around consulting about traveling and meeting with top executives of companies. Traveling isn't all that great and it can take its toll on your morale and health.