We are witnessing the slow death of the prestige career (www.theguardian.com)

The landscape of career development within consulting firms is undergoing a profound shift due to the rise of AI technologies. Traditionally viewed as a launchpad for future leaders, firms like McKinsey and BCG no longer offer the same promise of skill development through hands-on experience. Analysts are increasingly turning to AI tools for efficiency, with tasks that once required deep engagement now simplified to fact-checking and prompt-filling. As AI handles much of the analytical workload, the apprenticeship model that fostered critical skills among junior consultants is at risk of eroding, leaving them to navigate a landscape dominated by fast-tracked output rather than genuine learning. This evolution is significant for the AI/ML community as it influences not just how consulting firms operate but also the type of talent they seek. The demand is shifting toward individuals who are AI-fluent and can adeptly navigate automation, overshadowing traditional competencies. As consulting firms transition to a service-as-software model, the classic pathway to elite positions appears increasingly congested with competition, diluting the value of the consulting experience. This uncertainty raises critical questions about the future of leadership development and skill cultivation in a workforce increasingly reliant on AI, challenging the notion of a stable career trajectory for newly minted graduates.