Bench Timing is a period that both new and seasoned consultants will inevitably face. Also known as “on the bench,” this downtime between client engagements can feel like an uncertain stretch.
However, when approached strategically, bench timing presents a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, strengthen your professional network, and prepare for your next big project. In this article, we’ll explore what bench timing is, why it happens, and how consultants can best leverage it for long-term career success.
What Is Bench Timing in Consulting?
Bench timing refers to the gap consultants experience when they aren’t staffed on a client project. While many professionals fear that being “on the bench” implies underperformance, it’s often just a natural part of project-based work. Consulting firms typically balance multiple engagements with varying start and end dates, so it’s not uncommon for consultants to have breaks between assignments—especially when transitioning from one high-intensity project to another.
Why Do Consultants get “Benched”
- Project Alignment Issues: The right role might not be ready yet, or the client’s start date may be delayed.
- Seasonal Slowdowns: Certain industries or practices experience cyclical lulls that temporarily reduce staffing needs.
- Shifting Business Priorities: Firms frequently adjust focus areas, service offerings, or industries, affecting the timing of new project rollouts.
The Positive Side of Bench Timing
While it’s tempting to view bench time as idle waiting, it can actually be a well-deserved pause and a significant growth period. Many top consulting professionals use these breaks to:
- Upskill and Reskill: Take advantage of internal training programs, online courses, and workshops to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies.
- Build Professional Networks: Connect with colleagues, participate in internal knowledge-sharing sessions, and attend professional events to expand your professional circle.
- Reflect on Career Goals: Reassess long-term objectives, identify knowledge gaps, and strategize on how to position yourself for higher-impact roles and responsibilities.
How to Make the Most of Your Bench Time
As a consultant, maximizing bench time requires a proactive approach and a willingness to invest in personal and professional growth. Here are a few effective strategies:
- Set Clear Development Goals:
Identify at least two to three skills you want to improve or new areas of expertise you’d like to explore. Write them down, determine the resources needed, and create a learning schedule. - Seek Internal Opportunities:
Check if your firm offers short-term internal projects, business development initiatives, or product research roles. Engaging in these activities keeps you visible and demonstrates your willingness to contribute, even off-client. - Practice Thought Leadership:
Use bench time to write industry-relevant articles, produce whitepapers, or prepare presentations for internal knowledge-sharing sessions. Thought leadership not only sharpens your thinking but also boosts your professional brand. - Mentor and Get Mentored:
Leverage downtime to mentor junior consultants, or seek out a senior colleague for guidance. Mentorship cultivates crucial communication and leadership skills and enriches your professional relationships. - Stay Connected With Staffing Teams:
Regularly check in with your resource managers or staffing leads. Communicating your availability, interests, and newly acquired skills can help them match you to the right upcoming projects.
Showcasing Your Bench Contributions
Don’t let your bench time efforts go unnoticed. Update your LinkedIn profile, share relevant articles you’ve authored, and mention completed internal assignments in your performance reviews. Highlighting this proactive engagement will help reinforce your reputation as a consultant who makes the most out of every situation.
Turning Bench Time Into a Career Advantage
Rather than viewing bench timing as a setback, embrace it as a strategic career accelerator. By focusing on skill development, maintaining visibility within your organization, and contributing to thought leadership, you’ll ensure that when your next client engagement rolls around, you’re more confident, capable, and well-positioned to deliver exceptional results.
Conclusion
Bench timing in consulting doesn’t have to be a period of uncertainty or frustration. With the right mindset, you can transform this downtime into a powerful investment in your professional journey. By actively up-skilling, networking, and making meaningful contributions to your firm, you’ll emerge from the bench stronger, more agile, and ready to tackle the next big challenge that comes your way.
