Let me break it down:
Expectation: Local consulting means less travel
Reality: 4 hour commute to some remote suburb with no option to work from home.
Expectation: Direct your career to what you want to do
Reality: The Chicago market is already quite limited to healthcare and pharma clients. Slalom is not big enough to have the option to pick and choose projects within these industries - they staff people on any project they can sell.
Expectation: The firm has a fun culture with lots of employee events.
Reality: You can attend events here and there if you’re not tired from your commute or your client work eating up your life. Chances are you won’t even make it to the Chicago office.
Don’t buy into the lip service. Question if this company is really taking you where you want to go, or if it’s just an illusion.