Management Consultant
Job Description:Management consultants give advice to clients on how to run their businesses more efficiently.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- meeting clients to discuss what they need
- carrying out research to gain an understanding of the client’s business
- interviewing managers, staff and customers
- collecting and analysing data, and preparing reports
- identifying and investigating issues, and planning how to tackle them
- highlighting areas for improvement
- creating computer models to test possible business solutions
- presenting recommendations to the client
- agreeing a course of action with the client
- providing ongoing support to the client
Unlike a business analyst, you’ll work for a consultancy firm. Businesses will then hire you to help solve their issues and improve performance.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
- business management skills
As well as:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition/drive)
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
Entry Requirements:
To become a Management Consultant, you don’t need specific subjects, but having a well-rounded education and acquiring relevant skills can be valuable. Management Consultants provide expert advice to organizations on various business-related issues. Here’s a list of relevant subjects and skills that can help you prepare for this profession:
- Mathematics: Strong mathematical skills are important for analysing data, financial statements, and making recommendations for efficiency and cost-saving measures.
- English: Effective communication, both written and verbal, is essential for conveying your recommendations and findings to clients.
- Business Studies or Economics: These subjects provide fundamental knowledge of business concepts, management principles, and economic theories.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using various software tools and data analysis programs is crucial for data-driven consulting.
Post School
You can get into this career with a degree in many different subjects, but something like business, economics or mathematics is a plus.
Experience in business, finance, human resources, IT, project management or the armed forces could also help you get a job.
You could join a graduate training scheme with a management consultancy firm.
A postgraduate qualification, like a master’s in business administration (MBA), could also help you get a job.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll often work long hours to meet project deadlines. A working week of 50 hours or more is common.
Projects may run from one day to several months.
You’ll work in an office, spending a lot of your time at clients’ sites. You may have to travel frequently, sometimes abroad.
The work can be pressurised.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a partner in a management consultancy, work freelance or set up your own consultancy firm.
You could become a member of the Institute of Consulting and apply for certified management consultant status.