15 answers
17
Asked 682 views

How to become a Consultant?

Share your journey & guide aspiring Consultants on their path.

Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.

business career-advice consulting consultant
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
17

15 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Teresa’s Answer

Hello,
I am happy to share my career path in case it can help someone else become a consultant. I started my career in the tech industry as an employee for a small software that was growing internationally. I enjoyed working for a smaller firm, where I could be exposed to many different parts of the business and learn as much as possible about not only my role in marketing but about the business overall. After a few years in marketing, I switch over to a role in sales and stayed in various sales roles across a few company for over 15 years. When my daughter was born, I decided that I wanted to see if I could switch to consulting, so that I could have more flexibility with my time - to be able to shift around my hours, and also find time to spend with her. I had developed a pretty good network of contacts over the years. So, I updated my resume, and started reaching out to my network - catching up with who was where, what they were doing, how business was going and where they might have gaps or looking for extra help. It took a while, but that's how I landed my first contract. When networking and talking to firms, I also found that starting with a project (where they needed help) was a good approach for me. I positioned it as a great way for us to work together, say for 3 months, to get to know each other and see if there is a good fit. In more than one situation like this, the 3 month contract turned into 3 years of consulting with the same firm. As a consultant, there are times when you are doing "double duty" - where you are finishing a contract for the client, and at the same time, doing business development to find the next gig. Those can be busy times where you are doing 2 jobs at once, but that's the nature of being a consultant. I enjoyed being able to learn about a variety of companies as a consultant, and being able to help and provide help when companies need an extra pair of hands or expertise that I am happy to share!
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Benjamin’s Answer

Hello!

My path into consulting was right out of college. I was able to apply to internships when I was a sophomore in college and was able to land a small week long experience at an accounting firm. I spent this time after my experience refining my resume and participating in a couple mock interviews. I was also involved in a consulting club/organization throughout college that helped me gain experience that I was later able to leverage in job interviews. Fast forward to the first month of my junior year in college, I applied to 60+ internship opportunities while narrowing down more intense focus on around 10-15 internships I really wanted to focus on. From there I received an interview opportunity and was able to do an internship at that company my junior summer. I received a return offer and came back after my senior of college to begin working. Apply early is my biggest piece of advice and any experience you can gain in your sophomore summer opportunities is great!
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Leona’s Answer

Hi! There is no correct path since there are many ways to break into a career in consulting; however, if you are still in College, I definitely recommend attending recruiting events/reaching out to recruiters from various consulting firms. Establishing rapport with recruiters for consulting firms that you would like to work for is a great way to make yourself known and provides opportunities to attend recruiting events. Recruiting events allow you to understand a firm's culture/work-life better and to gain more insight into what your potential career could look like. I also recommend understanding your own strengths and interests to understand what branch of consulting you would like to work in. For instance, if you are tech oriented, perhaps technology consulting roles would be a better fit for you than management consulting roles. You can also reach out to current entry-level consultants via LinkedIn to ask for their experience! More often than not people are more than happy to help others.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Joseph’s Answer

After finishing school, I set my sights on a career in Consulting. I took steps to polish my skills and made connections with folks already working in the Consulting field to gain deeper understanding. I was also keen on figuring out the best ways to nail my interview.

My professional journey began in IT Project Management, moved onto Enterprise Architecture, and now I'm happily immersed in the world of Technology Consulting.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jason’s Answer

Hello there,

I'm excited to share some insights from my journey as a fresh-out-of-college consultant! While I may not have a deep well of industry-specific knowledge and experience, I dove headfirst into a consulting role right after graduation. The key qualifications aren't necessarily about having a wealth of technical expertise, but more about being an amazing team player, a naturally curious person, well-organized, and articulate.

If you're the kind of person who can clearly express your thought process when asked to elaborate on your ideas and decisions, you'll find yourself right at home in the world of consulting. Remember, technical know-how will come with time and experience. So, it's important to focus on honing skills like communication and critical thinking, which are at the heart of successful consulting.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Bob’s Answer

Great question. First, in order to be a consultant one would normally need to have knowledge, skills, industry acknowledgement and the client contacts/networks specific to addressing a need the client is willing to pay for. Such expertise, known knowledge, skills and contacts are usually built over time. As indicated by Teresa, finding projects that will showcase your capabilities is a start.
Another route is, after graduation, to be able to join a consulting firm. The firm will, based upon your superior success in your college major, will expand your knowledge and skills applicable to solving problems for their client base. For example, should you major in finance, a consulting business focused upon coporate financial issues will train you to employ their tools used to address specific issues. You will be employed to work in a team to address similar corporate problems across various industries. The consulting firm will provide their tools, their network of clients, a team of financially astute men/women and a format they use for presentations to clients. Once you have mastered the knowledge, problem solving skills, presentation formats and networking, you can create your own consulting firm. Again, a project is usually the best way to be hired as a stand alone consultant.
In either case, you will need to focus upon your niche in terms of studying and succeeding in college in areas where the expertise as well as knowledge you develop has value to prospective clients.
Another example is Artificial Intelligence. I understand that a successful college graduate, majoring in this area, will potentially receive $175,000.00 as a starting salary.
I have been a global business consultant. It is a demanding job. At the same time, solving others problems is awesome.

Bob recommends the following next steps:

Research various consulting firms. If you can, speak with someone in the business of consulting.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Claudia’s Answer

I also started my career in tech consulting right out of college.

Freshman-sophomore year: Did projects part of the consulting club
Sophomore year: Went to some networking events, interviewed for internships (not consulting-related)
Summer between Sophomore and Junior year: Tech-related internship, practiced case interviews
Junior year: Went to many networking events, applied to internships
Summer between Junior and Senior year: Consulting internship

And I'm back working at the same company I interned for.

Highly recommend networking with people and practicing case interviews with friends
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Charity’s Answer

One thing I will say is that everyone's path is a little different. Some of us had a straight path from college into consulting, while others may have moved around in industries until they found their niche in consulting. I never intended on going into consulting. For starters I got a late start on college. I earned an associates when I was 28 years old and then went into pharmacy becoming a Billing Specialist. After many nearly a decade working in pharmacy I finished my bachelor's in business management. I moved around into different industries until I landed in public procurement. I really liked this industry and decided to get my MBA so that I could progress further as well as understand the full scope of procurement and this is where Project Management walked into my life. Once I completed my Master's degree I moved into Project Management Consulting. I have been in this industry for the last 3 years and enjoy the work that I have done.
One thing I will say is that you have to be prepared for the ever changing world in this industry. I strongly advised that any one stay the course on the pursuit of knowledge. The world is in a constant state of upgrade and in order to stay on top in the industry you have to be multifaceted, meaning you have to know everything that is going in all industries. This could include becoming proficient in Power BI, or understanding Block chain, knowing how AI is affecting automation in manufacturing, or utilizing Chat GPT for data analysis.
Another key idea is networking, become a networker. Make genuine connections with people across all engagements/projects you are on. Practice your elevator pitch and if you don't have one create one and practice.
My last bit of advice is to be prepared. Be prepared to work hard and long hours and to always be on top of your game.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jasmine’s Answer

I'm happy to share my experience here as it may not be the most traditional path. I previously worked at a sustainability non-profit for 8 years but I always knew that I wanted to become a consultant. During my time in this role, I developed skills that would be transferable and useful to me in a consulting career to make me a more competitive applicant. Some of these skills included: project management, getting comfortable with public speaking and using technology to make processes more efficient (e.g., Microsoft Office, especially excel).

When applying to consulting roles, it is super important to emphasize your interpersonal skills as every project you work on will be collaborative in some fashion. It is also important to demonstrate that you will be able to use data and insights to make informed decisions. There are resources online that you can use to prepare for case interviews and practicing with friends or folks also interested in consulting can help.

Whether you’re starting college or finishing up your studies, Access Your Potential Career Readiness and Digital Skills curricula are available to help you grow and discover what you want for your career. For more information: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sydney’s Answer

Hello!

I think the best way to break into consulting is to take on as many relevant experiences in college as you can related to teamwork. In consulting, you will be working for clients with your fellow consultants, so you want to be comfortable with that! A couple ways for you to prioritize team opportunities in college is to be participative in group projects (perhaps take on the role of group leader!), joining clubs that require a lot of communication with your fellow members, and staying active in your coursework. Also, finding a consulting internship is an awesome way to figure out your interest in the field as well as develop a network that can benefit you after you graduate and embark on your career.

Whether you’re starting college or finishing up your studies, Access Your Potential Career Readiness and Digital Skills curricula are available to help you grow and discover what you want for your career. For more information: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lianne’s Answer

My first full-time job out of college was in consulting. It's common for most companies to kick-start their recruitment process for full-time positions in the autumn of the year before your graduation. For instance, if you're set to graduate in Spring 2025, expect firms to start recruiting in the fall of 2024.

Start by identifying firms that pique your interest. Begin networking as soon as possible to gain insights into the varying cultures, types of projects and clients, and so on. This early preparation will put you in a prime position when the recruitment season rolls around, as you'll not only know which firms align with your career goals, but you'll also have established valuable connections within these firms.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Melissa’s Answer

Greetings! My path towards becoming a consultant is quite unconventional. I took a break to focus on my family and fortuitously, this role found me. To equip myself better, I underwent training and earned the necessary certifications. This role has been highly gratifying, offering experiences such as collaborative teamwork, independent assignments, and reporting tasks.

Skills like effective communication and self-motivation are incredibly valuable in this field. To gain a realistic perspective of the role, you might consider participating in an internship or externship. This hands-on experience can provide a glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities, assisting you in making an informed career decision.

Access Your Potential's website offers a plethora of career opportunities, including internships and paid consulting externships specifically for nonprofits. To discover more, visit: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Deepali’s Answer

Becoming a consultant can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey to becoming a consultant:

1. Identify your area of expertise: Consultants specialize in various fields such as management, finance, marketing, human resources, IT, or healthcare. Determine your passion and the area where you have the most knowledge and experience.

2. Gain relevant education and experience: Acquire the necessary education and qualifications in your chosen field. This may include obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree, professional certifications, or industry-specific training. Additionally, gain practical experience by working in your chosen field or industry.

3. Define your consulting niche: Determine the specific area within your field where you want to offer your consulting services. This will help you differentiate yourself from other consultants and target your ideal clients.

4. Build a professional network: Networking is crucial in the consulting industry. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with experts and influencers in your field. Building relationships can lead to referrals and potential clients.

5. Develop your consulting skills: Consulting requires a unique set of skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, project management, and business acumen. Continuously develop these skills through workshops, courses, and practical experience.

6. Create a business plan: Before starting your consulting practice, develop a comprehensive business plan. Define your target market, pricing structure, marketing strategies, and financial projections. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your consulting business.

7. Establish your brand: Create a strong personal brand that reflects your expertise and values. Develop a professional website, create a compelling LinkedIn profile, and showcase your knowledge through thought leadership content such as articles, blog posts, or speaking engagements.

8. Market your services: Use various marketing strategies to promote your consulting services. This may include online marketing, social media, content marketing, attending conferences, speaking engagements, and leveraging your professional network.

9. Start with small projects: Initially, take on smaller consulting projects to gain experience and build your reputation. This will help you refine your consulting skills, establish credibility, and gather testimonials from satisfied clients.

10. Continuously learn and adapt: The consulting industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. Invest in professional development opportunities and seek feedback from clients to improve your services.

Remember, becoming a successful consultant takes time, effort, and perseverance. It's important to continuously learn, adapt, and provide value to your clients. Good luck on your journey to becoming a consultant!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

John’s Answer

Hello!

It's wonderful to see your enthusiasm for venturing into the dynamic world of consulting. Although there isn't a single surefire route to becoming part of a consulting firm, there are a few key steps you might want to take to gear up for this profession.

Firstly, ponder over the sector you wish to immerse yourself in. This could be Healthcare, Financial Services, TMT, Financial Crimes/Fraud Prevention, among others. You're not restricted to choose just one, but having a rough idea of your preferred consulting area would be beneficial.

Secondly, scrutinize the desired skills for consulting roles at the firms you're eyeing as potential career paths. Equip yourself with these skills to match the job requirements. Some of these might not be part of the usual college degree syllabus.

Thirdly, delve into some research about the companies you're thinking of applying to. Choose one or more that resonate with your personal values in terms of culture and mission.

Finally, take the plunge and apply! Highlight the groundwork you've laid for stepping into the consulting arena and polish your interview skills to leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.

Here's wishing you all the best in your journey.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Haylee’s Answer

Great question! I started my career in accounting, but was leveraging technology tools to do my job and quickly fell in love with the tech tools. What I found as I made my way into a technology consulting path was that 1) the passion for the tools was vital to be able to share that with clients, and 2) I needed to have a strong skill set in BOTH knowing the technology and being able to speak about it. It's important to be able to build a relationship with your clients so they see you as a trusted advisor, and those personal connections help drive it forward - as does communicating the value of the technology. So being able to come from a place of experience (i.e., my experience as a user) can really help as well!
0