Interested in pursuing a future in Consulting? Find resources, events, opportunities, and advice to confirm your interest and kickstart your career.
Companies and organizations hire consultants to strategize solutions to business, organizational, or industry-specific problems by offering a fresh perspective, objectivity, and/or a specific knowledge base or expertise. While the industry offers the opportunity for travel, work variety, high salaries, and bonuses, it can be greatly affected by the economy and consultants may experience highs and lows in their workload. You might be interested in one of two types of consulting, management consulting, which is focused on helping organizations improve and achieve their goals, and strategy consulting, which happens at higher levels of management and is often focused on helping organizations expand or identify new goals.
Generally, the consulting industry looks for applicants with strong academic credentials, quantitative ability, problem-solving ability, an understanding of business, and leadership/teamwork experience. Interpersonal and communication skills are also important. The interview process often includes a case interview that is used to assess a candidate’s thought process and analytical skills. Recruiting for entry-level consultant positions typically begins in the fall.