Management consultant
Management consultants advise organisations on how to solve problems and be more efficient.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a management consultant, you could:
- speak to staff, managers and customers to understand issues
- collect and analyse data to pinpoint areas for improvement
- create computer models to test possible business solutions
- prepare reports and present recommendations to the client
- support businesses as they put plans into action
You'll travel often and may spend nights away from home.
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a partner in a management consultancy, work freelance or set up your own consultancy firm. You could work in all areas of the public and private sector.
You might also apply to become a chartered management consultant, which gives you industry recognition of your skills and expertise.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- business management skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- the ability to work well with others
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- business studies
- finance
- maths
- science
- management
A postgraduate qualification, like a master's in business administration (MBA), may also be helpful.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
You could apply for a place on a Junior Management Consultant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, and work your way up as your experience grows.
These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply directly to become a management consultant or set up your own business, if you've got relevant work experience in:
- business management or finance
- human resources
- project management
- IT
You may be able to join a graduate training scheme straight from university. Competition for places is strong, so it may help if you have:
- a good degree pass in a subject like business studies or business management
- evidence of analytical, planning and communication skills
- relevant work experience from placements, internships or temporary jobs
Career tips
Foreign language skills could be useful, as many firms work with international clients.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institute of Consulting for career support and professional development.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in management consultancy from the Management Consultancies Association and the Chartered Management Institute.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.