Management Consultant – Career Advice

A management consultant is usually employed by large firms to help and advise on in-house management problems.

The job involves research, surveys and interviewing staff, so good analytical and people skills are a must. Once a company’s working/management practices have been investigated, management consultants will analyse, compile and explain the information (and any recommendations derived from it) through written reports and presentations.

If the recommendations are taken on board, management consultants will help to develop and implement the new processes and procedures.

Great oral and written skills, commercial awareness, IT proficiency and the ability to work in a team are all vital ingredients of a successful management consultant.

A degree in management, business, economics, maths or statistics is a distinct advantage. An MBA is a possible way to gain entry higher up the chain, but usually only for candidates with several years of experience already in the bag. Knowledge of other languages is another great attribute to have.

Browse our current vacancies in:

Business and Strategic Management

Other recommended resources:

Management Consulting Institute
An international not-for-profit organisation linking management consultants with the clients seeking them, but also offering training and qualifications to support professionals in career development. Certification is recognised globally and MCI have trained a number of high-end clients.

International Council of Managing Consulting Institutes
Aimed at linking management consultancies from across the world through common values and best practice, the ICMCI also offers career development through the ‘Certified Management Consultant’ scheme.

Management Consulting Association
The representative body for management consultants in the UK, the MCA offers recognition through its stringent membership requirements and support through information, training and networking opportunities.

Institute of Consulting
A sub-division of the Chartered Management Institute, membership with the IoC offers business profiling, industry information and a framework for career development.

Chartered Management Institute
A chartered status for professionals in the management industry, including management consultants. They offer training to improve management skills on track to reaching Chartered Manager status.

Source for Consulting
A research resource offering the latest in the Consulting industry through market reports, up-to-date news and opinion from industry professionals.

Management Consultant’s News
An online magazine resource aimed at keeping UK consultants informed with the latest industry news, trends and supplier updates.