Management consultant

Management consultants advise organisations on how to solve problems and be more efficient.

• Starter salary£27,000 a year
• Experienced£60,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week

What you'll do

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.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

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 a management consultant

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

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

Apprenticeship

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

Direct application

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

Other routes

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 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.

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.

Guides for this industry

• Administration: pay, interviews and getting started →

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