Atlassian uses cookies to improve your browsing experience, perform analytics and research, and conduct advertising. Accept all cookies to indicate that you agree to our use of cookies on your device. Atlassian cookies and tracking notice, (opens new window)
Answers
Consulting Field Guide
Overview
Consultants are professionals who are trained to solve problems, devise strategies, and improve the general health of clients no matter what the industry. Management consultants help clients solve specific problems (usually focused on the short-term), while a strategy consultant researches and develops strategies for improving the long-term goals of the company. Companies hire consultants not only for their problem solving abilities, but also for their objectivity. In general, the work environment is fast-paced, stimulating and involves long hours. Work weeks of between fifty to seventy-five hours are not unusual.
Career Opportunities
There are three main types of consulting firms. First, there are large, diversified organizations, such as IBM’s Global Services that offer a range of services, including Information technology consulting, in addition to a management consulting practice. Second are the large management and strategic consulting specialists, that offer purely management consulting, but are not specialized in any specific industry, like the McKinsey & Company. Finally, there are boutique firms, usually small, that have focused areas of consulting expertise in specific industries or technologies. These are usually more technical in nature.
Types of Jobs
Strategy
Management
Systems Design
Research
Data Analysis
Qualifications + Skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong analytical abilities
Attention to details and deadlines
Proven leadership and teamwork capabilities
Project management
Active listening skills
PRO TIP: Many consulting firms use a “case” style of interview. The applicant will be presented with a business problem and asked to provide a strategy and possible solution in 20-25 minutes. The interviewer is looking to see how the applicant analyzes a problem and how he or she attempts to solve the problem. The interviewer is not looking for technical expertise. Instead, this is a true evaluation of how the applicant thinks. Mock case interviews are strongly encouraged for M.A. candidates.
Sample Employers
Booz Allen & Hamilton
Grant Thornton
Ernst & Young
Deloitte
Logistics Management Institute (LMI)
Public Financial Management (PMF)
KPMG
McKinsey & Company
Boston Consulting Group
Mercer Management Consulting
Accenture
PwC Consulting
The Parthenon Group
Beck International Inc.
Centre for the Promotion of Imports
DC Consulting
Whitehouse Associates
Foreign-Trade Zone
Excellence Consulting Group
Global Prospects Ltd.
4M Consulting Group
Prisma Consulting
The Stern Group, Inc.
Hagerty Consulting
IBM Global Services
Active International
BHP Capital
Public Sector Consultants
Sequent Consulting LLC
Albright Stonebridge Group
Kazakis International
Zisser Group
Europartnership
... And more!
Sample Maxwell Classes
Business and Government in a Global Economy
Challenges of International Management and Leadership
Human Resources Management
Nonprofit Management and Governance
Managing Interpersonal, Group and Systemic Conflicts
Financial Management in State and Local Governments
Resources
WetFeet
Association of Management Consulting Firms
Consulting Magazine
IMC USA
Business trade publications (Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, Wall Street Journal, etc.)
Related Career Guides
State and Local Government
U.S. Federal Government and Capitol Hill
Government Relations and Lobbying
, multiple selections available,