Management consultant

Management consultant job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The work involves:

• conducting research, surveys and interviews
• compiling and presenting information
• analysing statistics
• writing reports
• making recommendations
• developing and implementing new procedures or training.

Typical employers of management consultants

Most management consultants are employed by international consultancy firms or strategy sections of financial organisations such as accountants. They are contracted by organisations seeking help and advice about management problems.

Vacancies are advertised by careers services, in national newspapers and in relevant publications such as TARGETjobs Management Consulting, The Economist, People Management and Management Consultancy. The Directory of Management Consultants in the UK, and Guide to Management Consultants in the UK are useful sources of contact information for speculative applications.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in business, management, economics, mathematics or statistics can be an advantage. An MBA can lead to entry at a higher level, but normally only for candidates possessing several years of experience.

Relevant experience is normally unnecessary, but can be beneficial, particularly for mature candidates. Larger employers run vacation courses and placements which can give a useful insight into the profession.

Key skills for management consultants

• commercial awareness
• good numerical skills
• analytical skills
• excellent interpersonal skills
• teamworking skills
• IT skills
• good oral and written communication skills
• self-motivation

A driving licence and foreign language abilities can be useful.