Consulting graduate jobs & schemes 2025

Consulting is a broad industry with several specialisms, including:

• Strategy Consulting – Advising businesses on long-term direction and competitive advantage (e.g., McKinsey, BCG, Bain).
• Management Consulting – Improving business operations, structures, and efficiency (e.g., Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY).
• Technology & Digital Consulting – Implementing IT systems, cybersecurity, AI, and digital transformation (e.g., Accenture, Capgemini, IBM).
• Financial & Risk Consulting – Specialising in corporate finance, risk management, and restructuring (e.g., FTI Consulting, Oliver Wyman).
• HR & People Consulting – Advising on workforce strategy, talent development, and organisational change (e.g., Mercer, Korn Ferry).
• Economic & Public Sector Consulting – Working with governments, NGOs, and public institutions on economic policy and social impact (e.g., Frontier Economics, Oxford Economics).
  

Some firms offer generalist roles , where graduates gain experience across multiple sectors before specialising.

Most top consulting firms offer structured graduate schemes, including:

• Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) – Management, strategy, technology, and financial consulting schemes.
• MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) – Highly competitive strategy consulting graduate roles.
• Specialist Consulting Firms – E.g., Oliver Wyman (financial services), L.E.K. Consulting (life sciences, healthcare), Roland Berger (industrial strategy).
• Technology & Digital Consulting – Accenture, Capgemini, IBM, and PA Consulting.
• Economic Consulting – NERA Economic Consulting, Oxera, Frontier Economics.
  

Graduate schemes typically last 2–3 years and involve formal training with potential for a permanent position upon completion.

Consulting firms recruit from a wide range of degree backgrounds , though some roles require specialised skills:

• Strategy & Management Consulting – Open to all disciplines, though analytical degrees (business, economics, STEM, social sciences) are preferred.
• Technology Consulting – Computer science, IT, engineering, or data science backgrounds are highly valued.
• Financial & Risk Consulting – Finance, economics, accounting, or mathematics backgrounds help.
• HR & People Consulting – Psychology, business, or HR degrees can be useful.
• Economic Consulting – Economics or related disciplines (often requiring a master’s degree).
  

Non-business graduates can still enter consulting by demonstrating strong problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills .

• Problem-solving & analytical thinking – Consultants break down complex business issues and develop structured solutions.
• Quantitative skills – Comfortable working with data, financial models, and performance metrics.
• Communication & presentation – Clear and persuasive storytelling in reports, slides, and client meetings.
• Interpersonal & stakeholder management – Working effectively with clients, teams, and senior leadership.
• Project management & adaptability – Managing tight deadlines across multiple industries.
• Commercial awareness – Understanding of how businesses operate and generate revenue.
  

Strong applicants often demonstrate these skills through internships, case competitions, or leadership roles .

Consulting salaries vary by firm and specialism:

• MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain): £50,000 – £60,000 + performance bonuses.
• Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG): £30,000 – £40,000 + potential bonuses.
• Specialist Consulting Firms: £35,000 – £50,000 depending on expertise (e.g., financial, economic, digital consulting).
• Technology & IT Consulting: £28,000 – £40,000 depending on the firm.
  
  At senior levels, salaries can increase significantly , with consultants earning £100,000+ within 5–10 years .

• Extremely competitive – Top firms receive thousands of applications per role.
• Strong academic background is preferred – Most firms expect a 2:1 or first-class degree from a top university.
• Work experience is crucial – Many successful applicants have internships or consulting-related experience .
  

To improve your chances:

✔ Gain relevant work experience (internships, part-time consulting, research projects).
✔ Practise case study interviews (firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain heavily test case-solving ability).
✔ Develop strong Excel and PowerPoint skills , as they are used daily in consulting.
✔ Show leadership and teamwork experience (e.g., student societies, competitions).
✔ Network with current consultants through LinkedIn or industry events.

• Practise case interviews – Use resources like PrepLounge, CaseCoach, and Victor Cheng’s Case Interview Secrets .
• Learn about the industry – Read McKinsey, BCG, and Bain reports, and stay updated on business trends.
• Gain relevant experience – Internships, student consulting groups, hackathons, or finance competitions.
• Develop commercial awareness – Follow business news (FT, The Economist, Harvard Business Review).
• Perfect your CV & cover letter – Tailor them to highlight analytical skills, leadership, and problem-solving experience.