04 March 2023
How to get into consulting: A guide to breaking into the industry
Consulting is a highly rewarding and challenging field that offers opportunities for growth and professional development. It requires a combination of strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a passion for problem-solving. This article will explore what consulting entails, how to break into the field and the key skills critical for success.
What is consulting?
Consulting is a professional service that provides expert advice and guidance to clients in a specific field. Consulting firms offer their clients a wide range of services, including business strategy, market analysis, financial planning, and technology implementation. The goal of consulting is to help clients make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and achieve their goals.
Developing a strong educational foundation.
A strong educational foundation is essential to getting into consulting. A degree in a business-related field, such as finance, economics, or marketing is highly desirable. However, individuals with a strong background in science, engineering, or technology can also be successful in consulting, especially if they have a passion for business. Attending a top university is also important but not essential to secure a great job in consulting.
Gaining relevant work experience or internships.
Gaining relevant work experience is critical to gain a better understanding of what the job entails and enhancing your CV. This will give you a solid understanding of the business world and help you develop the skills you need to succeed. Work experience in these fields can support securing an internship in your penultimate year of study and ultimately enable you to showcase what you have learnt, and the skills developed. Aside from formal internships, there are a lot of resources and courses online which can provide invaluable experience and produce certificates to enhance your CV and Linkedin.
Case interview practice.
The case interview is a common part of the consulting interview process, and it's an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills. During the case interview, you'll be presented with a business problem or scenario and asked to analyse the situation and provide recommendations. To prepare for the case interview, practice working through real-life business cases, and get feedback from friends or family members who have experience in the consulting industry. Alternatively, contact your university's career service or reach out to experienced individuals via Linkedin for advice and practice.
Be persistent.
Breaking into the consulting industry takes time and effort, but with persistence and determination, you will succeed. Don't get discouraged if you face rejection, and continue to network and apply for consulting opportunities until you find the right fit.
