Management consultant

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

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:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

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

OtherRoutes

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• 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
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

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

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.

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £27,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends away from home

Career Path:

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.