The workload of a management consultant can be very heavy, with late nights and weekends working a possibility. It can be an extremely sociable profession however, with lots of networking opportunities.

Consulting is a diverse profession; consultants can find work in a variety of sectors, from corporate finance, customer relations management, human resources, implementation, marketing and strategy.

Qualifications and Experience

Management consultancy doesn't necessarily require academic qualifications in a specific subject, although most applicants will have a degree of some type. The main thing employers in this sector are interested in is relevant skills gleaned through recent experience. Other qualities employers might look for include:

• Analytical
• Commercial awareness
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail

Management consultants need to be able to analyse problems and devise well-reasoned answers based on case studies and experience. It’s important that they have an understanding of the marketplace which the organisation operates within.

Consultants need to be able to communicate clearly, and produce clear, concise reports. Management consultants will generally work as part of several teams at once, so getting on with other people, being able to explain yourself and work with others is a key skill.