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Management consultant

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£27,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Management consultant

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

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

Other Routes

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

More Information

Career tips

Foreign language skills could be useful, as many firms work with international clients.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institute of Consulting for career support and professional development.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in management consultancy from the Management Consultancies Association and the Chartered Management Institute.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Zenopa Business Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: CHURCH ROAD, PENN, HIGH WYCOMBE

Degree Apprentice Service Delivery Analyst 2025

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 1 Old Park Lane, Trafford Park, Manchester

Courses In England

Business Management - Foundation Degree

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Blackpool

Business Management IB Standard

  • Provider: ANGLO EUROPEAN SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: INGATESTONE

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