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Management consultant

Alternative titles for this job include

Management consultants help organisations solve problems and improve efficiency.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 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 a management consultant

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • a graduate training scheme

University

It may be useful to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:

  • business studies
  • maths
  • finance
  • science
  • project 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 do a junior management consultant higher apprenticeship and work your way up as your experience grows.

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 on schemes is strong, so it may help if you have:

  • a minimum of a 2:1 degree 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 are highly valued, as many firms work with international clients.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it helps to become a member of a professional body like the Institute of Consulting.

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

On a typical day you might:

  • meet clients to discuss what they need
  • carry out research to gain an understanding of the client's business
  • interview managers, staff and customers
  • collect and analyse data and prepare reports
  • identify and investigate issues and plan how to tackle them
  • highlight areas for improvement
  • create computer models to test possible business solutions
  • present recommendations to the client
  • agree a course of action with the client
  • provide ongoing support to the client

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 become a member of the Institute of Consulting and apply for certified management consultant status.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Junior Management Consultant Level 4 Apprentice vacancy

  • Wage: £21,000.00 Annually
  • Location: LONDON

Disclosure Management Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,255.00 Annually
  • Location: London

Courses In England

Business Management

  • Provider: THE LEIGH ACADEMY
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Dartford

HND Business (Management)

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Oxford

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