Career: Management Consultants
Do you get a rush from solving a problem no one else can? Do people come to you for help and advice when they get into complicated situations? If so, you might be cut out for a career as a management consultant.
Companies and other organizations hire management consultants to help them solve some of their biggest problems. Whether they need to build a new website, design a new computer system, or launch a new product, they call on management consultants to save the day.
Management consultants think about ways to increase a company's profits and productivity. Their goal is to make a business more successful and competitive.
“I like the challenge of facing a complex problem and solving it for people who have not been able to solve it for themselves.”
Paul, Senior Consultant
Are You Ready To...?
- Propose solutions to company problems
- Specialize in areas such as technology, finance, or human resources
- Work as part of a team
- Meet tight deadlines
- Work long hours
- Travel
It Helps to Be...
A clear communicator who likes to work with others and solve problems. You should also be able to juggle many projects under a tight deadline.
Make High School Count
- Master the computer. Become familiar with word processing and spreadsheets.
- Take advantage of English, history, speech, and drama classes to polish your spoken and written communication skills. As a management consultant, you’ll be speaking with your clients and team members daily.
- Pay close attention in math. Try your hand at statistics and accounting.
Did You Know?
- About twenty-nine percent of management consultants are self-employed.
Outlook
Government economists predict faster-than-average job growth for management consultants between 2004 and 2014. However, you can expect a lot of competition in your job hunt. You should find the best opportunities if you have an M.B.A.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly income of management consultants in 2006 was $77,270.
