Apart from the rigorous selection process that consulting firms use to assess their potential candidates, securing a job and thriving within the consulting industry is not easy. The most frequently asked questions that consultants are asked by students include: “what is consulting”, “what do consultants do” and “what are the minimum requirements needed to get into a consulting industry”?
As broad as the term may be, consultants are often individuals with skills and expertise in a certain field who assist companies with the many varied problems they face on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis. Viewing the industry from an “expertise” point of view, one could argue that consultants are synonymous with advisors, experts or specialists.
The main objective in assisting clients is to be as neutral, unbiased and open-minded in your approach to solving complex problems as possible, especially because these problems are often very sensitive and costly.
Although there isn’t a specific degree that potential candidates need in order to make it through the initial stages, consulting firms look at each individual candidate holistically. For instance, what skills and competencies do you have? Are you a problem-solver with analytical and interpersonal skills? Can you work well individually and within a team set-up? Are you self-motivated, with persuasiveness and tact? Do you have strong communication skills, both verbal and written? These are some of the questions that individuals can ponder before applying to consulting firms.
In order for you to be considered as a potential candidate, the most important hurdle you would have to cross is successfully completing the case study phase. The internet has a wide range of articles, blogs and websites that tackle solving case studies. However, with each case study consulting firms will also provide individuals with guidelines on how to answer it. They are not trying to test your intelligence they are merely trying to assess how you solve problems. It is also important to note that when solving a case study, there are no wrong or right answers. It is normal for individuals to differ in the way they get to answers and how they conclude results, and this is taken into consideration. They are not trying to catch people out, case studies are often used as guidelines to see if you will be a good fit for the role.
The most important question that one needs to answer is the “WHY”. Why do you want to join a consulting firm? Are you a goal-driven individual that works well in a fast-paced, pressured environment? Do you enjoy solving challenging problems? Once you have established this about yourself, it is imperative to understand that your ultimate decision in choosing a career path should always link to your own personal goals and values. As one of the most sought-after and reputable industries to work in, consulting is a great way to start-off your career either as a graduate or young professional. It seems like a cliché, but no two days are the same within consulting firms. With every passing day one is granted the opportunity to learn, relearn and unlearn with the assistance of more experienced consultants.
As a consultant, you carve your own path which will be filled with many great memories of learning, growing and specialising in one industry or more. Before you specialize in a certain industry, give yourself enough time to have at least consulted in 3 industries. You may have studied an engineering degree but find that you enjoy consulting within the finance sector. Always be open-minded and willing to learn. Remember to bring your A-game from day one. Your future lies in your own hands, so make the best out of it!
Thanduxolo Love Mtsweni is a management consultant at Accenture in South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Administration in International Relations and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PDM- Business Administration). She is passionate about empowering and educating the youth, and advocating for better youth employment opportunities.
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