Are you considering a career in people advisory consulting? If so, you’ve chosen a field that can be both rewarding and challenging.
In this blog post, I’ll provide an overview of what people advisory consulting is, what people advisory consultants do, and how to break into the industry.
What is People Advisory?
People advisory consulting is a field that involves helping organizations optimize their human resources and talent management practices. People advisory consultants work with clients to identify and address issues related to employee engagement, performance, and development, as well as to design and implement HR strategies and initiatives.
For example, if a company is struggling with low employee morale and high turnover, a people advisory consultant might conduct employee surveys and focus groups to assess the root causes of the problem. They might then work with the company to design and implement an employee engagement program, or advise the company on how to improve its talent management practices.
People advisory consultants may also be responsible for providing guidance and support to clients on topics such as diversity and inclusion, talent management, and leadership development. They may develop and deliver training and development programs, and manage and coordinate the delivery of consulting projects.
What Do People Advisory Consultants Do?
People advisory consultants are responsible for working with clients to assess and analyze their HR and talent management practices, and for developing and implementing strategies to address any identified issues. This may involve conducting employee surveys and focus groups, analyzing data, and working with clients to design and implement HR programs and initiatives.
Some specific tasks that people advisory consultants may be responsible for include:
- Conducting employee surveys and focus groups to assess employee engagement and satisfaction
- Analyzing data to identify trends and areas for improvement in HR and talent management practices
- Working with clients to design and implement HR programs and initiatives, such as employee development plans and diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Providing guidance and support to clients on topics such as talent management, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion
- Developing and delivering training and development programs
- Managing and coordinating the delivery of consulting projects
How to Break into People Advisory Consulting
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in people advisory consulting, here are a few steps you can take to get started:
- Pursue a relevant degree: Many people advisory consulting jobs require a bachelor’s degree in a field such as human resources, business, or psychology. For example, you might consider earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on HR management. This will provide you with the necessary foundation in HR principles and practices, as well as in consulting skills.
- Gain relevant experience: Many employers look for candidates with relevant experience, such as internships or part-time jobs in HR or consulting. For example, you might consider completing an internship at an HR consulting firm or working part-time in an HR department while you’re in school. This can be a great way to gain practical experience and build your skills. You can also gain experience by participating in HR-related clubs or organizations or by working on personal projects.
- Network: Building relationships within the industry can be a key factor in getting your foot in the door at a people advisory consulting firm. For example, you might consider attending HR-related networking events, joining relevant professional organizations, and reaching out to alumni or other professionals in the field to learn more about their experiences and get advice on how to break into the industry.
- Build your skills: In addition to gaining relevant experience and networking, you should also focus on building your skills in areas such as data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. This might include taking relevant courses or workshops, participating in case competitions, or working on personal projects.
- Prepare for the interview process: People advisory consulting interviews may include both technical and behavioral components, and it’s important to be well-prepared. For example, you might consider practicing your consulting skills through mock interviews or role-playing exercises, as well as being able to speak to your experience and qualifications.
By following these steps and being proactive in your job search, you can increase your chances of breaking into the field of people advisory consulting. With hard work and dedication, a career in people advisory consulting can be a rewarding and fulfilling path.
Conclusion
People advisory consulting is a field that involves helping organizations optimize their human resources and talent management practices. People advisory consultants work with clients to assess and analyze their HR and talent management practices, and to design and implement strategies to address any identified issues.
To break into people advisory consulting, it’s important to pursue a relevant degree, gain relevant experience, network, build your skills, and prepare for the interview process. With hard work and dedication, a career in people advisory consulting can be a rewarding and fulfilling path.
Zuhair Imaduddin is an Innovation Development Analyst at JPMorgan Chase. He studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. Zuhair is interested in leveraging technology to solve problems.
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