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Consulting is one of the career options that thrives in a slump. Why? Because more than ever, companies including the public sector need business consultants to assist them boost returns and lower costs. Business consulting is also one of the highest salaried jobs in the United Kingdom. Recent research has found entry-level consultants earn an average of £32,000 per annum while senior partners earn an average of £150,000 (including bonuses and profit sharing). Self-employed consultants may earn anything from £50 to £250 per hour. Therefore, if you've been thinking about breaking into this field, tarry no longer. The financial rewards are a real motivator. Other pluses of the job include: intellectual challenge, prestige, development opportunities, and fantastic levels of job satisfaction. Lets consider the two choices of management consulting to consider: working for others and going it alone. If you don't have much experience or are a new graduate, working for others is probably the safest choice. If you have already gained sufficient professional experience in a specialised field, going solo is a desirable option. Whichever path you choose, here are some tips to break into and succeed in this field:- Improve your skillsbase. Consultants and advisors need to be experienced at problem-solving, communication, and management skills such as scheduling and delegating. Other skills and attributes that can help you land a job are basic computer skills, leadership, and an ability to thrive well under stressfull conditions. Get educated. Despite what you might think, it is not essential to have a business degree, an MBA or even ANY specialist degree to break into this profession. However, you have to keep up with current management issues through continuing education or reading business publications. It can certainly be worthwhile formalising this by obtaining a consultancy accreditation such as the Certificate in Consulting Essentials, or the Diploma in Management Consulting. Understand the role of the consultant develop an understanding of job titles, specialisations (from IT to organisational development), and the typical consulting cycle (proposal, brainstorming, data gathering, analysis, and presentation). Much of this can be learned from specialist workshops or consultancy qualifications. Get experience. Chances to get management consulting experience include volunteering to consult for a non-profit organisation or volunteering for special projects with your existing employer. Decide what kind of organisation you want to work for. If your career goal is to work for a consulting firm, decide where you want to focus your job search. Types of employers include multi-national firms such as Accenture and McKinsey, small "boutique" firms, local authorities, non-profit organisations, and government departments. Each organisation has different advantages and disadvantages. Understand the consulting job hunting process. For instance, the interview stage for a consulting job includes personality tests and CV questions, communication questions and case study questions. You may even be asked to make a presentation. If you have an leaning for entrepreneurship, preliminary steps to starting a consulting business include market research, deciding whether to become a limited company, and setting up your place of business. You will also need to price your services and attract clients through networking, advertising, or publicity. Although it is not an essential requirement, you may want to pursue a professional designation as a Certified Management Consultant to take your career to the next level. In the UK The Institute of Business Consulting together with the internationally regarded Chartered Management Institute is responsible for this. Consulting is a very lucrative profession do your homework properly to ensure success and there is no better way to do that than to obtain an internationally respected qualification.
Article Source: http://www.philvault.com
Kim Taylor is a lead consultant for www.managers.com and author of many management texts. She also coaches and mentors budding and experienced consultants who are studying qualifications such as the www.managers.gb.com/”>Certificate in Consulting Essentialsand the www.managers.gb.com/”>Diploma in Management Consulting. Both of which can be studied through distance learning. To find out more visit www.managers.gb.com
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