Management consultants help organisations solve problems and improve their performance by analysing business processes, developing strategies, and recommending solutions. Their clients can range from large multinational companies to government bodies and charities. Consultants often work on projects in areas such as finance, human resources, marketing, operations, or information technology. The job involves working closely with clients, conducting research, and presenting findings to senior management. It is a varied and fast-paced career that often requires strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. Travel to client sites is common, especially for consultants working in larger firms.
Management consultants in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £60,000 per year at entry level, with experienced consultants earning up to £120,000 or more.
There are over 55,000 management consultants employed in the UK, according to the Management Consultancies Association.
Around 3,500 graduate jobs are available each year in management consulting in the UK.
Advises businesses on long-term strategies to improve their market position and achieve their goals.
Helps organisations manage and implement changes to processes, technology or structure with minimal disruption.
Works with companies to improve their day-to-day operations, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Study hard at school to achieve good GCSEs and A-levels, especially in subjects like mathematics, business studies and economics.
Management consulting firms usually look for candidates with strong academic backgrounds. Choose A-level subjects that develop analytical, numerical and communication skills, such as maths, economics, business studies or English. Achieving high grades will help you progress to a reputable university and make you a competitive applicant.
Apply to university and complete a degree in subjects such as business, economics, management, finance or a related field.
Most management consultants have a university degree. Top firms often recruit from leading universities, so aim for a strong academic record. Degrees in business, economics, management, engineering or even STEM subjects are valued. Some firms accept graduates from any discipline, but relevant degrees can give you an advantage.
Apply for internships or work experience placements in consulting firms or related industries such as finance or project management.
Many consulting firms offer summer internships or placement years for university students. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, networking and can sometimes lead to a graduate job offer. If consulting internships are competitive, consider work experience in related fields such as finance, business analysis or project management to build relevant skills.
Build skills in problem-solving, analysis, communication and teamwork through academic projects, extracurricular activities or part-time work.
Consultants need to be strong analytical thinkers and clear communicators. Take part in university societies, debating clubs or case study competitions. Working on group projects or part-time jobs can also help you develop leadership and time management skills, all of which are valued in consulting.
Research and apply to graduate schemes or junior consultant roles at management consulting firms.
Major consulting firms like McKinsey, Deloitte and Accenture run graduate recruitment programmes. The application process may include online tests, interviews and assessment centres. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to consulting. Smaller or specialist firms may offer entry-level analyst positions as well.
Continue to develop your knowledge and skills by pursuing further training, certifications or even a postgraduate qualification if required.
Once in the profession, you can progress by developing sector specialisms or leadership skills. Professional qualifications such as Prince2 (project management) or an MBA can enhance your career prospects. Ongoing learning and networking are important for advancement in consulting.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Management Consultant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A management consultant's role involves advising organisations on business strategies, operations, and process improvements, which aligns closely with the responsibilities of a management consultant. Both require strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and expertise in organisational development.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
A postgraduate qualification, like a master's in business administration (MBA), may also be helpful.
You'll usually need:
You could apply for a place on a Junior Management Consultant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, and work your way up as your experience grows.
These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You can apply directly to become a management consultant or set up your own business, if you've got relevant work experience in:
You may be able to join a graduate training scheme straight from university. Competition for places is strong, so it may help if you have:
Foreign language skills could be useful, as many firms work with international clients.
You can join the Institute of Consulting for career support and professional development.
You can find out more about careers in management consultancy from the Management Consultancies Association and the Chartered Management Institute.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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