How to Enter the Consulting Field: Skills and Qualifications Required

Transitioning into the consulting field can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. To successfully enter this profession, one must acquire specific skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the consulting industry. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to develop the essential skills needed to become a competitive candidate for consulting positions.

Developing Key Skills for Consultants

The first step in preparing for a career in consulting is to enhance your writing skills. As a consultant, effective communication is paramount, and being able to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely is crucial. Writing courses can help you refine your ability to provide detailed and specific descriptions, which are essential for developing reports and presenting findings.

The type of consulting firm you choose significantly influences the skills required. Are you interested in finance and investments, marital counseling, law, real estate, recruitment, strategy, manufacturing, computer systems, human resources management, or project management? The range of consulting fields is vast, and each requires a distinct set of competencies. Understanding the specific requirements of your chosen field can guide your skill development efforts more effectively.

Acquiring Technical and Soft Skills

Beyond technical skills, consultants must develop a diverse skill set. Firstly, you should focus on developing the technical skills necessary for your type of consulting. Whether it's financial analysis, technology assessment, or strategic planning, having a strong foundation in the specific domain is critical.

Effective time management is another essential skill. Consultants often work on multiple projects simultaneously, and the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently can make a significant difference in project outcomes. Additionally, project management skills are crucial, as consultants often manage both internal and external teams. Strong people skills, including the ability to lead and motivate teams, are also highly valued. Finally, negotiating contracts is a key skill in the consulting industry, as it is essential to secure projects and manage client relationships.

Personal Journey of a Consulting Professional

Let's explore the journey of an individual who entered the consulting field after building a strong educational and professional foundation. At the age of 15, this person decided to pursue a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The inspiration came from assisting their father, an upholsterer, in his business. By the age of 15, they were already helping with business operations, including bookkeeping and tax preparation.

The individual attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1962 with a BBA major in accounting and law. This provided a solid educational foundation in financial management and legal aspects, which are crucial for many consulting roles. Through their career trajectory, they held positions in 7 different companies. Initially, they were accountants but soon moved into information technology, gaining valuable experience in programming languages such as assembly language, Fortran, and Cobol.

Furthering their education, the person pursued courses in computer technology after their undergraduate studies. A particularly notable position was at Chrysler, where they were a software programmer responsible for developing an application that sent real-time vehicle options to the production line. Additionally, they served as a CFO of two hospitals in Western Pennsylvania and later joined PriceWaterhouse as a Manager in 1979, rising to Partner by 1984 and eventually retiring as a Partner in 2000.

The educational and professional experiences outlined above illustrate the importance of a well-rounded education and hands-on experience. Passing the CPA exam was a pivotal milestone, opening up numerous opportunities for advancement. Moreover, the diverse experiences across various companies contributed significantly to their consulting acumen and implementation capabilities.

In conclusion, to enter the consulting field, it is essential to develop a combination of technical and soft skills. Whether you are interested in finance, technology, strategy, or human resources management, understanding the specific requirements of your chosen field is crucial. Effective writing, time management, project management, people skills, and negotiation skills are all indispensable for success in consulting.