Menu

Science
Articles
WeVent
Register
Sign in
Science Library Register Sign in
Register / Sign in

Content and learning library


> Consulting

Entering the Consulting Industry

A general introduction to a competitive but rewarding career path
Consulting

Consulting is an umbrella term covering many topics within the same category and industry. There are many topics considered fields within consulting, for example, management consulting, strategy consulting, IT consulting. These are just naming a few, there is an abundant amount of other fields which fall into the category of consulting. To keep it short, consulting can be defined as the engagement of giving expert advice to professionals. Experts connecting with experts.

In order to give you some insight into the consulting industry, we have gathered some grand tips on entering the consulting industry. To give you a full perspective, we have also accumulated some interview tips for you. This, in turn, will broaden your knowledge on the field as well as allowing you to evaluate if this is the right career path for you.

Expectations, Pros and Cons of the consulting market

Before entering the consulting market it is a good idea to have the basic know-how on the industry in terms of what to expect, advantages and disadvantages. First of all, it should be said that the consulting industry is a fiercely competitive field to enter. It takes heart and dedication, but once in, it truly provides a platform for accelerating growth both professionally and personally. With that being said, the field is highly demanding not only to enter but also to be successful in. So be prepared for long hours, tight deadlines, and numerous client meetings.

Despite this, consulting allows you to be strategic, compose mission-driven work, and provides you with great responsibility to diversify your knowledge. Not only does it allow for great opportunities to learn but also gives you the freedom to contribute your ideas, showing your worth as well as branding yourself.

As a consultant, you are granted the opportunity to evolve your networking skills in a professional sense while also allowing your personality to shine. Also do not forget the monetary aspect, of course, a career in the consulting industry can be very financially profitable!

There are heaps of digital platforms to supply you with consulting jobs, both in the case of permanent employment and freelancing jobs. Considering the freelancer route brings a whole other aspect to the consulting industry. It allows you to have higher flexibility, independence, selectivity with work/clients, and much more. Going the freelance route is definitely another path to look at. All in all, it can be said that the consulting industry is not for everyone. The aspect you need to consider now is if the hard work pays off.

Interview tips for Consultants

If a consulting career sounds of interest to you, then please read on to find some top tips for nailing a consulting interview.

At the top of the list, the most crucial tip we can give is to have the basics down. Knowing why you want to be a consultant and why you want to work at that particular consulting firm is a must. With regards to knowing the basics, this also includes being knowledgeable about the industry and current business events. This, in turn, will make you stand out and seem insightful.

You need to keep in mind that, this is the one shot you have and so you need to really sell yourself. Promote your key strengths in a structured framework with a transparent thought process.

Another tip is to convey confidence in yourself and your answers. Do not be afraid to be yourself, showing your natural charisma and drawing on your personal experiences.

Finally, an excellent tip before entering the interview is to be fully prepared for your interview. The most important is to prepare early. Practicing with a buddy and thinking of possible answers to difficult questions is also a valuable way to prepare. Preparation takes time and effort in order to achieve your goal of landing the job. Just remember to breathe, listen to the interviewer and answer in a clear manner.

That sums it up!

All things considered, entering the consulting industry is a challenging process as well as being a highly demanding field to be successful in. On top of that, consulting gives a rewarding end result with lots of perks. As mentioned before, there are countless and very diverse fields of consulting to enter. Do you want to focus on strategic work? Or are you stronger with IT? Or do you want to be your own boss and go the freelancer direction? There is so much to consider when entering the consulting industry, it is therefore advised that you take your time in making the best decision for you.

Written by Malou Mayland

Content writer at Qemploy.com

Click here to continue learning more >
Analytics Graduate Programme
A management and technology consultancy
Apply now
Application, interview and assessment day advice
Consulting firms are looking for students with the potential to develop a range of business skills.
Being a strategy consultant at PwC
Hannah Langworth meets a junior member of the team
Career progression
Starting a career in consulting as a graduate opens up many opportunities.
Careers in consulting at PwC
Hannah Langworth hears about the opportunities on offer at this leading professional services organisation
Client Delivery Graduate Programme
A management and technology consultancy
Apply now
Commercial awareness
In the hunt for an internship or graduate scheme place in consulting, commercial awareness is crucial.
Consulting 12 Month Industrial Placement
A management and technology consultancy
Apply now
Consulting: a day in the life
What's it really like to work in consulting? We find out from Karima Siddiqui of IMS Consulting Group
First year opportunities
In your first year at university you have access to plenty of opportunities to find out about consulting and consulting employers.
From consulting to business
Private equity, a household name business, or entrepreneurship – just some of your future options if you join a consulting firm after university
Graduate employers
There are many graduate opportunities in consulting, both in the City and across the country.
Graduate opportunities in consulting
Consultants fall into three main categories, who work with their clients on different issues and in different ways.
IMS Consulting Group: a healthy option in consulting
Internships
If you’re considering a career in consulting, a summer internship in your penultimate year at university is a great first step towards a graduate job.
Introducing consulting
Consulting involves solving business problems through structured, rigorous and evidence-based analysis.
Kepler Associates: remuneration consultants
Consultants here advise a wide range of companies on remuneration, giving them a deep understanding of the business world and unique insights into it
Learn two essential methods all consultants use
Insights from The Gateway
Life sciences, strategy consulting and six months in Shanghai
A consultant at IMS Consulting Group tells Keely Lockhart about her career, including her secondment to China's business capital
Management consulting and mountaineering: my life at PwC
Senior consultant and accomplished high-altitude climber Heather Geluk talks about the opportunities that the firm has given her
The Big Three: meet the world's top consulting firms
A guide to the world's top consulting firms
The four characters – what does a consultant really do?
How does a consultant help its clients? Sharan Ahluwalia from PA Consulting talks diagnosis, strategy and implementation
Three paths in consulting
Lucy Mair gets an introduction to PA Consulting Group from three graduates who've recently joined the firm
Top-down thinking: what it is and why it's a winning mindset for consultants
What does a risk consultant do?
Recent graduate Peter Hill tells Lucy Mair why he enjoys his job at Deloitte and about an exciting recent project that took him to Chicago
What is consulting - and could it be right for you?
With the help of PwC, Hannah Langworth introduces this exciting area of the business world
Why I moved to investment banking from consulting
We speak to an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley who has excelled at both, on why he made the switch and how the professions stack up

Enhance your career

Courses to develop your skills
Professional Preferences >
Leadership Overview >
Leadership Styles >
Professional Attributes >
Work Styles >
Digital Fitness Readiness >
Science of Weavee >
Read more...

Develop yourself

Courses to help you manage challenges
About Weavee >
Personal Values >
What is openness?
What is conscientiousness?
What is extraversion?
What is agreeableness?
What is neuroticism?
Read more...

City Careers Advice

Insight from The Gateway Online
Accounting >
Law >
Banking >
Asset Management >
Technology >
Consulting >
Internships >
Read More...
Many tools can measure our preferences and motivations, but they leave us saying “so what?” - squandering all the potential value and sunk costs - our tools help transform the way you appreciate yourself and others

For those with more questions...

Read more about us
Read more about Weavee
How is Weavee priced?
Read our press coverage
Contact us
Social Media

Copyright © Weavee LTD 2022, All Rights Reserved - Terms & Conditions of Website Use - Disclaimer