Can someone explain what a consultant does?

I've been hearing a lot about consulting jobs and am considering it as a future career. What's the general job description of a consultant, and what skills or education would I need?

A consultant is essentially a problem solver for businesses. They are industry experts whose role is to advise and guide their clients in order to improve business performance in a specific area, such as operations, finance, HR, or marketing. They analyze the company's operational problems, identify potential improvements, and prepare strategic plans to execute these changes. This may include recommendations for new systems, organizational change, and development plans for employees.

Education-wise, most consultants have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like business, economics, or finance. Many even pursue an MBA or related master’s degree. Depending on the field of consulting, a degree in a related field may be beneficial. For instance, an IT consultant may need a computer science degree, while a healthcare consultant might require a background in a health-related discipline.

Skills essential for a consultant include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, as they have to identify issues in a business and formulate strategies to address them. Excellent communication is essential as they need to effectively convey their ideas to clients and team members. Project management and teamwork are other important skills considering that consultants frequently work in teams and manage various projects. Additionally, they should have a good understanding of business functions and industry-specific knowledge.

It's worth noting that reputable consulting firms often require a track record of strong academic performance and may prefer applicants from top-tier colleges. Work experience, especially in a related industry or field, can also enhance your qualifications for a consulting role.

As you explore this career path, consider reaching out to professionals working in consulting to gain a more nuanced understanding of the role based on real-life experiences, and think about potential internships or work experiences in consulting that you could pursue to decide if this path is right for you.