What does a business consultant do?

I might want to work as a business consultant someday, but I'm not really clear on what they actually do. Can someone break it down for me? What skills or education do you need for this job?

A business consultant typically works with different organizations to assess problems and propose solutions. They offer services such as strategic planning, operational improvement, financial organization, and marketing strategies.

Here's the rundown:

1. Problem Diagnosis: Business consultants often start their process by thoroughly understanding the organization's challenges. They do this by reviewing records, conducting interviews, observing operations, etc.

2. Solution Proposal: Once they have identified the problem areas, they put together a detailed plan which sets out the strategy to improve the situation. This could be anything from developing a new marketing campaign, implementing a new software system, or suggesting organizational changes.

3. Implementation: Some consultants also assist in implementing their suggestions, working alongside the organization’s staff to bring about the required changes.

4. Evaluation: A key part of a consultant's job is follow-up, where they check in after a certain period of time to see how the strategies are working and make adjustments as needed.

In terms of education, many consultants have a Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field. Often, they also hold a MBA, but it is not a strict requirement. Some other preferable skills include critical thinking, effective communication, project management and good understanding of data analysis. This role requires both analytical skills, to assess the company’s issues, and people skills, to advise team members and lead them to change.