Business consultants are often self-employed in the service of companies or organizations that need advice or guidance to increase efficiency, productivity and profits. Using analysis, experience and testing, consultants offer innovative and optimized management methods. There is no single path to carry out this work, what is certain is that you need to acquire a good preparation and have relevant experiences.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Training
Step 1. Learn about work
If you are interested in making a career in this sector, you must first deepen your knowledge of the profession. It is a rather broad career path that allows you to intervene in different fields.
- "Consulting" is a generic term, adaptable to different spheres of the business world. As a business consultant you can help companies in various areas, such as product marketing, public relations, cost reduction and other aspects related to the day-to-day running of a business. Companies from all sectors need this professional figure, so there are good prospects for those who want to make a career. It is a highly demanded and profitable job.
- But working as a consultant comes with many challenges, especially since doing this profession requires problem solving in the first place. This professional often handles some of the biggest challenges a company faces, such as hiring new staff or restructuring finances following a crisis. It can therefore be a very stressful job, however some find it exciting. Every day you will have to solve complex issues in order to obtain fast and tangible results.
- Some think that becoming a business consultant is a means to an end. There are people who decide to do this job for several years in order to reach higher positions, while others consider it a long-term career. It is a relatively stable and profitable job, but remember that the pace is tight and that it is difficult to have a pre-established routine. Working 60 hours a week is by no means uncommon for a business consultant.
Step 2. Work hard in high school
If you want to make a career in business, you need to start thinking about it well in advance. Making a commitment will pay off in the future when you need to enroll in college.
- Try to have high grades and prepare yourself for any placement tests. You can buy study guides and even do repetitions. With a high average and good preparation, it will be easier to enter a limited number faculty.
- Focus on subjects that will come in handy in the future. Learning about disciplines like math, economics, and marketing will prepare you better for college. Also look for advanced online courses.
- Try to get good work experience from high school. Talk to your coordinator and explain what your professional goals are. It might help you find student internships. Even an experience that is not really relevant to what you will do in the future (for example, getting a summer job in the secretariat of a company in the area) can be useful, in fact you will have a taste of the real working world. If you have a specific industry in mind, look for a relevant job. For example, if you dream of consulting in the medical field, look for a summer job as a receptionist at a hospital.
Step 3. Try to make the most of the college experience
Strive to have a high average - remember it is being considered by a potential employer right away. You should also choose a relevant faculty and gain work experience while studying.
- You should major in business administration or otherwise pursue a similar degree. Talk to an orientation officer for advice on this. Alternatively, you can enroll in a three-year undergraduate course related to the industry you wish to work in after graduation. For example, if you want to consult with an engineering firm, you could enroll in engineering or a science faculty. You can then do a specialist or a masters in business administration. Another possibility is to obtain two degrees: one in economics and another specific to the sector in which you intend to work. Of course you need to know how to juggle the business world and become a true expert, but knowing a specific field can also give you a distinct advantage.
- Commit to having a good average. A high degree mark is often essential to be taken into consideration, and in any case it always allows you to make a good impression. It also tries to gain experience outside the academic environment. Become a member of an association related to your interests and projects. Do you want to work as a business consultant in a technology company? Join a computer science association. Try to do extracurricular activities and play a leadership role. All this will be of great help to you to have a resume with all the trimmings.
- He works during his studies, especially in the summer. Employers know that recent graduates don't have much experience, but those who have internships and other relevant jobs always have a competitive advantage. He works as an administrative assistant in a local company. Look for summer internships related to the field you are interested in. Data entry experiences can also enrich the curriculum, as it is a job that requires a certain attention to detail. Many companies are willing to hire college students for part-time data entry jobs, so don't overlook this possibility.
Step 4. Consider a master
Some companies prefer to hire someone who has a master's degree in business administration or a similar field. This, in fact, allows you to have a competitive advantage in the job market. As you approach the end of your college career, talk to faculty, former employers, and career counselors to see if it would be a wise move in light of your plans.
Method 2 of 3: Preparing for the Job Market
Step 1. Write your resume
It is an essential marketing tool in the business world. To prepare for your job search, write a good CV and send it to potential employers.
- The secret lies in the attention to detail. The use of bullets, spaces, certain characters, and other formatting features must be consistent throughout the resume. For example, if you are describing a summer internship using a bulleted list, use it for any other experience you will indicate.
- Creative graphics accompanied by a certain professionalism can be an excellent marketing tool. You can download resume templates online or get inspiration from websites like Pinterest. Before sending a CV of this type, find out about the environment of the company. If you are going to send it to a young and modern company, it can help you sell you better. If you are going to send it to a hospital instead, it will probably be better to make a more professional document.
- Talk about your experiences using powerful phrases. Online you can find lists of popular CV expressions that will help you process your experiences in the most engaging way possible. For example, for one summer you worked as a secretary to a business manager at an accounting firm in your city. Do not write: "I took care of the customer relationship on behalf of Mr. Bianchi". Write instead: "Representation of Mr. Bianchi in relations with customers and with the community in general. Care of public relations and management of standards of professional conduct".
- List only relevant experiences. Many make the mistake of entering whatever work they have done. However, keep in mind the employment you are applying for. If it's an entry-level position in an engineering firm, the employer probably won't care to know that you were delivering pizza to support yourself during your studies. Instead, a summer internship in your university's engineering department could give you a distinct competitive edge.
- When you can, take advantage of the career guidance service offered by your university. Attend workshops that explain how to write a resume. Ask a career counselor to take a look at your CV and give you suggestions.
Step 2. Go in search of a job
It's a stressful experience, but when you start looking for work in your chosen industry, you should know how to find entry-level jobs.
- Networking is the most effective way to find a job in the business world. Contact companies where you worked part-time or did an internship in the past. If you have stood out, they will be willing to hire you or recommend you to another company. Also contact professors and colleagues. Someone could put a good word for you at their workplace.
- You can also find work using virtual message boards. Websites like Indeed, Monster, and Infojobs often post job postings for entry-level positions.
- Try to have a positive attitude. Thousands of people graduate each year, yet jobs are limited; it can therefore take months to find a job. However, try to be optimistic: if you get discouraged, you unknowingly risk transmitting this attitude through cover letters and application forms. Think of it this way: looking for a job should be an exciting challenge, not a burden.
Step 3. Practice making a good impression at an interview
In fact, you should prepare yourself for an eventual invitation. Practice being good at interviewing - this will surprise potential employers and maybe get hired.
- Dress the right way. If you're looking for an entry-level job, you'll be on the safe side with formal attire. Men will look good with a jacket and tie, while women with a suit, or a shirt paired with a pair of trousers or a skirt.
- Express respect and confidence through body language. When you enter a room, stand straight and walk with a firm step. Shake your interlocutor's hand with determination. Make eye contact, smile and nod when he talks to show him you're listening.
- Do all the necessary research. Before an interview, you should always do an online search, especially on the company's website. Try to understand the goals, ethics, and overall mission. Read the section of the site entitled "About us". You can also find information on social networks: take a look at the publications to get an idea of the general environment.
- Ask questions at the end of the interview. Don't just ask logistical questions, like "When should I get news?". Ask serious and thoughtful questions to show that the company really cares about you, such as: "What is the company culture?" or "Why do you like working here?".
Method 3 of 3: Gaining Experience and Qualifications
Step 1. Try to get high-level experiences
They are essential for becoming a business consultant. Right after graduation, start looking for an entry level job and try to make a career out of it, gaining some familiarity with the various aspects of the business.
- Choose a field related to your actual goal. If you want to work as a business consultant in a hospital or healthcare company, look for a job in the finance division of a hospital or health insurance company.
- Before you start working as a business consultant, you will need to do some training for a few years, for example as an administrative assistant or analyst. Companies are built on a hierarchy, so to get the job of your dreams, you first need to prove that you are capable of it. If you are offered an entry level position, accept it and give it your all every day. Explain to your boss and colleagues that you are interested in consulting. If they are impressed with your skills and professional ethics, they will turn to you when they need advice.
Step 2. Consider certification programs
After accepting an entry-level position, it is very helpful to obtain a qualification in business consulting. It is not compulsory to work, but it can give you a distinct competitive advantage when looking for a job as a consultant.
- The most recognized accreditation program, also at an international level, is the Certified Management Consultant qualification, which in Italy is awarded by the Italian Professional Association of Management Consultants. You can submit your application for membership online. There are three types of membership, which depend on different requirements. It's definitely a useful qualification, but getting it isn't easy. In addition to submitting the application, you will need to attend an admissions interview.
- Less stringent qualifications are offered online and in other associations: you can search for them on the internet or in your city. Talk to other business consultants to ask about any certificates they have obtained, so you can get an idea of which programs are best for you.
Step 3. Consider your long-term plans
This career path is quite broad, so it allows you to acquire different skills in the business world. When you start working as a consultant, consider your future plans.
- In many cases, a career in business consulting is long-term. Since all companies need this professional figure, it is a stable and profitable job. However, it can also be stressful, and the problems vary considerably from day to day. The days are long and sometimes you get to work 70 hours a week. It may also happen that you cannot enjoy your holidays in peace. After gaining some experience, you may find that you want a more stable use, with less pressure.
- After years of consulting, many move on to another role. With such an experience behind you, you could work in virtually any division of a company. If you're not sure if the world of consulting is right for you in the long term, consider other areas of business and management that are potentially right for you. Talk to your colleagues about it to find other long-term career avenues in business.
Step 4. Decide whether to continue working for a company or do independent consultancy
Do you want to stay in the business consulting sector? Consider starting your own business. If you've had years of experience and have a good reputation, you may be able to acquire customers in a specific field without the support of any company. Going on your own involves a considerable risk, but it can also be extremely rewarding. If you plan to make a career as a business consultant and stay in the industry, always keep in mind the possibility of working independently.
