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What are the different types of consulting I can get into as a first job?

Recently graduated and am looking for entry level positions that will lead into consulting positions

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Doc’s Answer

Adam because most consulting work is contractual, a full-time consultant has significant control over the type of work they take on. By tailoring the companies you bid with or offer your services to, you can choose the projects you're interested in completing. This could help you follow your ideal career path.

Consulting work is appealing to professionals who prefer variety in their daily tasks. Some consultants work with companies in different industries, providing a great deal of variety from one contract to the next. Even if you prefer to work as a consultant within a single industry that you specialize in, the needs and abilities of one client are likely to differ from the next, meaning the daily tasks required to improve their performances can be very different. Working in consulting is also an excellent way to build your professional network. Because a consultant often transitions between multiple clients in the time an employee would remain with their one employer, the consultant meets and forms personal and professional connections with more people. Having a broad network can benefit you in many ways, both when working within your consulting position or when considering seeking an employee position or starting your own company.

BENEFITS
One word of caution Adam consultant usually work independently, as opposed to working for a consulting firm, it may mean you will not receive benefits such as healthcare and retirement funds. If you're concerned about your benefits package as a consultant, there are three options. The simplest solution is to work for a consulting firm that offers benefits. As an independent consultant, you may negotiate retirement benefits, such as company stocks, when creating a consulting contract, or you can independently invest in your own retirement fund to provide financial security for the future.

Although consulting can be an excellent career choice, it's important to understand the potential downsides of a career in consulting also Adam.
Thank you comment icon Thank You Michelle. Unless someone like us cares, nothing is going to get better. Doc Frick
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Trevor’s Answer

Believe it or not, most facets of consulting you can get involved in as a first job! Look at companies like PwC, KPMG, E&Y, and Deloitte's career pages to explore the opportunities!
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Paul’s Answer

One thing I would recommend is to increase your professional credentials.

Many consultants, that I know not only have experience in the field that they are consulting in, but many have upper level degrees (Master's or Ph.D), and professional certifications to go along with those degrees.

For example, I know civil engineers, who work in consulting, that not only have experience and education in the field, but also have the PE designation (Professional Engineer), where they had to have expert knowledge, of various engineering concepts, but also pass a professional certification exam, to demonstrate their knowledge.

So, I would recommend following a similar path, if you wish to eventually consult.
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Deepali’s Answer

Embarking on a career in consulting can be an exhilarating and fulfilling choice for your initial job, presenting a multitude of chances to engage in diverse sectors and specialties. Here's a glimpse into several consulting domains you might find intriguing as a launchpad for your career:

1. **Strategy Consulting**: This field is all about guiding clients in making top-tier decisions and crafting enduring strategies to enhance their overall performance and competitive edge. As a strategy consultant, you could find yourself working on exciting projects related to market entry, business expansion, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate strategy.

2. **Management Consulting**: This domain involves guiding businesses on how to boost their performance by tackling existing organizational issues and devising plans for enhancement. As a management consultant, you could be working across various areas such as operations, finance, and human resources.

3. **Financial Consulting**: This specialty revolves around advising clients on financial planning, risk management, and financial restructuring. As a financial consultant, you could be assisting with investment choices, banking matters, and preparing for financial audits.

4. **IT/Technology Consulting**: This field concentrates on guiding businesses on how to leverage information technology to achieve their business goals, enhance their tech prowess, or manage IT initiatives. This could encompass IT strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and the implementation of specific technologies like ERP systems.

5. **Human Resources Consulting**: This domain is centered around advising companies on matters pertaining to human capital and the organization's workforce. This could entail organizational restructuring, talent management, compensation strategies, and implementing HR technologies.

6. **Environmental Consulting**: This field involves guiding clients on environmental compliance, sustainability practices, waste management, and remediation of contaminated sites. This type of consulting is crucial for companies aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.

7. **Marketing Consulting**: This specialty is all about assisting businesses in developing and executing marketing strategies to advertise their products or services. This could encompass market research, branding, digital marketing strategies, and customer engagement.

8. **Healthcare Consulting**: This field specializes in advising healthcare organizations on operational efficiency, compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, technology implementations, and patient services improvement.

9. **Legal Consulting**: This domain involves offering expert advice on legal matters, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Legal consultants typically have a legal background and collaborate with law firms or corporate legal departments.

10. **Real Estate Consulting**: This field concentrates on guiding clients on property investment, development, management, and valuation. As a real estate consultant, you might collaborate with developers, investors, and public sector entities on a variety of real estate projects.

11. **Education Consulting**: This domain involves collaborating with educational institutions, organizations, and sometimes governments to enhance educational outcomes, develop curricula, implement educational technologies, and advise on education policy.

Each consulting type can bring its own unique set of challenges and learning experiences, making it crucial to select a field that resonates with your interests, abilities, and career goals. Regardless of the specific field, consulting roles often demand robust analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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Bianca’s Answer

Hello Adam!

I'm currently engaged in the realm of IT Consulting, a dynamic sector that empowers businesses to leverage various technologies to their maximum potential. It's an excellent starting point. There's a wealth of programs tailored for recent graduates or individuals keen on changing their career paths, designed to bolster your proficiency in diverse tools. Numerous companies offer complimentary programs that can significantly enhance your abilities in platforms such as Salesforce, AWS, SAP, Google Cloud, and more.

As an IT consultant, you have the freedom to delve into areas like development, business process analysis, or project management. If consulting intrigues you, this route offers the easiest entry point, coupled with consistent opportunities for skill development and career growth over time.
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Iliasu’s Answer

The variety of beginner-level consulting jobs is virtually endless, and it mostly depends on your personal interests and educational background. I recommend you explore consulting firms like PwC, EY, BDO, KPMG, Deloitte, and others to gather more details about their entry-level roles and what they require.
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Matt’s Answer

Hi Adam,

Many consulting firms have analyst positions that are an entry level role. This allows employees new to the consulting world to get real hands on experience and in some cases, explore different consulting practices the firm offers.
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Joseph’s Answer

To shine in the Consulting field, it's essential to play to your strengths.

I chose to dive into Technology Consulting since I have a good handle on various technologies. I've spent considerable time studying and developing my skills to fully understand the technology I wanted to concentrate on.

Coursera, Google Scholar, LinkedIn Learning, and EdX are fantastic platforms for online learning.
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Katherine’s Answer

Hi Adam!

Guess what? I hopped on board with my consulting role at Deloitte right after college, without a single day of corporate experience under my belt. Deloitte is known for welcoming large groups of fresh college graduates every year! And it's not just them - many other consulting firms follow the same practice. So, don't forget to stay alert for any info sessions on job hunting platforms. They're a great way to link up with recruiters. All the best! :)
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Houcine’s Answer

Hello Adam,

Congratulations on your recent graduation! As you explore entry-level positions leading to consulting roles, consider the diverse avenues available in the consulting field. You could delve into management consulting, where you'd work with organizations to improve performance and efficiency. Another option is technology consulting, focusing on advising clients on technology solutions and implementations. If you have a financial background, financial consulting may be an excellent fit, involving advising clients on financial strategies and investments. Human resources consulting is an option if you're interested in workforce management and organizational development. Explore the various facets of consulting, aligning them with your skills and interests, to find a fulfilling and promising first job in this dynamic field.

Best regards,
Houcine
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Julian’s Answer

Hi Adam, completely agree with everyone's responses. If I were you, I would research the consulting industry and familiarize yourself with the different types of consulting firms, their areas of expertise, and the skills they value. I would reach out to professionals in the consulting industry through networking events, career fairs, or online platforms like LinkedIn. Most professionals are willing to offer advice, especially if you leverage common interests and skills. I would apply to internships that align with your interests and goals. Practice common consulting interview questions and be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and teamwork experience. Research the firm you're interviewing with to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.

Stay focused, work hard, and continue to develop your skills and knowledge to increase your chances of securing a full-time position in the consulting field. But also consider and know why you want to be a consultant. It can be very demanding and fast-paced but you will always be learning new skills and solving unique problems!

Best,
Julian
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Adam,

Types of Consulting for Entry-Level Positions

As a recent graduate looking to enter the consulting field, there are several types of consulting roles that you can consider for your first job. These roles can provide valuable experience and serve as a stepping stone for a successful career in consulting. Here are some of the different types of consulting you can explore:

Management Consulting: This type of consulting involves providing strategic advice to businesses and organizations to help them improve their performance and efficiency. Management consultants work on a wide range of projects, including organizational restructuring, market entry strategy, and operational improvement.

Technology Consulting: Technology consultants assist clients in leveraging technology to achieve their business objectives. This may involve implementing new systems, optimizing existing technologies, or providing guidance on digital transformation initiatives.

Financial Consulting: Financial consultants work with clients to provide financial analysis, planning, and advisory services. They may be involved in areas such as investment management, risk assessment, or financial restructuring.

Human Resources Consulting: HR consultants focus on helping organizations manage their human capital effectively. They may be involved in areas such as talent acquisition, performance management, and organizational development.

Marketing Consulting: Marketing consultants assist businesses in developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote their products or services. This may involve market research, branding, advertising, and digital marketing initiatives.

Environmental Consulting: Environmental consultants work with clients to address environmental issues and ensure compliance with regulations. They may be involved in areas such as sustainability planning, environmental impact assessments, and remediation projects.

Healthcare Consulting: Healthcare consultants provide advisory services to healthcare organizations, assisting them in areas such as healthcare management, process improvement, and regulatory compliance.

Strategy Consulting: Strategy consultants focus on helping organizations develop long-term strategic plans to achieve their business goals. They may be involved in areas such as market analysis, competitive positioning, and growth strategies.

Operations Consulting: Operations consultants work with clients to optimize their business processes and improve operational efficiency. This may involve supply chain management, logistics optimization, and process reengineering.

Risk Management Consulting: Risk management consultants help organizations identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact their business operations. They may be involved in areas such as enterprise risk management, compliance assessments, and internal control evaluations.

When considering entry-level consulting positions, it’s essential to research each type of consulting role to determine which aligns best with your skills, interests, and career goals.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review is a leading source of management ideas and insights for professionals around the world. It provides authoritative articles on various aspects of consulting and business strategy.

Deloitte Insights: Deloitte Insights offers comprehensive research and analysis on various consulting topics, including technology, strategy, finance, and human capital.

McKinsey & Company: McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm that publishes valuable insights and reports on industry trends, business strategy, and organizational performance.

These sources were utilized to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided regarding the different types of consulting for entry-level positions.

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GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY, AMEN,
James Constantine Frangos.
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Stephanie’s Answer

Hi! There are a lot of areas of consulting that you can get into and many offer entry level roles. There are numerous companies and firms that have consulting positions as well and consulting is a great way to learn various skills and work with various types of businesses. I work in risk consulting at a large consulting firm, but there are also large units for management consulting and technical consulting that all have different opportunities and serve a variety of clients. I would recommend figuring out what your interest areas are and determine which type of consulting you would like to try based on that. If you do start working in a consulting position, just be flexible and ready to learn. It's great job experience and a way to get a lot of variety in your work. I hope this helps!
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Kate’s Answer

Consulting opportunities are abundant right from your first year! Engaging in a summer internship within a specific consulting type can be a great way to discover if it's the right fit for you. Plus, interning at a large firm opens up a world of shadowing opportunities across various groups, provided you make the right connections! Many people are eager to introduce you to the myriad of possibilities and help you find your perfect fit. If you're keen on gaining a broad understanding of the types of consulting you can pursue post-college, starting with job websites and career fairs can be a great way to identify the ones that best align with your skills and/or major. Wishing you all the best on your journey!

Kate recommends the following next steps:

Access Your Potential is an ecosystem of learning, support and connections for Black and Latino/Hispanic college students, across all fields of study, as they explore their future careers. You will have access to mentorship with PwC professionals, paid consulting externships and free curriculums to help you grow and discover what you want for your career. For more information: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
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Nathaniel’s Answer

Consulting is a very broad landscape, it's important to explore through research, networking, news, LinkedIn and other avenues to understanding where you want to be within this field. In the networking conversations try to get a deep understanding of the good, the challenges and the expectations. Also, assess your skillset - technical and soft skills and seek ways to invest in yourself to further develop. Once you've done these things assess your network and the opportunities in your area and look for opportunities to engage with those activitely in the field for opportunities. Lastly, be persistent. It is a highly competitive space but with maintain relationships and be intentional with your conversations.

Explore on Access Your Potential’s site potential career opportunities like internships and paid consulting externships for nonprofits. To learn more: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
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Rylee’s Answer

There's a whole world of consulting roles out there, each one unique and exciting in its own way. Just think about the big 4 companies - they've got a whole range of areas you can specialize in. Maybe you're passionate about tax, or perhaps energy, cloud and digital are more your style. The choice is yours!

A great way to figure out what you're really interested in is to try a broad internship or do an internal evaluation of what area really sparks your interest. Then, you can start targeting positions in that field.

Don't worry if you feel like you're not qualified for many roles. Believe me, you've picked up more skills than you realize during your time at University. And remember, employers don't expect you to know everything right off the bat. They know you're just starting out and they're ready to help you learn and grow. So, go ahead and take that leap. You've got this!
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Harrison’s Answer

Hello Adam! You've asked an excellent question. Indeed, the consulting field is vast and diverse, with numerous specialized roles. Let me share a few examples with you:

1. Management Consulting: This role is all about offering strategic guidance and solutions to organizations, helping them enhance their performance and efficiency. It often encompasses strategy formulation, organizational structuring, process enhancement, and change management.

2. IT Consulting: This role is centered around advising organizations on how to optimally use technology to meet their business goals. It can cover areas like IT strategy, system implementation, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

3. Financial Consulting: This role involves delivering financial advice and solutions to clients. It can cover a range of areas including financial planning, investment management, risk evaluation, and mergers and acquisitions.

4. Human Resources Consulting: This role is dedicated to assisting organizations with their human resources tasks. This can include talent recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, and organizational development.

What's fascinating is that these different specialties often collaborate amongst each other in order to offer the client a comprehensive range of services best suited for their needs. One of the best things about consulting is the vast exposure and experience you gain, often faster than in industry roles. This might help you discover your own area of interest!
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Christine’s Answer

Adam,

Embarking on a journey to become a consultant usually means amassing a wealth of expertise and experience in a particular field before shifting into a guidance role. There's a myriad of roles that can act as valuable steppingstones on your path to a consulting career.

Consider the business sectors that ignite your passion, such as IT, legal, finance, human resources, etc., that you may be interested in. You could then seek out entry-level positions in these fields to cultivate your experience.

Alongside gaining experience, securing pertinent certifications, forging a robust professional network, and continually honing your skills are pivotal steps on your road to becoming a triumphant consultant. Remember, the world of consulting highly prizes a blend of industry knowledge, problem-solving prowess, and proficient communication skills.

Wishing you every success,
Chris
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Christine! Adam
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Dan’s Answer

Consulting is a difficult field with high barriers to entry unless you have an advanced degree or graduate from a top-15 undergraduate/graduate school program.

Typically consultants are expected to have experience in the field in which they are consulting, or a graduate-degree level of education prior to seeking employment at a top firm.

What is known as the Big Four include: Ernest & Young (EY), PeC, Deloitte, & KPMG. Bain, Boston Consulting, & McKinsey are also large, well-known consulting firms.

The easiest way to get a job in consulting after graduation is to graduate with a degree in Finance, Mathematics, Accounting, or like-field. Alternatively, there are specialized consulting roles for different industry verticals, such as: health care & life sciences where more science-oriented degrees may create opportunities for yourself.
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Sonia’s Answer

Hello Adam! It's wonderful that you're interested in consulting. At present, I'm engaged in risk consulting at my firm, an area I knew little about before I began. Given this, I would strongly suggest you explore potential internship opportunities at large firms that encompass a wide range of industries, such as IT, Real Estate, and Hospitality, among others.

Once you secure an internship, it's crucial to concentrate on making a significant impact and maintaining productivity by asking questions whenever you're uncertain. At this stage in your career, it's vital to soak up as much knowledge as possible, especially while you're still young. Additionally, try to foster relationships with your team members and, if possible, with clients. This networking will undoubtedly aid in your career advancement, regardless of the path you choose. I hope you find this advice useful!
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Hanna’s Answer

Hello, kudos on your significant achievement! I recall my own college graduation not too long ago, a memory I cherish deeply. Regarding your interest in Consulting, I was fortunate enough to land a Consulting role straight after college. Initially, I was inclined towards the industry, specifically HR Recruiting, but fate led me to HR Consulting. While having industry experience could be beneficial in my role, it's certainly not indispensable. You can acquire the necessary knowledge from your clients. I suggest you explore Consulting firm websites for entry-level positions that align with your degree. I hope this advice is valuable. Once again, a hearty congratulations on your monumental achievement!
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Alexandra’s Answer

I would recommend increasing your professional credentials and begin networking with those that are also supporting a consulting role. There are a variety of types of "consulting" roles, so I recommend deciding what area of expertise you would like to be a consultant in.

For example, you can be a financial consultant, a consultant within a Defense Contracting Business etc.
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Maneet’s Answer

As a fresh graduate eager to break into the consulting world, you have a multitude of beginner-level paths to explore. You could delve into management consulting, where you'll have the chance to guide organizations on strategic projects and problem resolution. Alternatively, financial consulting could be your calling, where you'll aid clients with financial planning and scrutiny.

If you're technologically inclined, technology consulting might be a good fit, focusing on the implementation and optimization of tech solutions. Human resources consulting, on the other hand, allows you to counsel organizations on employee relations and talent management.

Healthcare consulting is another viable option, offering the chance to enhance operations and patient care within the healthcare sector. Strategy consulting could be your forte if you're interested in assisting companies with long-term planning and strategic decision-making. Lastly, environmental consulting could be your choice if you're passionate about environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives.

As you navigate these entry-level roles, look for positions that expose you to consulting projects, client engagement, and opportunities for skills enhancement and career progression within the consulting arena.

For a more personalized guide, I suggest connecting with professionals on LinkedIn. Not only can they steer you towards the right career path, but they may also recommend you for any forthcoming vacancies within their consulting firms. Best of luck! Maneet Bedi
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Kathryn’s Answer

Consulting is a great first job for a new graduate! The Big 4 (PwC, EY, KPMG, and Deloitte) are teaching firms and hire plenty of grads for entry level consulting positions.

Kathryn recommends the following next steps:

I would suggest narrowing down what type of consulting you're most interested in (Technology, Tax, Strategy etc.) and try to grab an internship first. This would allow you to get feel for not only the nature of Consulting, but also whether or not the particular industry piques your interest.
If you are aiming to immediately find a full time position, connect with professionals at the companies you're interested in on LinkedIn and reach out to them. Ask questions about their work, how they broke into that industry, anything that would help you establish a warm connections. If you chose to apply, they could offer you a recommendation which would improve your chances of getting hired.
Lastly, there are a lot of soft skills associated with Consulting as we are typically client-facing. Fine-tune skills like public speaking, active listening, and organization which becomes very important in your day-to-day work and having to manage multiple clients at once. Best of luck!
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T’s Answer

Entry-level consulting jobs for recent graduates typically fall into various categories, each requiring specific skill sets and expertise. Management Consulting is a prevalent option, where entry-level consultants work with clients to solve complex business problems and improve organizational performance. They may be involved in strategy development, process optimization, and overall business transformation. Another common path is Technology Consulting, where graduates with a background in technology or computer science help clients integrate and optimize technology solutions, such as implementing software systems or advising on IT strategies.

Financial Consulting is another avenue, attracting graduates with finance or accounting backgrounds. Entry-level consultants in this field may be involved in financial analysis, risk management, or providing strategic financial advice to clients. Human Resources Consulting is also a notable option, involving working with clients on talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development. Graduates interested in healthcare may opt for Healthcare Consulting, where they contribute to improving healthcare systems, optimizing operations, and navigating regulatory challenges. These are just a few examples, as the consulting field is diverse, offering opportunities for graduates with various academic backgrounds and interests.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Adam
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