How to Get Into Consulting in 2025
Looking to break into the world of consulting? Our comprehensive guide has got you covered with expert tips, key skills required, and additional resources.
Posted December 20, 2024
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If you're considering a career in consulting, you've come to the right place. Consulting is a challenging yet rewarding field that requires a unique set of skills and experience. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking to make a career shift, this comprehensive guide will give you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in the industry.
The Consulting Industry
Before diving into the world of consulting, it's important to have a clear understanding of what the industry entails. Many consulting firms are hired by organizations to provide expert advice in a variety of areas, including:
- Finance
- Strategy
- Human resources
- Technology
- Healthcare
- And more which you can find here
Consulting firms can vary greatly in size and specialization. Some firms focus on offering broad services across multiple industries, while others specialize in niche markets or specific types of consulting. Regardless of the focus, all consulting firms aim to provide actionable solutions that drive client success.
On a day-to-day basis, consultants work with clients to solve complex problems and improve business operations, making consulting a high-stakes industry that demands professionalism, creativity, and critical thinking skills to help clients achieve their objectives. This requires a deep understanding of both the client’s business and the industry in which they operate. At any point in time, it’s common for consultants to have around 3-5 clients, each with a different set of project management requirements.
Because consultants often work with a diverse range of clients across different industries. This allows consultants to gain a broad understanding of various business models and challenges, and to develop a versatile skill set that can be applied to different contexts. However, this also means that consultants must be adaptable and able to quickly learn about ever-evolving industries and business environments.
The Pros of Consulting
Lots of people flock to consulting because it serves as an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. Consultants are often required to work on a variety of projects, which allows them to gain experience in different areas such as project management, data analysis, and strategic planning. This diverse skill set can be valuable in many different industries and can open up new career opportunities for the future.
In addition, firms often provide management consultants with extensive training and development programs. This can include both formal training sessions and on-the-job learning opportunities. These programs can help consultants stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices, and can also help them develop new skills and knowledge that can be applied to their work.
Some other benefits of working in consulting include exposure to cutting-edge technology and business practices, high earning potential, a fast-paced work environment that appeals to individuals who thrive in challenging and dynamic situations, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on clients' businesses and help shape the future of their industries.
See more at: How to Answer the "Why Consulting" Interview Question
Types of Consulting Firms
When starting your career in consulting, it's essential to choose the right type of consulting firm to work for based on your interests and skills. Here are some types of consulting firms:
- Strategy Consulting Firms: Focus on developing and implementing high-level strategies for growth, market trends, and long-term planning.
- Management Consulting Firms: Focus on improving business operations and efficiency, streamlining processes, and implementing new technologies.
- Boutique Consulting Firms: Smaller, specialized firms that focus on specific industries or areas of expertise, offering personalized and hands-on experience.
Choosing the right firm for you involves understanding your own career goals and interests. If you prefer working on big-picture strategic issues, a strategy consulting firm might be the best fit. If you enjoy optimizing processes and implementing new technologies, management consulting could be your calling. For those who want to specialize in a particular industry, a boutique consulting firm might offer the most rewarding opportunities.
For more info on the different types of consulting firms and how to decide which is the best for you, take a look at our article: Types of Consulting: A Comprehensive Overview.
Key Skills You Need for a Successful Career in Consulting
Consulting is a highly competitive industry that requires a strong set of skills to succeed. To work for a top consulting firm, you’ll need to develop and show off your competence in analytical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, and project management. Additionally, consultants should have a high level of professionalism and a strong work ethic to succeed in the fast-paced consulting industry.
Every successful management consultant should also be able to work well in a team to solve complex problems for their clients. A huge portion of business management relies on building strong communication skills between team members, so it’s essential to be able to collaborate effectively with others and contribute to the team's success. This includes being able to communicate clearly, listen actively, and be open to feedback from team members.
Furthermore, consultants should have a strong understanding of the industry or industries they specialize in. This includes staying up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations, and best practices. Having a deep understanding of the industry allows consultants to provide valuable insights and recommendations to their clients, which can help them achieve their business goals.
For more on the top skills you’ll need as a management consultant, read our article Soft Skills for Consulting: Why They Matter and How to Develop Them.
5 Ways to Get Into Consulting (2025)
1. Build connections with people in the industry.
Starting with some intense networking is a great way to break into the management consulting profession. Building a robust professional network can provide opportunities for growth and advancement in the industry. Some effective networking strategies include:
- Attending industry events
- Connecting with colleagues and mentors
- Engaging with online professional communities
- Actively seeking out new connections
- Following up with new connections and maintaining relationships
Try your best to connect with folks in top consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company. Having these types of industry professionals in your network will help you learn more about parts of the job that you might not be aware of, especially in these professionals’ particular companies.
Always remember: the people you invite and add to your network are not just a means to an end, so always follow up with new connections and maintain those relationships over time. Consistently building and maintaining a strong network can provide countless benefits to help progress your career.
2. Have a compelling resume and cover letter ready to go.
Your resume and cover letter are your first impressions of potential employers in the consulting industry. Crafting a strong resume and cover letter that highlights your skills and experiences is essential to stand out in a competitive consulting job application market. It's important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific consulting firm and role you're applying for to highlight your relevant experiences and demonstrate your fit for the position.
In addition to tailoring your resume and cover letter, it's also important to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team. Top consulting firms value candidates who can think critically and collaborate effectively with others. Be sure to highlight any experiences where you have demonstrated these skills, such as group projects or leadership skills roles in extracurricular activities. Additionally, consider including any relevant certifications or technical skills that may set you apart from other candidates.
Read: Consulting Resume Guide – Examples & Template [2025] and How to Write a Winning Consulting Cover Letter
3. Make sure you're prepared for interviews.
Consulting interviews are notoriously challenging, and preparation is key to excel. Preparing for an interview includes researching the consulting firm, practicing common interview questions, and understanding the case interview format. You should also be prepared to demonstrate your analytical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities during the case interview process. With the right preparation and practice, you can excel in any consulting interview.
It is also important to be familiar with the industry or sector that the consulting firm specializes in. This will help you understand the types of problems and challenges that their clients may face, and allow you to tailor your responses and solutions accordingly. Additionally, it is helpful to have a strong understanding of business concepts such as finance, strategy, and operations, as these are often the focus of consulting projects. By demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the industry and business concepts, you can further impress your interviewer and increase your chances of success.
4. Become a specialist.
If you’re looking to get into consulting as an experienced hire, being a specialist is one of the best ways to stand out. Unlike entry-level roles that focus on broad problem-solving skills, experienced hire roles focus on depth in a specific area. Think about it: consulting firms are hired for their expertise and clients want advisors who really get their industry or challenge. Whether it’s mastering a technical skill like data analytics or being an industry insider in healthcare or renewable energy, your specialism can make you irreplaceable.
Use this to your advantage in your application and interviews. Use specific metrics or case studies from your career to show how you’ve delivered results in your specialism. If you’ve been in a highly specialist role, show how your knowledge can apply across industries – firms love people who can scale expertise into different contexts. Being a specialist isn’t just what sets you apart, it makes you the firm’s next go-to expert and that’s exactly what they’re looking for.
5. Get a mentor.
Consulting is a tough industry to crack alone. Find a mentor — ideally someone who’s already working at a consulting firm or has a strong understanding of the field. They can offer you personalized advice, practice cases, and even recommend you to their firm. Many consulting firms value referrals highly, so having someone vouch for you can make all the difference.
If you're not sure where to start, there are tons of current and former consultants on Leland that you can chat talk with to find out more about the field, specific roles, skills needed, and so much more.
The Bottom Line
Breaking into consulting is challenging but far from impossible. With a mix of strategy, persistence, and intentional effort, you can position yourself as a top candidate. From networking effectively and crafting a compelling resume to becoming a specialist and excelling in interviews, every step you take gets you closer to your goal. Consulting is a dynamic, rewarding career path that offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and impact — and with the right preparation, you can make it yours. Whether you're just starting out or pivoting as an experienced hire, don’t underestimate the power of mentorship and tailored advice to guide you along the way. Your dream consulting role is within reach — go get it!
Get Your Dream Consulting Job With the Help of an Expert
Successful consultants have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with aspiring consultants. Seeking advice and mentorship from seasoned professionals can provide invaluable insights and advice for building and advancing your consulting career. At Leland, we have a wide array of experienced consultants from multiple top consulting businesses and industries, all of which are ready to help you navigate your chosen industry with confidence and success. You can find them all here, or look below for our highest-rated professionals.
With the information and guidance provided in this guide, you're now equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to begin your journey toward a successful career in consulting. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow, you can excel in this exciting and dynamic industry.
For more helpful advice on the world of consulting, read our articles:
- Types of Consulting: A Comprehensive Overview
- Five Tips to Break Into Management Consulting
- A Day in the Life of a McKinsey Management Consultant
- An Overview of Different Jobs in Consulting
FAQs for Starting Your Career in Consulting
What is management consulting and why should I consider a career in it?
- Management consulting involves providing expert advice to organizations in various areas such as finance, strategy, human resources, and technology. A career in consulting offers high earning potential, exposure to diverse industries, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
What skills are essential for a successful consulting career?
- Key skills for consulting include strong analytical abilities, effective communication, problem-solving, project management, teamwork, and industry-specific knowledge. Continuous learning and adaptability are also crucial in this ever-evolving field.
How do I choose the right consulting firm for my career?
- Consider your interests and skills when choosing a consulting firm. Research different types of firms, such as strategy consulting firms, management consulting firms, and boutique firms. Each offers unique career opportunities and paths. Evaluate the firm's size, culture, specialization, and growth prospects to find the best fit for your career goals.
How do I set myself up for a career in consulting during business school?
- While you’re in business school, or any other school for that matter, focus on networking, gaining relevant experience through internships, and participating in consulting clubs and competitions to build a strong foundation for your future consulting career.
What should I include in my consulting resume and cover letter?
- Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements in your consulting resume and cover letter. Tailor your application to the specific consulting firm and role you're applying for, emphasizing your problem-solving abilities, teamwork experience, and industry knowledge. Include any certifications or technical skills that set you apart from other candidates
How do I prepare for consulting interviews?
- Consulting interviews often include case interviews where you analyze hypothetical business scenarios. Prepare by researching the consulting firm, practicing common interview questions, and understanding the case interview format. Demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills, and be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the consulting role.
What is a case interview and how can I excel in it?
- A case interview involves analyzing a business scenario and providing solutions based on your analysis. To excel, ask clarifying questions, structure your analysis clearly, and use frameworks like MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive). Practice regularly with mock interviews to improve your confidence and performance.
What are some common mistakes to avoid while pursuing a career in consulting?
- Some mistakes we often see prospective consultants make include not thoroughly researching and preparing for the industry, lacking focus in their job search, not taking the time to build a professional network, and not adapting to new technologies and practices in the industry. Avoiding these mistakes can contribute to long-term success in your consulting caree
What opportunities for growth and development are available in consulting?
- Consulting offers opportunities for career advancement within your firm, exploring different industries or specialties, and continuous learning. Engage in professional development programs, seek mentorship, and actively network to discover new opportunities and stay competitive in the industry.
