How to Get Into Consulting in 2025 – Tips From Consulting Career Coaches
Learn how to get into consulting with expert-backed tips, timelines, and strategies for resumes, interviews, and networking. No guesswork, just results.
Posted April 15, 2025
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To get into consulting, you’ll need a strong mix of analytical skills, networking, tailored applications, and preparation for case interviews.
This guide walks you through every step, from choosing the right consulting firms to becoming a successful management consultant, with advice from real coaches who’ve helped hundreds land top consulting jobs.
Read: What is Management Consulting?
The Consulting Industry
The consulting industry revolves around helping companies solve complex business problems. Consulting firms are brought in to deliver expert advice, optimize company operations, or launch new strategies. Depending on the type of firm and client, consultants might tackle projects in:
- Strategy and market entry
- Technology transformation
- Organizational redesign
- Financial restructuring
- Healthcare innovation
- And more which you can find here
Consultants work on fast-paced, high-impact projects, often juggling multiple clients at once. This means you’ll need excellent problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, and adaptability to thrive in this career path.
There are two main consulting paths:
- Management consulting - Focused on improving business performance through strategic and operational solutions.
- Independent consulting - An independent consultant serves clients on a freelance or contract basis using their specialized knowledge.
Why Choose a Career in Consulting?
A career in consulting is both a prestige and a launchpad for long-term success. Here’s why many ambitious professionals choose this path:
- You gain practical experience across industries
- High earning potential early in your career
- Access to international clients and global problems
- Strong career progression and exit opportunities
- A culture of continuous learning and challenge
And if you're an experienced hire, your ability to solve complex problems in a specific industry (like tech, energy, or finance) makes you especially valuable to top consulting firms.
5 Proven Steps to Get Into Consulting in 2025
1. Build Your Professional Network Strategically
In consulting, who you know can be just as important as what you know, especially when you're first trying to get into consulting. A strong professional network can unlock insider knowledge, referrals, and interview prep that you simply won’t find online. Start by attending networking events (like consulting club mixers or industry panels), connecting with alumni from your business school, and reaching out on LinkedIn with personalized, thoughtful messages. Don't overlook the power of platforms like Leland, where you can connect directly with consulting coaches who work at top consulting firms like Bain or Boston Consulting Group. Think of it like a networking funnel: cast a wide net early on, but focus your time nurturing the most relevant and supportive relationships. When done well, networking isn’t transactional — it’s how aspiring consultants get real insights, stay accountable, and find champions inside the firms they want to join.
Pro tip: Think of it as a networking funnel: cast wide, nurture a few.
2. Craft a Standout Resume and Cover Letter
Your consulting resume and cover letter are your first impression, and in a highly competitive industry, they need to be exceptional. Focus on showcasing problem-solving skills, project management experience, and measurable results. Use bullet points that begin with action verbs and end with data: think “Improved reporting efficiency by 30%” vs “Helped with reporting.” Highlight any professional experience that's relevant to the consulting services offered by the firm, whether that’s optimizing processes, analyzing data, or leading cross-functional teams. If you’re applying to a smaller firm, your application should emphasize your ability to wear multiple hats; for a top consulting firm, emphasize analytical rigor and leadership potential. Tailor everything. A generic cover letter is a fast track to the rejection pile.
Need examples? Read: Consulting Resume Guide – Examples & Template [2025] and How to Write a Winning Consulting Cover Letter
3. Prepare for Consulting Interviews (Especially Case Interviews)
Consulting interviews are famously tough, especially the case interviews where you’ll be asked to solve a business problem on the spot. Success here is about demonstrating structured thinking, business acumen, and clarity under pressure. You’ll need to get comfortable with mental math, frameworks (like profitability trees or market sizing), and communicating your thought process out loud. Use the MECE approach (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) to organize your answers, and practice with other professionals, peers, or a coach. Just as important: don’t neglect the behavioral portion. Firms want to know how you lead, how you’ve handled conflict, and how you’d fit with their culture. Every firm’s interview process is slightly different, so be sure to research them individually and prepare accordingly.
See more at: The Ultimate Guide to the Consulting Case Interview – With Examples and How to Answer the "Why Consulting" Interview Question
4. Specialize Where It Matters
If you’re entering the industry as an experienced hire, your edge lies in depth, not breadth. Top consulting firms are actively looking for candidates who bring a specific industry perspective or specialized knowledge that’s hard to find in generalists. This could be in AI, healthcare, climate, education, fintech — wherever you’ve built domain expertise and delivered results. Showcase your impact with numbers: “Built pricing strategy that increased ARR by 40%” or “Improved patient throughput by 15% through workflow redesign.” Bonus points if you have professional certifications or an advanced degree that adds weight to your expertise. This doesn’t just make you appealing — it positions you as someone the firm can immediately deploy on high-value consulting projects.
Example: “Led a CRM overhaul that reduced churn by 28% in 3 months….”
5. Find a Mentor or Coach
Behind nearly every successful management consultant is a mentor or coach who helped them navigate the messy middle, from resume reviews to interview prep to deciding between offers. A mentor can give you expert advice, feedback on your consulting applications, and insight into firm-specific expectations that you won’t find in a blog post. Whether it’s a former colleague, a second-year MBA, or a seasoned coach, having someone in your corner helps you avoid common mistakes and build confidence. Many aspiring consultants on Leland find that working with a coach not only improves their skills but also accelerates their path into consulting by months.
Find your coach: Browse our top-rated management consulting coaches here.
Types of Consulting Firms: What’s the Best Fit for You?
Not all firms are the same. Here’s a breakdown:
| Type | Focus | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy consultants | High-level direction (growth, M&A, market entry) | Big-picture thinkers |
| Management consulting firms | Operational improvement and change management | Process optimizers |
| Boutique firms | Niche specialties in a specific industry | Deep divers |
| Top consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) | Mix of strategy + ops at global scale | Highly competitive, high-growth |
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
To succeed in consulting and stand out in a crowded applicant pool, you need more than a polished resume. Top consulting firms look for people who can think clearly under pressure, work well with clients and teams, and solve messy, high-stakes problems. Here's what that really means in practice, and how to start developing these essential skills:
1. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
This is the foundation of consulting. You'll need to break down ambiguous business problems, identify the root causes, and develop structured, data-backed solutions. To sharpen this muscle:
- Practice case interviews regularly (even before you're applying)
- Take on side projects or internships that involve data analysis or business strategy
- Learn how to interpret financial statements and market trends
Pro Tip: Frameworks are a starting point, not the solution. Learn how to build your own structures for different problem types.
2. Strong Communication and Collaboration
Every certified management consultant knows how to work in fast-paced teams and communicate clearly with clients, even when the answer isn’t simple. You’ll need:
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- The ability to listen carefully, tailor your message to different audiences, and simplify complexity
- A collaborative mindset — being right isn’t enough if no one wants to work with you
Practice by explaining complex concepts to non-experts, writing structured slide decks, or leading group projects. Feedback from others is gold! Seek it often.
3. Project Management and Time Prioritization
Consultants juggle multiple workstreams, deadlines, and stakeholders — often across several projects at once. Build your project management skills by:
- Learning how to scope a project, create timelines, and assign responsibilities
- Using tools like Notion, Asana, or Gantt charts to manage your own work
- Practicing weekly planning and prioritization (start simple: what matters this week, and why?)
Even if you’re not in a formal PM role, showing that you can organize chaos is a major plus in interviews.
4. Industry-Specific Knowledge and Curiosity
While most entry-level consultants are generalists, firms value people who understand the industries they serve. Stay up-to-date on your target industry by:
- Reading relevant newsletters (like Axios Pro, CB Insights, or industry blogs)
- Following expert practitioners on LinkedIn
- Taking a side course or certification (especially if you're aiming to be an experienced hire)
Being able to talk confidently about recent trends — and how they impact your own clients — makes you stand out immediately.
5. Professionalism, Grit, and a Growth Mindset
Consulting is intense. The hours can be long, feedback can be sharp, and problems can feel impossible — but that's also what makes the work meaningful. Firms want people who are:
- Coachable and open to feedback
- Able to maintain professionalism under pressure
- Committed to continuous learning and growth
You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be willing to learn fast and keep showing up.
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.
Consulting Recruiting Process and Timeline (2025)
| Stage | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Firm Outreach & Networking | June – August (Before your final year) | During the summer, consulting firms begin hosting virtual info sessions, school visits, and networking events to introduce their culture, roles, and expectations. This is your window to start connecting with current consultants and recruiters, especially alumni from your school, and to begin researching which firms align best with your career goals. |
| Application Submission | July – September | Firms typically open applications in mid-summer, with deadlines that vary by role and location. For example, Bain’s Associate Consultant role had deadlines on July 7 and September 8 in 2024. You should submit a tailored resume and cover letter for each firm, highlighting your fit for their values and client work. |
| Screening & Online Assessments | August – October | After submissions, some firms (especially McKinsey and BCG) may invite candidates to complete online assessments testing quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and business judgment. This step often filters a large percentage of applicants before interviews begin. |
| First-Round Interviews | September – November | First-round interviews typically include both behavioral and case components. Firms use these to evaluate your structured thinking, communication skills, and team fit. These are often led by associates or engagement managers. |
| Second-Round (Final) Interviews | October – December | Final rounds are more intensive and often include multiple case interviews, sometimes with partners or senior leadership. At this stage, firms are looking for both problem-solving ability and your potential as a future consultant at their firm. |
| Offer Decisions | October – January | After final interviews, firms begin extending offers and rejections. Some may deliver decisions within 48 hours, while others take a week or more. If you receive an offer, you'll likely have 1–2 weeks to decide. |
| Onboarding & Start Dates | Following Year (Usually July – September) | Once hired, new consultants typically begin in the summer or early fall of the following year. Firms provide structured onboarding and training programs designed to prepare you for client-facing work and ramp you up quickly. |
The Bottom Line
Getting into consulting isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable with the right approach. Whether you’re applying for your first role or pivoting as an experienced hire, remember:
- Build a strong professional network
- Customize every cover letter and resume
- Practice real case interviews
- Highlight your specific industry expertise
- Get expert advice from mentors who’ve done it before
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 whom are ready to help you navigate your chosen industry with confidence. 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 career
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.
