Everything you need to know about consulting careers
Consulting is a rapidly expanding sector. It requires constant adaptation to new trends and technological developments while responding to environmental, social, and economic challenges. In France, the consulting market represents more than €20 billion in revenue. There are therefore many professional opportunities in the consulting sector. If you are interested in working in consulting, it is important to know that there is a wide variety of consulting professions.
Understanding consulting professions
What is a consulting profession?
A consulting profession involves providing external expertise to companies. This expertise aims to improve the company's performance, support it in its strategic decisions, or help it respond to specific issues. Proposing solutions and supporting their implementation is part of the consultant's job.
What is the difference between consulting and auditing?
The terms consulting and auditing are often confused, but they are two different approaches. Auditing involves assessing compliance and checking the reliability of the company, while consulting takes a creative approach. Consulting is used to identify growth opportunities in order to propose solutions.
What are the different types of consulting?
Consulting is a broad and versatile concept. This particular sector is therefore divided into several specialties, each of which meets specific business needs:
Digital transformation consulting: digital transformation consultants ensure the implementation of a digital strategy and the integration of new technologies to improve processes
Organizational/management consulting: this type of consulting helps reduce costs and supports organizational change
Strategy consulting: this particular field is probably the best known. Consultants work with company executives to improve the company's long-term performance
Human resources consulting: consultants are involved in human resources management.
What are the main professions in consulting?
Some notable professions to discover
In the consulting sector, each profession specializes in a particular field, but consultants all work to meet the needs of companies or clients:
Career counselors support individuals in their professional integration by assessing their skills and preparing them for job interviews. France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) is one of the main employers.
Junior consultants are the first level for graduates starting their careers in consulting.
The cybersecurity consultant plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive company data and identifying vulnerabilities.
The recruitment consultant plays a key role in talent acquisition.
The strategy consultant develops growth strategies for companies.
The senior consultant is a professional with several years of experience.
Which consulting professions are hiring?
Certain consulting professions are in high demand to address specific challenges such as digitalization.
Management consultants or human resources consultants help with employee retention and talent acquisition.
Management consultants assist with team restructuring.
Data analytics consultants transform data into strategic information.
What are the duties and skills of a consultant?
What does a consultant do?
A consultant's activities depend on their specialty, but they generally fall into three categories: diagnosis, recommendations, and support. Diagnosis is the first step in identifying the problems to be solved. Personalized recommendations are then proposed. Finally, the consultant supports the implementation of the solutions.
What qualities are required to work in consulting?
To become a consultant, technical skills are not enough. You also need soft skills such as listening, rigor, analytical thinking, and stress management.
What skills are expected?
The skills required to enter the job market as a consultant vary depending on the specialty. In general, technical skills include proficiency in project management tools and data analysis techniques. You also need to know how to perform financial modeling in order to be involved in corporate financial management.
What makes a good consultant?
A good consultant has the skills needed to meet the needs of companies. They meet deadlines and are experts in their field of specialization. An excellent consultant is able to identify emerging trends and anticipate client needs.
Clients who hire a consultant are obviously looking for a qualified professional who can make decisions and propose solutions even before problems are identified.
How can you get into consulting?
There are several paths to a career in consulting. Students can attend business school, university, or even engineering school. For example, business schools offer programs in strategy, finance, marketing, and management. Here are a few ideas for training in consulting:
The MSc in Strategy & Consulting offered by emlyon business school is a program that will allow you to develop solid strategic skills. Combining theory and practice, this program is designed to help you adapt to the evolving consulting landscape. Through case studies, assignments, expert guidance, and 4 to 6 months of professional experience, you will benefit from an immersive program that will prepare you to join the best consulting firms, as well as companies, NGOs, and governments.
The Master in Management - Grande Ecole Program offered by emlyon business school leads to a Master's degree in 2 to 4 years. Accessible after a preparatory class or upon admission based on qualifications after a bachelor's degree, this program of excellence in management offers you progressive and tailor-made specialization. Designed to develop your entrepreneurial spirit, this program allows you to benefit from numerous internship opportunities, practical experiences, “DNA” courses, and a professionalizing student life. With opportunities for dual degrees, academic exchanges, and a strong alumni network around the world, internationalization is an important part of the PGE. This program will enable you to become informed and responsible managers in all sectors of activity.
Salary, conditions, and prospects in the sector
What is the salary in consulting professions?
Salaries in the consulting sector vary considerably depending on experience, specialty, consulting firm, geographic location, etc. To give you an idea, here is the average gross salary for a consultant in a firm:
Junior: approximately $40,000 gross per year;
Intermediate: approximately $55,000 gross per year;
Senior: approximately $70,000 gross per year.
What are the working conditions like in consulting?
Consultants generally work in dynamic and competitive environments. Depending on the clients and the type of consulting, the pace of work can be intense. Frequent travel is also often part of the consulting profession.
It is a demanding but rewarding work environment with opportunities for rapid professional advancement. One of the major challenges of working as a consultant or in a consulting firm is achieving a good work-life balance.
How is the consulting market doing?
The consulting market has been experiencing strong growth in France in recent years. In particular, it generated €20 billion in the country in 2023. Digital transformation is also a key driver of the sector.
Does consulting still attract students?
The consulting sector still attracts students, but it must also adapt to the expectations of young graduates. Today's students are looking for careers that offer a good work-life balance.
Why (and how) should you go into consulting?
A career in consulting offers rapid advancement, varied assignments, and often international exposure. To get started in this competitive sector, we recommend that you first choose an appropriate program at a business school, engineering school, or university. Choosing a specialization also helps you stand out from other candidates. It is also important to work on your soft skills and develop your professional network.