Management consultant

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• business studies
• finance
• maths
• science
• management

A postgraduate qualification, like a master's in business administration (MBA), may also be helpful.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply for a place on a Junior Management Consultant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, and work your way up as your experience grows.

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You can apply directly to become a management consultant or set up your own business, if you've got relevant work experience in:

• business management or finance
• human resources
• project management
• IT

You may be able to join a graduate training scheme straight from university. Competition for places is strong, so it may help if you have:

• a good degree pass in a subject like business studies or business management
• evidence of analytical, planning and communication skills
• relevant work experience from placements, internships or temporary jobs

Career Tips

Foreign language skills could be useful, as many firms work with international clients.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Institute of Consulting for career support and professional development.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in management consultancy from the Management Consultancies Association and the Chartered Management Institute .

As a management consultant, you could:

• speak to staff, managers and customers to understand issues
• collect and analyse data to pinpoint areas for improvement
• create computer models to test possible business solutions
• prepare reports and present recommendations to the client
• support businesses as they put plans into action

You'll travel often and may spend nights away from home.

You could work in an office or at a client's business.