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What does a Consulting do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A consultant is someone who provides expert advice in a particular area, typically one that requires special knowledge or training.

Consulting job duties include:

  • Meeting with clients to discuss their needs and requirements
  • Conducting research and analysis to identify solutions to clients’ problems
  • Developing and presenting proposals to clients
  • Negotiating contracts with clients
  • Managing projects and teams of consultants
  • Monitoring project progress and ensuring delivery within deadlines and budget
  • Providing advice and guidance to clients on a range of issues
  • Writing reports and delivering presentations
  • Liaising with other professionals such as lawyers, accountants and marketing experts

Consulting Job Requirements

There are no specific job requirements for a consultant, but most likely you will need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Many consultants also have advanced degrees, such as a master's degree or PhD. In addition, many consultants have certification from professional organizations, such as the Institute of Management Consultants or the Project Management Institute. Experience is also important for consultants, as they need to be able to show potential clients that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to help them achieve their goals.

Consulting Skills

  • Communication
  • Presentation
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Analysis
  • Strategy
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Creativity
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Time management

Related: Top Consulting Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Consulting

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a consultant. Perhaps they have a wealth of experience in a particular industry and want to share their knowledge with others. Maybe they’re looking for a more flexible work schedule, or the opportunity to work from home. Whatever the reason, becoming a consultant can be a rewarding and challenging career.

If you’re thinking about becoming a consultant, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to be an expert in your field. This means having extensive knowledge and experience that others can benefit from. It’s also important to be able to effectively communicate your ideas and present them in a way that is easy for others to understand.

Another important quality for consultants is being able to work independently. This means being self-motivated and organized, as well as being able to manage your time effectively. You also need to be comfortable working with clients and handling customer service inquiries.

If you have the necessary skills and qualities, the next step is to start marketing yourself as a consultant. This can be done by creating a website or blog, or by joining relevant online communities and forums. You can also network with other professionals in your field, or attend industry events and trade shows. Once you start getting some exposure, you can begin pitching your services to potential clients.

Becoming a successful consultant takes time, effort, and dedication. But if you have the right skills and qualities, it can be an extremely rewarding career.

Related: Consulting Resume Example

Related: Consulting Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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