How to become a Management Consultant

Management consultants provide advisory services to organisations (public, private and not-for-profit) regarding management problems, challenges and opportunities.

Personal requirements for a Management Consultant

Able to identify, analyse and solve problems
Able to think logically and objectively
Organisational skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Tactful and discrete
Interested in people, processes and resource management

Education & Training for a Management Consultant

To become a management consultant you usually have to complete a degree in commerce, business or business administration with a major in management, entrepreneurship or human resource management. You could also consider a course with a major in economics. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.If you wish to work in the manufacturing industry, degrees in industrial, manufacturing and production engineering may also be relevant.

Duties & Tasks of a Management Consultant

Management consultants:

Gather information on the function of each area within an organisation (and the specific duties undertaken by each individual) by talking with managers or supervisors and interviewing other staff
Assess the types of tasks undertaken in each section, the methods or systems used, the length of time taken for an individual to complete a task and any problems involved in undertaking the task
Consult internal training manuals, files and job descriptions to obtain additional information
Study data such as statistical records, reports and organisational charts
Identify problem areas and find solutions by considering alternatives, taking into account the benefits and costs of any recommendations
Write detailed reports and provide statistical evidence to support their conclusions and recommendations
Assist in the implementation of new systems
Talk to experts in other fields when introducing new equipment such as computers.

Tasks

Assists and encourages the development of objectives, strategies and plans aimed at achieving customer satisfaction and the efficient use of organisations' resources.
Reviews operating procedures and advising of departures from procedures and standards.
Discusses business and organisational shortcomings with clients.
Directs clients towards more efficient organisation and develops solutions to organisational problems.
Assists in implementing approved recommendations, issues revised instructions and procedure manuals, and drafting other documentation.
Analyses and evaluates current systems and structures.
Discusses current systems with staff and observes systems at all levels of organisation.
Records and analyses organisations' work flow charts, records, reports, manuals and job descriptions.
Prepares and recommends proposals to revise methods and procedures, alter work flows, redefine job functions and resolve organisational problems.
Undertakes and reviews work studies by analysing existing and proposed methods and procedures such as administrative and clerical procedures.

Working conditions for a Management Consultant

Management consultancy work is sometimes carried out by people who are employed in another capacity, such as engineers, personnel workers, technicians, computer programmers or systems analysts. When assessing an organisation's systems, they may have to work at that organisation's premises.

Employment Opportunities for a Management Consultant

Management consultants may work with a consultancy firm, or may be self-employed. They may also find employment with government departments and commercial or industrial organisations. Job opportunities depend on the level of business activity, industry restructuring and advances in technology that require changes to workplace practices and systems.

Specializations

Management Consultant

Management consultants provide advisory services to organisations (public, private and not-for-profit) regarding management problems, challenges and opportunities.

Average age
42
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
41% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
79%
Employment Size
64,900
Employment by state
ACT: 3.8%
NSW: 37.1%
NT: 0.4%
QLD: 13.9%
SA: 4.3%
TAS: 0.9%
VIC: 32.0%
WA: 7.6%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 3.2%
25-34: 24.6%
35-44: 28.9%
45-54: 23.3%
55-59: 8.4%
60-64: 6%
65 and Over: 5.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 9.6%
Bachelor degree: 41.8%
Certificate III/IV: 4.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 31.4%
Year 10 and below: 1.9%
Year 11: 1.1%
Year 12: 9.4%