What Does a Consulting Role Entail?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in consulting, you might be wondering what does a consultant do? Consulting is a profession that requires self-motivation and strong boundary-setting skills. If you’re thinking of starting your own consulting business, consider what types of clients you would like to work with. Also, determine what areas of expertise you have. And, of course, consider your interests, hobbies, and passions.

As a consultant, you’ll likely work closely with your clients and their teams, presenting them with updates and strategies on a regular basis. You’ll also need to use tools such as PowerPoint and Excel to synthesize your thoughts. Of course, you’ll also need some soft skills, like writing, communicating, and managing client expectations. Here are a few ways a consultant can help you grow as a professional.

For example, a consultant may help Walmart determine the viability of a home delivery grocery service. They’ll know there’s a growing market for such a service. They’ll collect and analyze data from existing businesses and customer demographics. They may use statistics to find trends and apply a framework to focus their research. The exact methodology will vary depending on the industry and the specific project. There are many types of consultants.

When it comes to selling a consulting project, the consulting manager has to establish a clear picture for the client. This clarity is provided through the SOW, or scope of work. This document can include budgets, payment plans, and contracts. However, most consultants are not attorneys. Legal departments help them complete these technical aspects of the SOW. If the client is unhappy with the SOW, the consultant may be required to rework the project.

The consulting lifestyle is unique. Many consultants travel extensively. Typical consultants fly out on Monday morning and return home on Thursday night. On Fridays, they work from home in their home office. While this may not be the most suitable career choice for everyone, it does allow you to explore many different industries and companies. If you enjoy travel and a fast-paced lifestyle, consulting may be for you. You can even earn loyalty program points.

Although high salaries may be attractive to some, the role is not purely about money. Consultants may spend their time drumming up a new business and selling projects to existing clients. They may even be required to travel. Moreover, consultants are often under the pressure of tight deadlines. The junior consultants are often expected to do research, crunch numbers, and develop pitching materials. But these are just a few of the perks of working in consulting.

As a consultant, you must possess stellar communication skills and analytical skills. You must have experience in your niche and be able to provide concrete results and outcomes. A solid track record is an advantage for securing consulting contracts. However, education requirements are subjective and may vary from one consultant to another. While most consultants hold advanced degrees, they also hold bachelor’s degrees. There are several ways to break into the consulting world.