Consulting is about helping organisations in the private, public and social sector solve big problems and improve their performance.
This might involve businesses figuring out how to grow, governments figuring out how to scale and humanitarian organisations figuring out how to deliver impact.
Traditionally the large strategy consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG and Bain, collectively referred to as MBB) focused heavily on strategy. However, now the industry has shifted to encompass data analytics, design work, implementation and transformation, and restructuring distressed companies.
The role of a consultant
There are three key skills required for a consultant:
- Problem solving: the ability to break things down into pieces you can analyse.
- Relationship-building: the ability to listen and empathise with your client while remaining objective.
- Teamwork: the ability to be a team player, create an enjoyable team environment, and coach and develop the people you work with.
The CV review scores your CV against what consultancies screen for.