Management consultant
Also called: Strategy consultant
Helps organisations solve their biggest business problems and improve performance.
What the work is
Management consultants are hired by companies and governments to solve specific problems: how to grow, cut costs, enter a market, merge with another firm or adopt new technology. They gather data, interview people, analyse options and recommend a plan, often helping to carry it out.
Top strategy firms hire mostly from leading MBA and engineering programmes. Big Four and technology consulting firms hire graduates and experienced professionals in large numbers.
A typical week
- Research a client's industry and data
- Build analysis in Excel and slides in PowerPoint
- Interview client teams and run workshops
- Present recommendations to senior leaders
It suits people who
- Love solving business puzzles
- Communicate clearly and confidently
- Can handle pressure, travel and long hours
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Any stream; Maths and English help
Class 11-12
- Engineering, economics, commerce or BBAIPMAT for integrated management
College or fresher
- Practise case interviews and structured problem solving
- Intern with a consulting firm
- Take CAT, XAT or GMAT for an MBA, ideally after 2 to 3 years of work
Working or switching
- Industry experts join consulting in their own domain (banking, IT, healthcare)
- An MBA is the classic switch route
- Start with a skills refresh of 6 to 12 weeks: one short course and one TalentMeter assessment to show where you stand today.
- Use returnship and second-career programmes; many large employers in India run them for people back after a break.
- Explain the gap in one honest line on your CV and LinkedIn, and list what you did in it (caregiving, freelancing, courses, volunteering).
- Contract, part-time and freelance roles are a common way back in; they turn into full-time offers often.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| CAT ↗ | MBA at IIMs and top B-schools | Once a year |
| XAT, GMAT, NMAT, SNAP | MBA admissions | Once a year or on demand |
| IPMAT | Integrated management after Class 12 | Once a year |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
Job titles to search
Who hires
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