Business consultants have various areas in which they can specialize. Some of the areas are human resources, accounting, marketing, business strategies and logistics. The responsibilities of a business consultant are not limited to these areas. They provide services for all areas of the business but specialize in a particular area.
Job Profile/Description/Responsibilities
Business owners rely on business consultants for some of the most important decisions. They help in the development of the business and strategizing about key aspects related to marketing, business enhancement, business expansion, employees' satisfaction and more. This is done by maintaining contact with them and making sure the organizational goals are reached. Team management and motivation are two of the most important qualities that the employers look for in candidates who apply for business consultant positions.
If you are looking for such a job, you need to know that you will be required to provide assistance in management and organizational change, technology implementation, coaching skills and in developing strategies to improve the way the business operates. You will also have to maintain a record of prospective candidates after you have assessed their skills.
Requirements
Academic
Business consulting is one of the most lucrative fields. If you are a student looking to become a business consultant, you will need at least a Bachelor's degree or a master's degree in business management or other business related majors. A degree in marketing and economics will also help you in getting a job.
You can also opt for becoming a certified management consultant but for this you will have to pass certification exams. As a business consultant, you can choose the area of work. It can be anything ranging from human resources, marketing, management accounting and other business related areas. Having prior experience will give you an advantage over other applicants, especially for higher level managerial business consultant positions.
Skill Sets
Because this field pertains to the well-being of the company, a person in this position must concentrate on the work to be done. The person must have a good eye for detail and must be able to accurately analyze problems and find solutions to resolve all issues. A business consultant should also be able to recognize new and profitable opportunities in the market. This field is directly related to the business of the company and this is why people looking for jobs in this are have to be disciplined and be good at analyzing problems and opportunities. You will come across different problems and will have to apply your skills in solving them in the most accurate manner.
Good communication skills are required in order to convey information to other employees of the company and upper management. There will also be communication with customers and vendors. A business consultant must be organized and must be able to work well under pressure. Good presentation skills are also needed. You should have an aptitude for mathematics and should be able to work accurately and neatly. It will be important for you to make the long term strategies.
Training
Training is important to get a good job in any field. A person may choose to receive an internship at a corporation to gain experience and an edge over other applicants. You can also work in a company that offers work and training at the same time. This will benefit you in the long term as well.
Employment Outlook
Career Prospects (globally)
Business consulting is one of the best industries that are growing year after year. Between the years 2006 and 2016 the industry will grow by 78%. There are many companies who outsource their company operations to business consulting firms. This creates jobs for those who seek job opportunities. The business consulting firms are also growing so people fresh out of college can seek jobs with these companies.
Salaries
Different types of business consultants will earn a salary in different ranges. The salary packages will vary according to the company and also according to the field of specialization. The median salary for a business consultant after gaining five years of experience is approximately $78,641 annually. The salary may be higher for people with more experience. Marketing business consultants may earn $62,405 per year and human resource consultants may earn $69,291 per year. Hourly rate ranges from $30 to $40 per hour.
If you have good analytical and communication skills, a business consulting job for you. You must be self motivated to look for good job opportunities in this field. If you are looking for such a job, you need to know that you should be an excellent problem solver. You will also need to know the latest developments in different business sectors so that you can help a company grow in their field and touch new heights of success.
