Becoming a business consultant is a great career choice for those looking to make a difference in the corporate world. With its potential for growth and high salaries, it's no wonder that many people are drawn to this profession. One of the main advantages of being a business consultant is the opportunity to work in almost any field. Joining a consulting firm is one of the fastest and most effective ways to build a wide and valuable network.
You will be able to establish relationships with multiple clients and stakeholders throughout your different projects, which can lead to job offers, consulting engagements, or even mentoring. At UT Dallas, the Consulting Immersion Program helps MBA students develop these skills by guiding them through various business cases. Working with large corporations can open up in-house positions, while focusing on small businesses can result in creating your own consulting firm that meets the needs of many clients. As a business consultant, you can advise CEOs and other high-level executives in large corporations or work with small and medium-sized companies that need professional experience.
To successfully address these areas, business owners must work with a consultant who has in-depth knowledge of how that industry works. With the rise of freelance work, clients have more flexibility to choose a consultant that fits their business needs and price. Sarah Carroll (pictured), an MBA student at the University of Texas at Dallas and a senior consultant for Ernest & Young, had experience in social work and non-profit organizations before doing her MBA with no real experience in consulting. Yolanda Kirksey (pictured) is the executive advisor to the Consulting Immersion Program at the Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas, which prepares MBA students for careers in consulting.
When considering what type of consulting job you should apply for, Yolanda suggests going to a larger consulting firm such as Accenture, EY, or PwC if you don't know what area to specialize in.
