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Job outlook for management consultants in the United States
Management consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected management consultant job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 108,400 new jobs for management consultants are projected over the next decade.
Management consultant salaries have increased 8% for management consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 111,534 management consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 153,045 active management consultant job openings in the US.
The average management consultant salary is $99,360.
Are management consultant jobs in demand?
Management Consultant job and salary trends over time
Management Consultant jobs over time
Management Consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 111,534 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 74,744 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 72,126 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 106,509 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 101,462 | 0.03% |
Average management consultant salary over time
Management Consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $99,360 | $47.77 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $96,640 | $46.46 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $94,769 | $45.56 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $93,455 | $44.93 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $92,185 | $44.32 | +0.0% |
Management Consultant jobs by state
Most common states for management consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 794 | 114% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,320 | 34% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 335 | 32% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,229 | 30% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 384 | 29% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 280 | 29% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 256 | 29% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 178 | 29% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,490 | 27% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 193 | 26% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,210 | 25% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,102 | 24% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 742 | 24% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 250 | 24% |
| 15 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,839 | 22% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 802 | 22% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,658 | 21% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,186 | 21% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,583 | 21% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 122 | 21% |
Most common cities for management consultants
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 24 | 61% | $111,939 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 16 | 57% | $88,862 |
| 3 | Lansing | 24 | 21% | $92,521 |
| 4 | Springfield | 20 | 17% | $100,703 |
| 5 | Hartford | 19 | 15% | $104,513 |
| 6 | Washington | 66 | 10% | $110,611 |
| 7 | Tallahassee | 19 | 10% | $79,185 |
| 8 | Montgomery | 18 | 9% | $95,499 |
| 9 | Little Rock | 17 | 9% | $73,996 |
| 10 | Baton Rouge | 18 | 8% | $85,550 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 32 | 7% | $94,128 |
| 12 | Des Moines | 15 | 7% | $86,575 |
| 13 | Boston | 38 | 6% | $109,998 |
| 14 | Sacramento | 21 | 4% | $107,474 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 23 | 3% | $84,520 |
| 16 | Denver | 17 | 2% | $95,288 |
| 17 | Chicago | 29 | 1% | $103,339 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 20 | 1% | $89,195 |
Management Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of management consultant experts
Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Davidson College
Spalding University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
The University of Texas Medical Branch
University of West Florida
Lewis-Clark State College
Duke University
Xavier University
University of North Florida
Coastal Carolina University
Florida State University
University of Nevada, Reno
Lasell University
Bradley University
Bucknell University
Penny Ridenour
Dean of School of Health SciencesOklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Penny Ridenour: Maximize earnings by being flexible to fit the employer's needs. Accept assignments that promote growth in your desired specialization.
What Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Penny Ridenour: Commit to lifelong learning in healthcare due to its innovative nature. Technological proficiency is crucial for adapting to changes.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Penny Ridenour: Pay attention to soft skills such as listening, empathy, and communication. Develop skills in resiliency to excel in healthcare.
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Dr. David Powell Ph.D.: Job security is one of the primary advantages of being a public administrator. Public administrators also enjoy a great variety in job functions and duties. While average salaries may be a bit lower when compared to the private sector, benefits are usually superior to what private firms offer.
Craig Kimble PHARMD, MBA, MS, BCACP, TTS
Associate ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Craig Kimble PHARMD, MBA, MS, BCACP, TTS: -Be open minded and willing to explore areas of practice. Many employers start you out in a high needs area and move you as positions come open.
-If you are not geographically restricted, the sky is the limit. Discuss what your goals are with recruiters.
-Be willing to learn new skills and put them to work. An entrepreneurial mindset will facilitate communication with supervisors. Present ideas and take their advice.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Craig Kimble PHARMD, MBA, MS, BCACP, TTS: -Be willing to be flexible (shifts, locations, etc..). Be willing to cover extra shifts if needed. Consider floating if needed as well. This is very needed by many employers
-Ask a recruiter/interviewer, what a successful employee looks like for that organization. Spell out success.
-Set goals with your new supervisor. What do we need to achieve and what are some stretch goals?
Katie Horowitz
Associate Professor of Gender & Sexuality StudiesDavidson College
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Katie Horowitz: With the rise of artificial intelligence, soft skills like interpersonal communication, conflict management, and critical thinking will become more important than ever before. These are assets that can’t be outsourced to AI, and they are fundamental to the work that Gender & Sexuality Studies majors do in college.
What Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katie Horowitz: Some research shows that women and members of marginalized racial groups are less likely to negotiate their salaries than their white male counterparts. When you get a job offer, don’t forgo the opportunity to advocate for a higher salary.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Katie Horowitz: Don’t limit yourself. I’ve seen Gender & Sexuality Studies students land jobs in business consulting, nonprofit, medicine, law, and more. The beauty of this interdisciplinary field is that it intersects with virtually every sphere of human existence. You can bring your GSS skills to bear on any line of work that interests you.
Jacey Maple MSN, RN
Assistant ProfessorSpalding University
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Jacey Maple MSN, RN: Looking at trends in healthcare I would focus on the following skills to hone over the next 3-5 years: Strong Communication and Interpersonal Collaboration, Emotional Resilience, Networking and building professional relationships.
What Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jacey Maple MSN, RN: Starting out I would consider and implement the following practices: Acquire relevant education and build up certifications, research salary trends to communicate them at interviews, continue to polish and build your resume and/or CV, stay updated on industry changes, and lastly seek out all opportunities to grow your experience and expertise in your field.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Jacey Maple MSN, RN: My best advice for those entering any health service field is to seek out mentorship and guidance. Find mentors who can guide you in your career journey. Look for experienced professionals who can offer insights, advice, and support. A mentor can help you navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and provide valuable connections.
Dr. Jennifer Eury Ph.D.
Undergraduate Management Major Program Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor of Management and OrganizationPennsylvania State University
Management Sciences And Quantitative Methods
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jennifer Eury Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, I suspect a variety of skills will be important. I would argue, though, that the skills that will be most important are not necessarily “new” skills – they are leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and ethical decision-making skills – arguably skills we need more now than ever before. Considering the current state of affairs – here, in the U.S. and around the world – we need people with strong leadership capabilities, people who can work well with others, and people who will engage in and promote ethical behavior. I should also add, that within the Smeal College of Business at Penn State, and specifically through our management coursework, we are helping students to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in ethical, inclusive, strategic, and sustainable thinking; culture; interpersonal/relational; leadership/influence; managerial functions; teamwork/collaboration; and understanding the business environment.
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
J'Aime Jennings PhD: These are not concrete rules, but individuals at the start of their career can maximize their salary potential by gaining experience and growing their skillset to be of benefit to their respective organizations. In the beginning say “yes” to participating on projects whether you are excited about them or not. The knowledge gained may be invaluable to the next project that does excite you. Consider various certifications (e.g., LEAN Six Sigma, Project Management, etc.) that help you grow your knowledge base while also helping you stand out from others.
What Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
J'Aime Jennings PhD: My general advice would be to pursue all the opportunities available to you and don’t shy away from the challenging tasks. Additionally, graduates should know that the learning never ends; the classroom gives you the foundation upon which to build your knowledge and skills, but it cannot capture the myriad of scenarios and tough decisions you are bound to face throughout your career.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
J'Aime Jennings PhD: I believe that interpersonal and communication skills that aid you in interacting with individuals and teams and allow for you to convey important information coherently across varied stakeholder audiences will be crucial for any graduate pursuing a career in healthcare administration. In addition, adaptability is another vital skill. Healthcare is ever changing, and administrators must have a plan but also be ready for contingencies when new developments occur. Critical thinking and analytic skills, as well as knowledge about artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will certainly be prevalent skills for the field.
Jay Shen
Professor and Association DeanUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Health And Medical Administrative Services
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Jay Shen: Understand that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Get any job in a healthcare organization and learn what you like and don’t like.
What Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jay Shen: There is a 2015 Carnegie Institute study that shows 85% of your financial success is based on your soft skills. As a healthcare executive you need to be able to bring diverse professionals together to solve complex problems for the good of the patient and the organizations. Continue to polish your soft skills, e.g., effective leadership, goal setting and achievement, leading meetings for positive results.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Jay Shen: Don’t chase salary. Do what you love and get the best you can be. Salary fails to motivate past getting your basic needs met.
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Dr. K. Garling-Nañez Pharm.D.: Resilience and self-awareness are currently essential and will continue to be necessary. Burnout is very high in healthcare-related fields. Therefore, it is vital to have the coping skills and the ability to communicate to ensure your job is healthy and productive.
Flexibility and a growth mindset will also be an asset to most industries. In healthcare, most opportunities exist where other people may feel unqualified or need more experience. The more out-of-the-box tasks and opportunities you take, the more tools you'll have to get significant positions in the future.
Don't be afraid of something you aren't familiar with or perceive that you are not 'good at' since those areas are often where you can thrive the most. Being fearless in your pursuits and learning from perceived failures will put you in the upper ranks of your peers.
What Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. K. Garling-Nañez Pharm.D.: Take the initiative to be well-versed in the areas for advancement in your field or the positions of interest, paving your path to success. If you have to take a position out of necessity, continue to build your CV with a goal in mind for the future. If you continue to learn and grow, you'll be more flexible and be able to take positions others shy away from.
Make sure the salary you expect aligns with the location, the need, and your experience. High salaries often do not equal job satisfaction; therefore, before applying, decide your career priorities. Quality of life frequently requires compromise in other areas, including commutes, schedule, salary, and responsibilities.
Lastly, salary potential is often tied to corporate culture and opportunities for advancement. In offices or facilities with a 'more with less' mindset, where efficiency and cost-cutting are prioritized, fewer salary benefits may be available, and more 'thankless' tasks may be assigned.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. K. Garling-Nañez Pharm.D.: When seeking a position, it's crucial to physically visit the facility or location and interact with the employees before applying or interviewing. This personal touch provides a realistic view of the working conditions and internal culture and introduces you to your potential coworkers, aiding in your decision-making process.
Always apply to positions that fit your ideals and how you want to practice in your career. For example, it may only be possible if you value relationships with clients/patients in relatively low-volume or less busy locations. Research the values and goals of the company or discuss upcoming changes or aims with management.
Lastly, pay attention to the potential of rural locations. They often provide exceptional opportunities for standing out, growing, and advancing in your career, which is a significant advantage for recent graduates.
What general advice would you give to a Management Consultant?
Dr. Haris Alibašić Ph.D., MPA: My general advice is that embarking on a career in business or any other field demands a blend of practical skills, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset. Graduates should prioritize the following strategies, including but not limited to: - Building a Strong Foundation of Business Fundamentals, including core business principles, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy to facilitate adaptability to changing markets. - Cultivating a growth mindset, embracing challenges, viewing failures as learning opportunities, cultivating resilience, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. - Networking and building relationships with peers, mentors, and industry professionals open doors to opportunities and provide invaluable insights and guidance. - Staying informed of industry trends as the business landscape constantly evolves, which is obvious with the recent trend of expanded use of AI and ML.
What will help Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Haris Alibašić Ph.D., MPA: "In the next 3-5 years, specific skills are poised to become increasingly important in business: Data Literacy, Digital Proficiency, Emotional Intelligence, Sustainability, Resilience, and Social Responsibility. However, the most necessary lasting skill that benefited my career is Effective Communication. Being able to communicate effectively is an indispensable skill."
What Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Haris Alibašić Ph.D., MPA: To maximize salary potential early in their careers, graduates should consider the following strategies: Specialize in High-Demand Areas, Never Stop Learning/Pursue Additional Education, Negotiate Offers, and Seek Mentorship and Constructive Feedback."
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
Jenny Scott: Emotional Intelligence is #1. The saying goes, "IQ gets you hired; EQ gets you promoted." Those that have a high level of emotional intelligence are able to first manage their own emotions and then the ability to manage the emotions of those they lead/supervise. It involves a combination of the practice of the four components of Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management. With workplace emotions running rampant in today's world, having a leader that can help manage those effectively will create and cultivate a calming and viable work environment.
Culture "fit" is also more important than some may think. While some may meet all qualifications of the job and can effectively do the job itself, how a person "fits" with the company culture is more important. Consider the company's core values, mission, and vision and whether that aligns with your own.
Critical thinking should never be underestimated. Depending on the amount of time allowed to make a decision or think through a strategy, apply critical thinking skills to consider all options and potential consequences. Consider varying perspectives and what route and outcome will aid in attaining the organization's goals and carrying out its mission.
Listening to the needs and desires of the organization or the project. Valuing some dissension and not total conformity leads to a highly cohesive team/organization.
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
Jenny Scott: -Emotional Intelligence
-Relevant industry experience (expertise)
-Written and oral presentation communication
-Ability to relate and connect . . .the best strategy in the world will live on paper only if the leader is not able to relate to their people (all stakeholder groups) and connect. Leadership involves three key elements: People - Influence - Goals. The most effective leaders are able to ethically influence their followers for the purpose of attaining the organization's mission and goals.
Michael Munger
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE ProgramDuke University
Department of Political Science
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Michael Munger: Political science is an ancient career synergy, one that explores the connections between ethical considerations and engineering policy that works. Someone who majors in Political Science is able to make arguments about the questions that have plagued philosophers for thousands of years while using the latest data techniques to scrape online sources of information on social media. So political science instructors have to combine ethics, knowledge of esoteric procedures and laws, and statistics!
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
Michael Munger: Working in groups. And that's hard to teach. The best teacher is experience. Often, students learn the most when their group fails or the other members don't pull their weight. The ability to work in unstructured environments and still achieve group success is a big part of many jobs. And Political Science teaches that.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Management Consultants?
Michael Munger: Political Science students should take at least one Computer Science class, be able to run a spreadsheet with skill, and be able to write crisp prose that gets to the point.
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
Michael Munger: The ability to lead a group by example and to get other people to feel that they are part of something larger than themselves. At its best, Political Science is like an entire little liberal arts curriculum. It's the perfect preparation for leadership, either in government or the private sector!
Mike Halloran
Teaching Professor, Management and Entrepreneurship, Taskforce Member, Center for InnovationXavier University
Management Department
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Mike Halloran: -In today's economy, I think there are a number of key skills that a business management consultant should have, especially if working with a small business. Key skillsets/coursework in finance, marketing, and strategy is essential. In addition, I would recommend coursework in Innovation as today's business world continues to evolve so quickly.
-I would also suggest that experiential learning and/or internships are very important to success. Showing demonstrated experience is a great way to stand out in the job market, as well as give yourself and the employer confidence that you can apply what you have learned in school.
-I often can look at a student's LinkedIn profile and tell whether they have the skills and experience-based upon how well they market themselves, describe their experiences, and talk about career objectives
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
Mike Halloran: -Leadership
-Working well with others
-Oral and written communication
- Thinking analytically, creatively, and strategically
-Leadership
-Time management
- Motivation and drive
What hard/technical skills are most important for Management Consultants?
Mike Halloran: Excel
-Digital communication
-Budget management
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
Mike Halloran: -Database analytics
-Digital marketing
-Finance
-Technological innovation
Russell Triplett Ph.D.
Interim Chair and Associate ProfessorUniversity of North Florida
Department of Economics and Geography
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Russell Triplett Ph.D.: We must acknowledge that the pandemic remains a fluid situation with many implications that are not yet easily observed. That said, I see three key trends that are characteristic of our most successful students. First, the shift to remote working situations challenges employers to develop new ways to build teams and foster teamwork. Graduates that are well-prepared to collaborate and contribute in non-traditional ways are in high demand. Second, the pandemic accelerated the growth in platform-based delivery and retail services, generating a need for strong skills in data and business analytics. Third, it has always been true that graduates who are versatile and can think critically about the status quo are especially valuable; the shock of the pandemic created a more fertile ground for creative problem solvers and innovators.
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Finance and EconomicsCoastal Carolina University
Finance and Economics Department
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.: Creative thinking, Leadership, Adaptability, Communication, Empathy, Conflict Resolution, Work Ethic.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Management Consultants?
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.: Computer skills: Word Processing (MS Word), Spreadsheets (MS Excel), Visual Communication (MS PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.), Database Management (MS Access, SQL, Oracle, etc.), Graphics, Social Media.
Technical skills: Statistical Software(s) (R, SAS, MATLAB, etc.), GIS software(s) (ArcGIS, Tableau, etc.), Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Coding Language(s) (HTML, C++, Javascript, etc.).
Management skills: Project Management, Business Analysis, Accounting, Economics and Finance, Management and Decision Sciences, Operations Research, Marketing and Sales, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Office Management, Planning, Logistics, Agile software, Scrum management.
Marketing skills: Affiliate Marketing, Marketing Research, and Analytics, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing.
Analytical skills: Data Science, Data Mining, Database Management, Statistics and Econometrics, Analytics and Reasoning, Research, Testing, and Diagnostics.
Writing skills: Research and Report Writing, Editing, Content Management Systems, Social media updates.
Design skills: Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.), User Experience (UX) Design, Digital Product Design, Video Production.
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.: Discipline related expertise, Industry-specific certification, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Project Management, Mobile Application Development, Software Programming, and Testing, Leadership and People Management, Digital (Social Media) Marketing, User Experience (UX) Design, Content Creation and Open Learning Resources.
What's a common interview question, and would you prepare to answer it?
One of the most common interview questions is "Why are you interested in this position?"
By asking this question, your employer tries to understand that you have a true connection to the company and a passion for the job you have applied for. You should start your answer by explaining why you are the best-fit candidate in terms of professional skills. Research about the organization's culture before your interview and articulate how you embrace that mission personally and add values towards that mission. Show your enthusiasm and confidence while answering the interview questions.
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.: Problem-solving, Creative thinking, Data Analytics, Competitive Strategies, Communication, Leadership and Team Building, Decision making.
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.
Assistant Department Chair and Executive Director, Center for Human Resource ManagementFlorida State University
Department of Management and the Center for Human Resource Management
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: Requisite skills relevant for management consulting roles that should be visible to employers can be grouped into the following three broad categories : (1) functional expertise and/or specialization of knowledge in particular areas or disciplines, (2) strong business analytics skills, and (3) the ability to lead projects or teams. Considering the broad nature of management, and particularly management consulting, skills should reflect the specific needs of the organization or industry of practice. For example, individuals working in executive compensation would require a different set of demonstrated skills on their resume than someone engaging in performance systems analysis to support process re-engineering within a manufacturing setting. Additionally, since management professionals work in and/or lead teams, being personable, engaging, proactive, demonstrated leadership, and an ability to handle difficult situations are all skills and competencies highly sought after. In sum, regardless of the industry or sector, most employers look for skills displayed both on a resume and then demonstrated during the selection process that shows the applicant possesses the capability to work within a team, has sound analytical skills, the ability to communicate complex information, resolve conflict and solve problems.
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: While advancements in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics occupy center stage in many areas of management practice, soft skills continue to be seen as equally or even more important skills for success in the field of management. Soft skills are typically described as personal attributes, qualities, and characteristics that enable us to interact more effectively with others. In most fields of management, our ability to communicate, work with, and interact with other people constitutes a significant portion of the work we do. Consequently, employers are focused on identifying candidates who possess strong skills are areas of communication (verbal, written, and non-verbal), leadership and followership, collaboration, an ability to work in teams, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, conflict management, problem-solving, creativity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Management Consultants?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: As stated earlier, the field of management is broad and encompasses all industries and sectors. Consequently, the technical skills necessary to succeed will vary according to the specific knowledge and experiences required to understand the nuances of an organization. Accordingly, graduates who have business acumen and technical competency in a particular discipline or industry would be better positioned for employment opportunities. As a result, I always place emphasis on gaining internships and work experience concurrently with academic study. These experiences will provide a real-world understanding of the type of skills necessary to succeed in organizations as well as offer industry-specific knowledge. However, for many graduates, their practical skills are limited. In this case, it is important to ensure you have more generalizable skills that are applicable across industries, such as building digital fluency, analytical fluency, writing skills, and strong Excel skills. When speaking with consulting firms and industry employers, they repeatedly reference the need for graduates to demonstrate more advanced Excel skills.
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in management occupations will grow over the next decade by 9%. Due to the broad array of management opportunities, variations in skills necessary for success are likely to exist based on the type of management work being performed and the industry or sector. However, there are general management skills or competencies necessary for success, including management consulting, that employers continually seek from graduates. The ten most sought-after skills include the following: critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, innovation/creativity, problem-solving, analytical fluency, digital fluency, adaptability, resilience, aptitude for collaboration and teamwork, and human capital management.
Jim McClenahan
Director of Career and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Nevada, Reno
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Management Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Jim McClenahan: Rethinking work locations. Companies may recruit in areas that have lots of talent, cheaper cost of living and better quality of life. As an example, Incline Village is a small community on Lake Tahoe about 40 minutes from our campus. Every store is packed and the traffic is worse than any holiday weekend. Silicon Valley companies (about 4 hours away) have seen lots of people "temporarily relocate" to Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area. Now that some companies have permanently moved to at least a portion of their workforce as "work anywhere," communities like Reno, Boise, Missoula-ones with lower cost of living and better quality of life compared to the Bay Area may experience a mini-boom. It's already happening more in Reno.
The best candidates will be "swiss army knives." They have lots of different skillsets and with the flexibility everyone has demonstrated during the pandemic knowing how to do a lot of different things allows organizations to run a little leaner. Someone told me I was the ultimate "utility infielder" last week which I took as a high compliment! I think mastering lots of different skills is a key to employability for the candidate and success for the organization.
Finally, I expect small business hiring to be a mixed bag. Some are doing very well and expanding. Many others are struggling to survive and waiting to see how quickly lockdowns end and business returns before they start hiring.
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Jim McClenahan: Most importantly, skills that are customized for the job you are applying. Someone could work in a restaurant and have great customer management skills that would work well in a bank. The key is identifying "transferrable skills"-how what you did is relevant for the job you are applying. The applicant has to articulate that-don't expect the committee, screener, or HR Recruiter to make the connections. For business majors, the skills that differentiate applicants are technical skills when they are relevant to the job. Data analysis, coding, SQL are often looked for by employers that have a tech focus as preferred skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Management Consultants to find work opportunities?
Jim McClenahan: The trend of great opportunities consolidating in major metropolitan areas seems to be reversing. With working remotely appearing to be a permanent feature/benefit, find a place to live that offers a lower cost and great quality of life for you and your family! Build a variety of skills and achievements in different areas and find the right culture that matches your skills.
Dr. Brian Wardyga
Professor of Communication; General Manager, 109.2FM WLAS & LCTVLasell University
School of Communication and The Arts
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
Dr. Brian Wardyga: Most important soft skills include organization and time management, thinking conceptually and practically, being concise and to the point, and exhibiting common courtesy and professionalism. Flexibility, curiosity, and the desire to work as a team are also important--strong communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Management Consultants?
Dr. Brian Wardyga: Technical skills such as accounting and project management and other computer skills demanded by the particular market. Beyond typical Microsoft Office skills would be Analytical software and marketing and presentation skills/tools.
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Dr. Brian Wardyga: Today's business consultant should be able to showcase skills in project management, business strategy & outlook, and supply chain management & optimization. Evidence of collaboration & teamwork is also a big plus.
Within these constructs, one should identify key technical skills, evidence of decision making & critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills, and creative thinking or problem-solving examples. Lastly, evidence of working in focus groups and leading workshops or presentations are also standouts.
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
Dr. Brian Wardyga: That answer is dependent on the specific market, really. Any combination of the above and the more of those skills, the better chance at negotiating higher earnings.
Candace Esken Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Management & LeadershipBradley University
Foster College of Business
What hard/technical skills are most important for Management Consultants?
Candace Esken Ph.D.: The most important hard skills for management analysts are problem-solving, data analysis, and presentation skills. The central focus of their work revolves around solving problems for clients by analyzing large chunks of data and drawing meaningful conclusions. Analysts also spend a great deal of time creating sophisticated presentations to enhance communication with clients. Management Analysts should be especially skilled with excel and PowerPoint.
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Candace Esken Ph.D.: Management analysts, or consultants, should have strong skills associated with data analytics and problem-solving. Any evidence of these skills on an applicant's resume is a key indicator of being a strong candidate. For example, proficiency with various statistical data analysis software programs or data management systems helps a candidate's resume stand out. It also helps if an applicant has several years of work experience in a related field.
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
Candace Esken Ph.D.: Excellent communication skills are absolutely essential for management analysts. Usually, these skills are best demonstrated during the interview process with little room for error. In addition, applicants should have strong interpersonal skills because much of their job requires them to work with managers and employees of various organizations. Furthermore, soft skills such as leadership, confidence, and time management are highly valued.
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
Candace Esken Ph.D.: Analysts who have both sets of critical hard and soft skills, a tough combination to deliver, will have the most earning potential. Typically, once an analyst has proven themselves on several projects and built a credible reputation, they will have opportunities for increased earnings. Furthermore, analysts with an MBA degree typically earn a higher salary and receive larger signing bonuses.
Neil Boyd Ph.D.
David J. & Deborah West Professor of Management; Chair, Management and Organizations DepartmentBucknell University
Management and Organizations Department
What skills stand out on Management Consultant resumes?
Neil Boyd Ph.D.: Previous consulting experience, whether it is early exposure during management consulting courses and experiential learning in college or via professional project exposure, is very helpful for understanding the obvious and nuanced issues in consulting. I've found that technical skills like project management, statistical analysis, and others are important, but most important are the so-called "soft skills" and the ability to connect with humans in a way that they know you are there to help. When talking to early-career consultants, I'm most impressed when they discuss the psychological considerations of running an opening meeting with a client or how they handled a murky situation through conversation instead of functional answers about survey design or billable hours.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Management Consultants?
Neil Boyd Ph.D.: Project management, understanding and using concepts, models, and theory from management science, analytics, excel/SPSS/R, Powerpoint/Google Slides.
What soft skills should all Management Consultants possess?
Neil Boyd Ph.D.: Humility, empathy, integrity, emotional intelligence, a concern for others, a desire to create community at work, a concern for social and environmental justice.
What skills will help Management Consultants earn the most?
Neil Boyd Ph.D.: A combination of hard and soft skills, but at the end of the day, soft skills are critical to truly helping clients. And, for sure, they can be learned. This is a challenge for management education, but places like the Freeman College of Management at Bucknell work hard to develop soft skills in students primarily through coaching, experiential and community-based pedagogies, and professional development programming.