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Job outlook for operations consultants in the United States
Operations consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected operations consultant job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 108,400 new jobs for operations consultants are projected over the next decade.
Operations consultant salaries have increased 9% for operations consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 39,187 operations consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 122,880 active operations consultant job openings in the US.
The average operations consultant salary is $87,229.
Are operations consultant jobs in demand?
Operations consultant job and salary trends over time
Operations consultant jobs over time
Operations consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 39,187 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 25,729 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 24,878 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 37,486 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 35,741 | 0.01% |
Average operations consultant salary over time
Operations consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $87,229 | $41.94 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $83,908 | $40.34 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $81,942 | $39.40 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $81,338 | $39.10 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $80,211 | $38.56 | +1.3% |
Operations consultant jobs by state
Most common states for operations consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 662 | 95% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 349 | 33% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 283 | 33% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 191 | 31% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,007 | 29% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 885 | 29% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 280 | 29% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 373 | 28% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 159 | 27% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,415 | 25% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,047 | 25% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 407 | 24% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 248 | 24% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,605 | 22% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 164 | 22% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,239 | 21% |
| 17 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,039 | 21% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,010 | 21% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 410 | 21% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 386 | 21% |
Most common cities for operations consultants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tallahassee | 48 | 25% | $69,066 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 3 | 11% | $79,538 |
| 3 | Juneau | 3 | 9% | $93,527 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $104,016 |
| 5 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $86,837 |
| 6 | Fort Lauderdale | 3 | 2% | $66,752 |
| 7 | Jacksonville | 8 | 1% | $68,265 |
| 8 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $96,354 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $83,530 |
| 10 | Miami | 4 | 1% | $66,663 |
| 11 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $95,352 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $91,200 |
| 13 | Des Moines | 3 | 1% | $81,597 |
| 14 | New York | 9 | 0% | $90,795 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 8 | 0% | $93,792 |
| 16 | Chicago | 7 | 0% | $83,380 |
| 17 | San Jose | 4 | 0% | $116,666 |
Operations Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of operations consultant experts
Murray State University
University of West Florida
Lewis-Clark State College
Illinois Wesleyan University
Xavier University
Coastal Carolina University
Florida State University
University of Nevada, Reno
Lasell University
Bucknell University
California State University - San Bernardino
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Brazosport College
University of Central Missouri
Canisius College
Augsburg University
University of the District of Columbia
Pepperdine University, Seaver College
Sam Houston State University
Houston Baptist University
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What will help Operations Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
What general advice would you give to an Operations 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 Operations 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 skills will help Operations 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.
Carmela Ferradáns Ph.D.
Professor of Hispanic StudiesIllinois Wesleyan University
Hispanic Studies Department
What skills stand out on Operations Consultant resumes?
Carmela Ferradáns Ph.D.: Communication, adaptability, problem-solving, critical thinking, self-awareness, leadership, self-reliance, cross-cultural understanding, creativity.
Mike Halloran
Teaching Professor, Management and Entrepreneurship, Taskforce Member, Center for InnovationXavier University
Management Department
What soft skills should all Operations 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 Operations Consultants?
Mike Halloran: Excel
-Digital communication
-Budget management
What skills will help Operations Consultants earn the most?
Mike Halloran: -Database analytics
-Digital marketing
-Finance
-Technological innovation
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Finance and EconomicsCoastal Carolina University
Finance and Economics Department
What skills stand out on Operations Consultant resumes?
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.: Problem-solving, Creative thinking, Data Analytics, Competitive Strategies, Communication, Leadership and Team Building, Decision making.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Operations 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.
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 hard/technical skills are most important for Operations 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 Operations 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.
What soft skills should all Operations 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 skills stand out on Operations 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.
Jim McClenahan
Director of Career and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Nevada, Reno
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations 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 Operations 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.
Dr. Brian Wardyga
Professor of Communication; General Manager, 109.2FM WLAS & LCTVLasell University
School of Communication and The Arts
What skills will help Operations 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.
What skills stand out on Operations 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Operations 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.
Neil Boyd Ph.D.
David J. & Deborah West Professor of Management; Chair, Management and Organizations DepartmentBucknell University
Management and Organizations Department
What skills will help Operations 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.
What will help Operations Consultants increase their earning potential?
Daniel MacDonald Ph.D.: In my field of economics, data and computer science skills, like advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Python/R, would make graduates more competitive and will increase their long-run earnings potential.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Dorothy Zilic: There are some aspects of COVID-19 that have been eye-opening in terms of exploring options to accomplish tasks and maintain services. From discussions with regional employers and HR professionals, it appears that there may be more virtual/remote opportunities. There has not always been a work-from-home mentality in many industries, but due to COVID-19, many more employers have adapted and been innovative in their practices to open up the format of the work. It does appear that some remote options may continue given the success that they have seen in various areas of work performed. Several companies have begun using virtual trainings with their employees for instance, which I believe will also see a continuation.
Aspects to the recruitment process may continue, such as virtual information sessions from recruiters across the county to virtual interviewing. Virtual and/or video interviews had begun to take off prior to last March and it has been very beneficial to giving the students and alumni opportunities to connect, use technology, and make a positive impression. Many networking opportunities that have been significant in the past have continued in virtual platforms. It is important to make valuable connections and this can be done in different formats. The importance of skills that employers have looked for universally also still appears to be consistent. Some examples include: verbal and written communication, organization, adaptability, leadership, and problem solving. More than ever, familiarity with technology and the ability to be flexible can be helpful within one's work.
Students may also see less of a barrier to their geographic location, if they do not want to move. They may want to explore remote/virtual opportunities where they can utilize technology to help them gain valuable experience and/or enter the workforce.
What will help Operations Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dorothy Zilic: Experience continues to be an important factor when entering the workforce in numerous fields. The majority of employers want to see some kind of related experience, such as an internship, part-time employment, volunteer/service and course-related experiences relevant to their major. There are many employers offering internships, both in-person and virtual. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities to explore that are virtual in nature. This can be a time to be creative! Some students and graduates start their own businesses for example.
It is important to look at the requirements of entry-level jobs within the industry to know what experience one should strive for throughout his/her college career. There are several fields, such as Accounting and Public Relations/Marketing, where more than one internship may be advisable. Including a "Related Experience" section on a resume allows the students/candidates to display their most relevant work quickly to an employer.
Skills are also noteworthy and may help someone to be a competitive applicant when applying. Are there skills the employer is seeking, such as needing proficiency with Excel for an Accounting position? In addition to highlighting examples of related experience on a resume, skills are essential to include on a resume, cover letter, and/or in an interview. There may be skills specific to the position and also transferable skills.
Transferrable skills are beneficial to showcase because they transcend the position. These skills may be applicable to any position and often when employers interview, they use behavioral interviewing to determine how someone has reacted/acted in the past to help them to predict how the person will behave in the future. These skills and also one's attitude can show he/she is a capable and enthusiastic candidate.
While in college, students may work in different areas other than their chosen field of study. They may have had part-time positions that are more related to their major, but they might not be as directly related. It is important to think about each position/experience one has had, what has been learned, and what strengths have been brought out or enhanced. When talking to students about their strengths, I often ask the question, "What was the worst day you had on the job?" Thinking about one's most difficult day and how he/she handled it can demonstrate where a person's strengths lie and this is important to remember when talking about skills, abilities, and values. Connecting with the institution's career centers and all the wonderful resources at one's disposal (e.g., faculty, advisors, staff, peers, personal network) can help students not only navigate the job search process, but also to learn how to effectively discuss their experience, skills, and how to market/brand themselves. Each person has so much to give and bring to a position. I encourage students to think about their experiences (e.g., course-related, employment, internship, volunteer, club/organization, public service) and the valuable things they take away from them.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Consultants?
Kenneth Resecker: There is no doubt that the disruption caused by the Coronavirus impact will have, and has already had, a significant impact on students who had to learn through it. While there are many excellent online programs in the world, the program I teach in is not designed for remote or virtual learning. The students who come through the Process Technology program will end up in an industrial or manufacturing career field. The majority of the courses in the program involve hands-on training, and actual operation of the various pieces of equipment they will be working with after graduation. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, all but two of the courses in the program were in-person learning only. The other courses involved face-to-face instruction, in an environment that had a multitude of visual aids, and many of them involved lab time that was spent interacting with the equipment. Today, the vast majority of the courses in our program are provided with an online/virtual lecture, with lab time on a separate day. Some courses even utilize pre-recorded lectures that student will watch on their own time, in an attempt to maximize the virtual interaction and lab time expanding on what was seen in the pre-recorded lecture. All that to say, it just isn't the same as being face-to-face with the students. Being able to read their body language and see their facial expressions as you teach is invaluable, and when it isn't there, the quality of instruction diminishes. The students who will graduate thought this pandemic will have lost a lot of the quality instruction they should have received. I wouldn't go so far as to say the impact would be enduring, so to speak, because I believe they can overcome the impact given enough time and on the job training.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Operations Consultants?
Kenneth Resecker: In the Process Technology program, it would be difficult to point to one particular course that would have the biggest impact. The program is designed in such a way that each course builds on the previous course, so the bigger impact would be the quality of instruction received on the previous course as student progresses through. The first courses taken have a lot of information that students need to memorize. The next course requires them to identify equipment and explain how it works. The next gives them multiple pieces of equipment working together, and they have to analyze the system and explain how the system is affected by other parts of the system, and so on. By the end of the program they are actually starting up a small plant and bringing it within normal operating parameters. So, that being said, receiving a quality education throughout the entire program is what will ultimately have the biggest impact on your job prospects. Also, given the hands-on and physical labor aspects of our industry, the individual skill set and aptitude of the student will play a large role in both their success in the program and their ability to find a spot in the industry.
What will help Operations Consultants increase their earning potential?
Kenneth Resecker: In our field, your earning potential is both deep and wide. What I mean by that is, a Process Technician can make a lot of money, and can also fill a lot of different roles within the industry. The Process Technology field is present in a variety of different markets: chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, water treatment, paper production, oil & gas exploration, and many more. There's a wide variety of options to choose from and the amount of money that can be made in any of them depends on the person's drive to excel. Many in the Process Technology field are satisfied with being a technician for their entire career with a 100k salary each year. Others, who may not want to stay in the same role that long, have a variety of different roles they could transition to. Many technicians move in to training roles, become a Technical Advisor, or move up to a supervisor position. So, like I said, the biggest factor to a person's earning potential increasing would be their individual drive to want to do more. The possibilities are near endless if the person wants to pursue them.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Dan Jensen: There will be a combination of opportunities and losses across the next 3-5 years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many industries will find it difficult to recover such as hospitality (hotels, restaurants, etc.), entertainment (movie theatres, night clubs, casinos, etc.), manufacturing, and educational services. But many industries and career pathways are opening up because of the use of online technologies. Positions that include remote work that leverage technology will remain and probably increase across time. Supply chain, project management, eCommerce, computer science, data science ("big data"), digital content, and artificial intelligence specialists will continue to increasingly be in demand. The healthcare industry has been in flux because of increasing costs but will emerge on the other side of the pandemic with opportunities for nurses, healthcare support staff, and related technologies (e.g., the "electronic healthcare record"). Irrespective of the pandemic, careers in sales or customer relationship management (CRM) will continue to be a popular launching point for recent college graduates.
The recruitment/hiring process is likely to become much longer than in the past and will rely on virtual interviews instead of face-to-face. With a high unemployment rate, it will be more difficult for younger, less experienced candidates to get hired. This is not great news for recent college graduates, but all is not lost.
Networking has always been the number one way that people find work opportunities. The skill is more important than ever. My recommended approach is to: identify a list of companies where you would like to work; research job postings within the company (and apply!) while simultaneously identifying contacts at the company (LinkedIn is a great tool to do this); then reaching out to contacts by using your existing network for an introduction (identify someone you know is already connected to the person you want to meet and ask them to forward a letter of introduction on your behalf). This leads to an "informational interview" (not a job interview); a chance to speak with someone about the company and its culture.
How have salaries changed over time for Operations Consultants?
Dr. Dan Jensen: According to the Society for Human Resources, salary projections for 2021 are being reconsidered by many employers and plans for salary increases or bonuses may not be as large as projected. Salary expectations will vary with industry, role, and level of experience. 35-40% of US businesses have frozen salaries at 2020 levels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a modest 3.0-3.5% increase is expected overall. Technology-driven roles are seeing among the largest increases in starting salaries as the battle to acquire talent continues to be highly competitive. Customer-focused roles with a technological focus (e.g., Customer Experience, CX) positions are also increasing compared to the past. Roles in accounting, finance, and general administration will see minimal change from the past year and vary based on industry rather than on the specific job title.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Operations Consultants?
Dr. Dan Jensen: Credentials viewed favorably vary from industry to industry and job to job. If you are focused on the positive trends (question 1 above), there are specialized certifications for nearly every role. Some certifications require that you have professional experience in the industry, but others can be earned prior to having relevant work experience.
Supply Chain (e.g., Certified Supply Chain Manager, CSCP)
Human Resources (e.g., Professional in Human Resources, PHR)
Project Management (e.g., Project Management Professional, PMP)
Sales (e.g., SPIN Selling)
Networking (e.g., Certified Cisco Network Associate, CCNA)
Customer Relationship Management (e.g., Salesforce certification)
Google Certifications (e.g., AdWords certification)
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Consultants?
Robyn Brouer Ph.D.: Yes, in that it will impact the world of business. The landscape of working for an organization is going to change drastically. I suspect that many jobs will remain remote or partly remote. Rather than dipping a toe into remote work options, organizations were forced to adopt them whole. Many will realize that remote work is more cost effective. This same impact will be felt for jobs that used to include travel. Many organizations have seen how easy it is to use online meeting tools and will not go back.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Consultants?
Robyn Brouer Ph.D.: I don't have silver bullet for this question because it is heavily dependent on a person's fit with the organization. That is, the same job at two different company cultures will be vastly different. Graduates should really explore what they value and try to find an organization that promotes those values as well. Other than that, I think a starting job that gives you a lot of breath of experiences should be valued by new graduates. It may not be the highest paying job, but it will build your skills (and thus your ability to move up) faster than jobs in which you are only doing one thing day after day.
What technical skills for an Operations Consultant stand out to employers?
Robyn Brouer Ph.D.: Employers can train on technical skills, what they routinely ask for are "soft skills"- they want graduates who can think critically, effectively communicate, can work well in teams, and do so in a professional manner with a strong work ethic.
George Dierberger
MBA Director, Associate ProfessorAugsburg University
Business Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Consultant job market given the pandemic?
George Dierberger: The biggest trend the past 2 years has been the move to business analytics. Augsburg has added data analytics as a minor for the undergrad program and a concentration in the MBA program. Companies of all sizes are requiring data analytics for new hires. We have also added tableau, a data visualization software, a requirement for undergraduate and graduate programs. Both trends came from our business advisory council.
What's a day at work look like for an Operations Consultant?
George Dierberger: Recent college graduates have had a tough time with covid and working from home. For workers who have children in school, it has been incredibly stressful with online demands for everyone in the family. For younger workers, the lack of connection has been challenging for everyone--Zoom meetings only get you so far. I look forward to a hybrid approach in the fall, when workers will have the option of going into the office. I do believe the days of commuting to work 5 days a week is over. I would be very concerned for the major downtown infrastructures (large buildings, high rents, parking spaces, restaurants) that the party will never be the same moving forward. Companies have discovered that their people may be more productive at home then commuting an hour each way into work.
What soft skills should all Operations Consultants possess?
George Dierberger: Soft skills are a requirement for business graduates. The ability to play nicely in the sandbox with coworkers is critical for success. Also, a major trend is diversity and inclusion and equity for all workers.
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of the District of Columbia
Division of Science and Mathematics
What technical skills for an Operations Consultant stand out to employers?
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.: In biology, you must have skills in molecular biology or biotechnology. You must be able to analyze data and relate it to the known literature which is obtained mainly from refereed journal articles in the field. You must have exceptional writing skills. No one has the time to teach you how to write.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Consultants?
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.: I think the impact on our graduates will be no greater than the impact that the pandemic will have on the Nation or the world as a whole. Making use of technology for interactive activities is cheaper and suitable to a degree but I have not found it totally satisfactory. A virtual meeting is not tantamount to a face-to-face meeting and our students have indicated to me that they have felt this difference. Also, I, as an instructor, have felt the difference and have tried to correct this but have not been successful. The University of the District of Columbia is known for its nurturing quality and virtual communications does not allow for the face-to-face association that most nurturing protocols required. I have only been able to achieve this relationship when I can sit with a student in the same room, listen and serve as a mentor.
I am able to relate my knowledge and assess my mentee's conversation couple with his/her body language and this allows me to determine my success or failure. Further, I have found it very difficult to almost impossible to hire a person in a position of authority or one in a position that I have to supervise, without a face to face meeting. This may be possible, if I interview the individual several times. Possibly then, I can get a better assessment. Personally, I feel that face-to-face interactions allow for better assessments. Further, I have had to change my research focus during the pandemic and I look forward to helping my students perfect their research skills which could not be enhanced via the internet. Observing a protocol performed is not the same as doing it yourself. This is, especially, true in our electron microscopy laboratory where perfecting ultramicrotomy is impossible to teach without close interactions.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Consultants?
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.: A job that will allow you to advance and assist you in this advancement.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Consultants?
Steven Bauer: The coronavirus has accelerated the transformation to a digital world, and this effect will continue after the pandemic is behind us. Graduates will need to be able to navigate a hybrid business environment, with in-person and virtual meetings, interactions and platforms. There will also be increased opportunities to be entrepreneurial and innovative in the digital area. In addition, graduates will have to become more skilled at navigating a global environment since greater digitization will draw countries closer to each other.
What soft skills should all Operations Consultants possess?
Steven Bauer: The new hybrid world will make leading teams more challenging. This reality will put a premium on interpersonal skills. When the NASA astronaut, Richard Arnold, spoke at Pepperdine in 2019, he mentioned that team building was the single most important ability undergraduates could develop to become a good astronaut. The same holds for graduates wanting to go into business, particularly in the post coronavirus era. As part of their skills in this area, graduates will also need to be able and committed to addressing issues in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Carliss Miller Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of ManagementSam Houston State University
Department of Management & Marketing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Flexible working arrangements were considered a perk or benefit, but given the pandemic more and more jobs will be designed with flexible work arrangements in mind. We will continue to see trends in the labor market with a push towards personal services (e.g. virtual assistants, professional organizers) and professional services. There will also continue to be a demand for knowledge work. More and more, employers are looking to hire applicants that can provide concrete evidence of being "Day 1" ready.
Employers will focus more on identifying prospects with certain "soft skills" which were a nice-to-have pre-pandemic, but are now critical for organizational survival. These skills include: critical thinking, agility, ability to adapt to change, resilience, virtual team effectiveness, crisis management, emotional intelligence, empathy, and inclusive leadership. Additionally, data analysis and interpretation is a highly sought after skill even for jobs that historically did not require analytical ability.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Consultants?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Good jobs out of college are those that offer structured training, development, and job rotation. While some college students identified their career at age 5 and never veered away, some are still figuring out what they want to do after college. A job opportunity that recognizes the potential of new talent, willing to invest in training and development, and provides opportunities for new employees to experience different job functions enables new graduates to gain a realistic job preview that pays and allows them to identify an opportunity within the company that best aligns with skills and interests. Positions that are for a specific job function but have an apprenticeship model, like a "sales trainee" position, are also great for career stepping stones right out of college.
Michael Kraten Ph.D.
Professor of Accounting, Chair, Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Program Coordinator, Accounting, BBAHouston Baptist University
Accounting, Economics and Finance Department
What technical skills for an Operations Consultant stand out to employers?
Michael Kraten Ph.D.: Short-term skills like data analytics establish college graduates as credible staff professionals. Long-term skills like critical thinking and persuasive communication can place graduates on long-term career paths to senior management.