Once I was interested in consulting and started thinking to join any consulting organization. During course of the finding the nature of a consultant, I came to know following stuff which are basic requirement of becoming a consultant
You have to become an expert in your subject matter, Take on challenging projects, and Become creative in finding solutions to problems. Attend courses in areas you feel you are deficient, read up on the blogs, get involved in forums, read pdf / books on consulting (i.e. The McKinsey Way and Trusted Advisor, Dangerous Company on “infamous” cases by leading consulting firms.
Take a look at past project documents in your organizations. Look for the original request for proposal (RFP), your company’s response to the proposal and the final solution documents. Try to understand what the challenges were , how they were solved and what the client feedback was.
Work with your business analysts to see how they are capturing client requirements and how they are working with clients to get more information on areas that need digging deeper. Get involved in pre-sales activity such as preparing proposals, meeting clients along with the sales or account teams. Volunteer yourself in writing proposals to get some first hand exposure to “understanding what clients want, formulating a solution and influencing them to buy form you”. These are key skills. Read, understand and practice the 10 important attributes of a consultant. Network in your organization at company events and seek out consulting practice delivery managers. Tell them about your interest in consulting and tell them how what you have done to prepare yourself.
Look at job listings in your company jobs database and apply. However, reaching out to practice leaders may be more effective.
Have a good future in consulting job!
You have to become an expert in your subject matter, Take on challenging projects, and Become creative in finding solutions to problems. Attend courses in areas you feel you are deficient, read up on the blogs, get involved in forums, read pdf / books on consulting (i.e. The McKinsey Way and Trusted Advisor, Dangerous Company on “infamous” cases by leading consulting firms.
Take a look at past project documents in your organizations. Look for the original request for proposal (RFP), your company’s response to the proposal and the final solution documents. Try to understand what the challenges were , how they were solved and what the client feedback was.
Work with your business analysts to see how they are capturing client requirements and how they are working with clients to get more information on areas that need digging deeper. Get involved in pre-sales activity such as preparing proposals, meeting clients along with the sales or account teams. Volunteer yourself in writing proposals to get some first hand exposure to “understanding what clients want, formulating a solution and influencing them to buy form you”. These are key skills. Read, understand and practice the 10 important attributes of a consultant. Network in your organization at company events and seek out consulting practice delivery managers. Tell them about your interest in consulting and tell them how what you have done to prepare yourself.
Look at job listings in your company jobs database and apply. However, reaching out to practice leaders may be more effective.
Have a good future in consulting job!
