Management consultant : Entry requirements

Although management consultancy is open to graduates from any degree discipline, a degree which is either numerical or analytical in content could be an advantage for some firms. A degree in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• business;
• economics;
• finance;
• mathematics;
• engineering or science.

Because of the wide variety of industry sectors in which management consultancy firms work, e.g. banking, healthcare, engineering, public sector, retail, hospitality, media, there are many degree disciplines that could have some relevance. Employers will be looking for a strong academic record more than the subject of study; 2:1 at degree level or equivalent is a standard requirement. Many firms also have a minimum UCAS points (or equivalent) requirement.

Entry with HND/foundation degree is not possible.

A postgraduate degree is not essential for entry into consultancy, however it could be useful. In particular, for those with several years' experience post degree looking to get into management consultancy, the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is seen as a useful springboard. Consulting firms also recruit PhD students. Graduates would be recruited into Analyst roles but MBAs and PhDs are usually recruited into the higher-level Associate positions.

Many consultants enter the profession with a broad-based background of commercial experience and in some cases a professional qualification, e.g. the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant), accredited through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) , Chartered Accountants Ireland or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) . Graduates with experience of one or more of the key consultancy industries and services will be attractive to recruiters.

Employers are also looking for a range of skills which may have been gained through extracurricular activities e.g. club membership, team sports, paid or voluntary work experience.

Candidates will need to provide evidence of key skills and attributes:

• the ability to work in a team;
• interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills;
• creativity and innovation;
• problem-solving ability;
• analytical skills;
• flexibility;
• the ability to cope with pressure and challenges.

Commercial awareness or understanding of business environments is essential to be able to get through the selection process which frequently involves analysing case studies.

Competition is extremely intense with high entry standards and requirements. Early applications are recommended. Many of the larger firms have closing dates in November of your final year. The majority of firms have a structured application process. It is important to know what recruiters are looking for, so make sure you do your research. Using the Vault Guides  to top consulting firms will be particularly helpful. To be successful in the selection process it is important that you refresh your numeracy skills and practise case study interview techniques.

Consulting thrives when the economy does, so the recession has had an effect on recruitment. Firms are still seeing a demand for work but rather than concentrating on growth strategies, the focus is on transformational work, turnarounds and cost-reduction projects. Cuts in government spending will also have an effect on demand, particularly for those consultancies that specialise in the public sector.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.