How to Empower Your Career in Management Consulting
In today's competitive professional landscape the consulting industry has built a reputation for being a proving ground for professional acumen, which is why seemingly all undergraduate and graduate business students are eyeing up the industry in some regard. Working for a top tier, or even mid-tier, firm garners premium pay straight out of college and builds quickly from there. However, it only takes about three to five years for most consultants to trade a lift of constant burnout for an industry position with a healthy six-figure salary. (An “industry position” is consulting-speak for a traditional job working for one company, as opposed to constantly rotating in and out of different client/company projects year after year.) Whether you’re just starting your consulting career or eyeing up an industry position, it is crucial to empower yourself to not only survive but thrive.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked for large, Big 4 companies and small, boutique firms, working my way through the ranks from entry-level consultant to Director of Consulting Services. As I reflect on my career and coach others on their chosen path, the single most important success factor is the degree to which a person feels personally empowered in their career. Personal empowerment allows you to take control of your professional growth and successfully navigate the challenges along the way. Regardless of where you are in your professional journey, I strongly encourage you to consider these six ways to empower yourself as a management consultant.
1. Always Be Learning
Consulting never sleeps. Geographically dispersed teams literally work around the clock to keep up with the speed of change in an industry that is innovating every day. In such a rapidly evolving industry, knowledge is power and it’s absolutely critical to invest time and effort into gaining new skills, both hard and soft. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements. Whether you choose free, self-paced online resources or traditional, structured education, by constantly learning and expanding your expertise you become invaluable to your organization.
2. Always Be Networking Building Relationships
Elephant in the room, “professional networking” makes people feel like slimy used car salesmen - and they’re not wrong. The management consulting industry has become a big, demanding, unrelenting monster that gobbles up talent and spits out the leftovers. It’s easy to see how “who you know,” or one’s “professional network,” has become one of the only survival mechanisms to rely on. But I think we’re missing the point.
Whenever I’m asked to speak about professional networking I begin with this quick exercise. I ask everyone to write down the name of each person they can call right now who will do them a favor, no questions asked. It usually only takes a few seconds before people start shifting in their seat or laughing at the awkwardness. Seconds pass like minutes because it’s an awkward question to answer. Invariably, someone raises their hand and asks, “Is this, like, a list of family and friends or coworkers?” And that is the moment people realize the essence of networking isn’t about opportunity, it’s about relationships.
Another key takeaway I provide to every audience I speak to about networking is that networking doesn’t feel like “networking” if you’re genuinely curious to learn about the other person. I really enjoy speaking to groups about networking because the room feels different after the session. Body language changes all throughout the room as people realize they’re not looking for favors, they’re curious to learn how everyone else is managing their career.
Building a strong professional network is essential in a competitive industry but connecting with people, as people, is what makes the difference. Seek out opportunities to connect with people at industry events, relevant associations, and online platforms. Engaging in meaningful conversations, asking for mentorship, and building relationships will provide you with new opportunities and insights. In this manner, networking not only enhances your knowledge but also opens doors to collaborations and career advancements.
3. Set Clear Goals
Empowerment begins with clarity. What specific benefit do you want from your current job? I’ve talked to countless people who’s primary goal is to “put in their time” and wait until it’s their turn. “Putting in your time” is a standard that’s been passed down from previous generations of business people who operated in a completely different business environment. While I agree that developing expertise takes time, setting clear goals about what you want to gain from your current day-to-day job is a way of taking control and empowering yourself to succeed, regardless of your boss, your company, or challenging economic conditions. Michael Hyatt famously said, “you lose your way when you lose your why.” Goal-setting is an easy way to stay focused on your “why.”
There are many different frameworks for goal-setting. Pick the one that works best for you. You can also create a roadmap that outlines short-term and long-term objectives. Break down these goals into manageable steps and track your progress. By setting clear goals, you have a clear direction and purpose, which can help you stay motivated and empowers you to be decisive in your career.
4. Be Assertive
After learning a new skill, building a new relationship with someone who helped you learn how to target opportunities for that skill, and setting a personal goal to use that skill for a specific client, being assertive is where you start to see the gains. As I mentioned before, do not wait for opportunities to come to you. At this point in the process, you’ve got a new skill, a new relationship, and a goal. Be assertive and start pitching. Take initiative and seek out projects or tasks that align with your goals. Showcase your new skills by volunteering for a cross-functional project, propose a new idea, or suggest process improvements. By taking ownership and proactively contributing to your organization, you demonstrate your value and drive, paving the way for career growth and advancement.
5. Embrace Resilience and Adaptability
Next, it’s time to prepare for inevitable challenges and setbacks. How you respond is incredibly important. Too much disappointment and you’ll be perceived as weak. Too much frustration and you’ll be perceived as aggressive. Ask too many times, you’re hardheaded. Walk away to quick and you don’t care enough. There’s a certain butterfly effect to the emotions and responses we have when we face challenges and setbacks.
I admit, I struggle with this a lot because I’m an aggressive goal-setter and I don’t like being told “no.” (Yes, I’m aware of the irony between this and the next section.) One of the best ways I’ve learned to cultivate resilience is by viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. Most of the time I’m able to separate emotion from a setback and focus on learning how to “play the game,” if you will. This is especially helpful in my work leading large-scale change initiatives for global organizations. By embracing change and being open-minded to new requirements, you’ll develop a growth mindset that will empower you to navigate through adversity and outshine your competitors.
6. Set Boundaries (Say “No”)
There is, perhaps, no better place to begin a career than management consulting. The industry provides unparalleled access and opportunity to quickly explore various business disciplines and become a recognized thought-leader in your chosen field. However, consulting is an industry that primarily rewards hard work with the opportunity to work harder. No pauses. No brakes. In such an environment, the power of “no” cannot be understated.
Conclusion
The consulting industry offers exceptional opportunities for growth and financial rewards. However, it is important to remember that success in this field goes beyond mere survival. To truly thrive, it is essential to empower yourself and take control of your professional journey. As someone who has experienced the highs and lows of the industry firsthand, I can attest to the transformative power of personal empowerment. Whether you are just starting out or eyeing a transition to an industry position, these six principles will help you unleash your full potential and pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous career.
