Fast Track Your Consulting Career: A New Consultant's Guide to Networking
The people you network with within your consulting firm really makes a difference to your consulting career.
This blog shares the four most valuable people for new consultants to network with, where to find them and tips to maximise those relationships.
This is an abridged version of our original YouTube video, you can watch the full video here.
Staffers
Networking with staffers is your secret hack to getting your ideal client role and fast. They can provide valuable intel to help you navigate the firm's internal role application processes and prepare for role interviews.
Be proactive. Introduce yourself, share your background, and ask for their advice on tailoring your internal consulting CV and approaching engagement manager discussions.
Potential Line Managers
Build relationships with potential line managers. Your line manager and the person who oversees your progression through the firm are not the same person. That person is usually called something like a ‘career coach’ (terms vary between consulting firms).
Your career coach can connect you with engagement managers seeking analysts or consultants for their projects. Once they’ve given you some names, be proactive. Reach out to them for a coffee, virtual or otherwise.
Do your research on their specialty area and craft thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in what they’re working on. Use that conversation with them to see how you can contribute based on your skills and experience. This will help make you memorable to them whether they’re looking for someone on their project right now or not.
Consulting Peers
Most consultants overlook this one!
You can help each other enormously by sharing knowledge, case studies and templates.
Expand your peer network by attending town hall sessions and networking events to meet other consultants. Also use your firm’s internal organisation structure. Don’t be afraid to reach out cold and suggest a coffee.
Be sure to ask about their role, their experience in the firm and even see if they can help you with introductions to expand your network.
Managing Directors
Managing Directors/Partners are very valuable to meet. However, most people approach this wrong.
Most analysts and consultants will only network with them during promotion cycles. This can come across as superficial which isn’t good for you or the person you’re trying to impress.
Instead, connect with them early in the year and identify ways to assist them such as supporting RFP responses or other side of desk activities. Add value first, then Partners can advocate for you.
Tips for successful networking
Here are the three golden rules of networking:
Personalised outreach and thoughtfully tailored conversations
Deliver on promises and provide ongoing value
Don't just ask for things - offer help first
It’s who you know
Networking is the secret sauce to accelerating your consulting career.
Implementing these networking best practices will help turbo charge your consulting experience.
Identify people in these four groups, prep meaningful questions, demonstrate your value, and deliver on promises. With a deliberate approach, new consultants can build relationships and capitalise on these to succeed.
