Unconventional paths into Consulting
Did you know… unconventional backgrounds can lead to consulting success!
You don't need a typical career trajectory to become a consultant. In this blog we’ll show how even the most unique work histories build transferrable consulting skills that can translate into excellent career.
Consulting firms increasingly value diverse perspectives. If you didn't follow a traditional path, highlight how your background equips you for consulting work.
How uncommon experiences prepares you for Consulting
Ex-Startup Founders
Startup life is often considered an exit opportunity for consulting but it’s also a very valid entry point.
Plenty of ex-entrepreneurs have made successful consulting careers. Startup founders have proven that they can prioritise deliverables against a set strategy as well as creating that strategy in the first place.
Entrepreneurs frequently work with ambiguity yet successfully bring a product or service to market. They have strong analytical capabilities to be able to assess a market opportunity. Startup founders have to think holistically about all areas of the business and assess the impact of making changes to each area.
Entrepreneurs make for some of the best consultants so if this is your background, don’t be shy about applying to consulting.
Ex-Military
Some consulting firms have specific programmes designed to help veterans break into consulting.
Ex-military personnel make excellent consultants because they work well under pressure, have structured approaches and can deploy creative thinking to solve complex problems all at short notice.
Deloitte is just one example of a big consulting firm committed to hiring veterans. Their Military Transition and Talent Programme supports veterans who are looking to transition to a civilian career as well as supporting those who also wish to remain in the Army Reserves.
Ex-Teachers
It might surprise you to learn that there are quite a few ex-teachers turned consultants. There are some unexpected overlaps between teaching and consulting skills.
For example, both teachers and consultants have to juggle multiple priorities. The output might look different but the skills needed to balance everything are very similar.
Similarly, both teachers and consultants have to be excellent communicators. Translating a complex message into bite size pieces is true whether you’re delivering that to a class of children or delivering a presentation to company execs.
Of course we’re avoiding mentioning how talking to clients can be like talking to children…
Key Takeaways
Top firms now actively recruit from diverse professional backgrounds. You’ll break into consulting by emphasising transferable skills, not just linear career progression.
So don't self-select out if you took an unexpected path. The right capabilities matter more than a CV timeline. Consulting needs your distinct perspective!
