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Written by Editorial Team. Published 27 November 2023. Last updated 8 September 2026.

What is a consultant?

Consultants typically analyse business challenges, recommend practical solutions and support organisations in achieving specific strategic or operational goals. They can provide professional advice in a specific subject or field. They could work freelance, for a consultancy firm or as an in-house consultant.

Who can become a consultant?

Technically, any of us could wake up tomorrow and decide to become a consultant in an area we feel we excel. However, that doesn’t mean we would get any work. To thrive as a consultant, you need experience that allows you to prove your expertise and the relevant qualifications. Strong communication, problem-solving and commercial awareness are among the most valued skills for consultants across different industries.

What sectors use consultants?

The consultancy industry is incredibly varied, and thanks to that it’s a viable career choice across many sectors. However, it’s most common within business management, change management, HR (especially within smaller businesses that don’t legally require full-time HR employees), environmental, IT, sales, research, operations, compliance, strategy, policy and more.

Why do businesses need consultants?

There are lots of reasons a business might need a consultant, including:

• Easing the stress of running a small business alone
• An external and objective eye can sometimes see issues with new clarity and make tough decisions.
• A company can specify the services needed, when they need them and save on a full-time permanent employee.
• Industry knowledge. A good consultant will know a lot about an industry as a whole, rather than one business, allowing them to advise on what has worked elsewhere and why.
• Current trends. Consultants have to keep up with trends and strategies, which can be useful if a business is stuck in an old structure.

Top 10 perks of being a consultant

Many professionals choose consultancy because it combines career progression, continuous learning and the opportunity to work across diverse industries and projects. But before you consider a career in consultancy, you’re going to want to understand the highs and potential lows. Let’s look at the perks of being a consultant.

• Explore your options - If you’re unsure of where or what area you want to work in, consulting allows you to learn and explore.
• See your impact - If you’re employed to advise in a certain area and resolve a specific issue, there is a lot of satisfaction in seeing that work completed.
• Increased earning potential – Companies can pay very well for expertise, especially in areas such as management consulting. As a consultant, your expenses are often covered too, so you can save on food, travel and accommodation.
• Boost your experience and CV quickly – For those thinking of consultancy as a temporary option, it can be a great way to gain wide experience and boost that CV quickly.
• A great option for those who get bored easily – Consulting jobs often last for a few weeks to several months. This is perfect for someone who doesn’t like staying in one place for too long.
• Travel – Depending on your perspective, travel can be a blessing or a curse. For those without commitments to a certain place, consultancy can be a great way to travel the country or the world.
• Build a vast business network – The more places you work, the more you get to network and build your reputation. This can be incredibly useful for the future of your career, no matter the path you take.
• Continuous learning and improvement – As a consultant, you will constantly be learning as you move from business to business. This allows your knowledge to stay current and in demand.
• Perfect your presentation skills – If the idea of presentations and public speaking gives you good vibes instead of nervous butterflies, you’ll thrive as a consultant. Prepare to explain your ideas to high-level business professionals and justify them with examples, analytics and projections.
• Flexibility – Due to the nature of consultancy, you can agree on the requirements of the position in advance. Many roles are fully remote or only required part-time, allowing you to take on other roles or balance other commitments. However, if you’re on a high wage and are working to a tight deadline, expect to put in those extra hours as needed.

How to become a consultant?

The most successful consultants build their expertise through a combination of education, professional experience and networking and industry knowledge. You can become a consultant in many types of industries. The most popular specialism areas are:

• Management consultant
• Strategy consulting
• IT consulting
• Compliance consulting
• HR consulting
• Environmental consulting
• Digital marketing consulting

Gain relevant qualification

Qualifications in the relevant industry can demonstrate specialist knowledge and improve employability. Management, business and leadership courses can provide a strong foundation for your consultancy career.

Get industry experience

Many consultants get their experience working for a few organisations as employees first. This way they learn to understand real business challenges and provide effective advice.

Develop key consultancy skills

Successful consultants often possess:

• Problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Commercial awareness
• Project management skills

Build your professional network

You can build your network by attending conferences and industry meet-ups, being active on LinkedIn and by nailing small talk.

Whether you're beginning your career or looking to specialise, consultancy offers varied opportunities to apply your expertise, solve complex problems and continue developing professionally.

If you’re considering a career in consultancy, our business courses can help.