What are the most relevant skills to develop for a career in Consulting and Finance?

Question

Hi everyone,
I'm completing my BBA in International Business, majoring in Accounting & Finance and minoring in AI applications, ERP systems (SAP), IFRS and Advanced Excel. I’d love to hear your advice on:

What are the most valuable hard and soft skills I should focus on developing to be competitive in these fields?
Are there any less obvious skills that make a candidate stand out during interviews or in early career roles?
Any certifications or learning paths (beyond what I have) that are especially appreciated?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Great to see your initiative — your academic background already sets a strong foundation. To stand out further in Consulting and Finance, here are key skills to focus on:

Hard skills

Financial modeling and valuation (Excel, Power BI/Tableau)
Data literacy — Python, SQL, and comfort with analytics
Strategic thinking and commercial awareness
Clear, structured slide-building (PowerPoint is essential)

Soft skills

Structured communication — breaking down complex ideas simply
Stakeholder management — working effectively with clients and teams
Resilience and adaptability — handling pressure and feedback
Intellectual curiosity — asking sharp, insightful questions

Less obvious (but valued)

Synthesis over analysis — turning data into clear insights
Cultural awareness — especially in global or client-facing roles
Strong time management — juggling fast-paced, competing priorities

Certifications and learning paths

Finance: CFA (for investment roles), FMVA
Consulting: Courses in business strategy, analytics, or design thinking (e.g., HBS Online, Coursera)
Project work: Agile, Scrum, or PMP can add value, especially in transformation-focused roles

You're clearly on the right track. Happy to connect further if useful!

Best,

Evelina