What Is the Best Consulting Firm for Me?

Every consulting firm is unique. If you are interested in working in consulting, the available options include working for the typical strategy consultancies , more specialized boutique consulting firms, or for the so-called inhouse consultancies which are basically internal consulting firms of big companies. The big players in strategy consulting know how to set the tone by means of branding, demanding projects, internationality, and last but not least through attractive salaries. Boutique consultancies have the advantage that consultants may work in their favorite field in order to evolve into specialists. Inhouse consultancies are becoming more and more important for the job market, since employees are looking for more promising work-life-balance properties in their employers. Moreover, you'll be able to do your own networking in a big firm, and therefore lay a solid foundation for the transition into the later stages of your career.

What Are Necessary Skills for Me as a Consultant?

You'll have to bring certain abilities to the table, but it's about more than what's on your resume. Despite an excellent academic education, your future employer will also look for working experience, especially if acquired abroad. Particularly if you studied business/economics, you'll be expected to have at least two internships on your record when being interviewed.

Do I Need an MBA to Apply for a Job in Consulting?

While an MBA can be beneficial, it's not a strict requirement to apply for a consulting job. Consulting firms often seek candidates with diverse educational backgrounds, including natural sciences, medicine, and pharmacy. They highly value organized and analytical working behavior. Beyond educational qualifications, firms also emphasize soft skills such as communication abilities, self-confidence, and analytical skills. Even without significant practical experience, if you demonstrate these qualities, you could potentially be considered for consulting roles. Some firms may also offer workshops and mini-MBA programs to further develop your skills once hired.

What Are the Benefits While Working as a Consultant?

Working as a consultant offers several benefits. While the role often requires long working hours, especially for those starting their careers, it compensates with high salaries. Additionally, the experience you gain as a consultant can lead to promising career advancements and opportunities for personal development, extending beyond the realm of consulting. Many consultants leverage their experience to transition into roles in large industrial companies, smaller boutique consultancies, or startups, which can offer diverse career paths.

Career at L.E.K. Consulting | Application Tips

L.E.K. Consulting is a global strategic consulting firm that tackles the most complex commercial questions for the executives of the world's most successful companies.

Clients return to us time and again because we have proven ourselves as insightful experts and trusted partners. We pursue an uncompromising approach to consistently make better decisions, enhance corporate performance, and achieve higher returns for shareholders.

Our teams combine our core competencies in research, benchmarking, modeling, analysis, and strategy development to create groundbreaking insights and practical solutions that demonstrate real impact. We empower our clients to make critical decisions with greater confidence and achieve results that consistently exceed their expectations.

With over 2,200 professionals across five continents, L.E.K. specializes in assisting clients across the spectrum of companies and private equity in the areas of strategy and mergers & acquisitions (M&A). We are experts in a variety of industries, including life sciences, medtech, and healthcare services, retail and consumer goods, financial services, industrial, energy, and transportation.

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