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Management Consultant

Management consultants provide advisory services to organisations (public, private and not-for-profit) regarding management problems, challenges and opportunities.

Management consultancy work is sometimes carried out by people who are employed in another capacity, such as engineers, personnel workers, technicians, computer programmers or systems analysts.

When assessing an organisation's systems, they may have to work at that organisation's premises.

TASKS

Management consultants may perform the following tasks:

gather information on the function of each area within an organisation (and the specific duties undertaken by each individual) by talking with managers or supervisors and interviewing other staff
assess the types of tasks undertaken in each section, the methods or systems used, the length of time taken for an individual to complete a task and any problems involved in undertaking the task
consult internal training manuals, files and job descriptions to obtain additional information
study data such as statistical records, reports and organisational charts
identify problem areas and find solutions by considering alternatives, taking into account the benefits and costs of any recommendations
write detailed reports and provide statistical evidence to support their conclusions and recommendations
assist in the implementation of new systems
talk to experts in other fields when introducing new equipment such as computers

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to identify, analyse and solve problems
able to think logically and objectively
organisational skills
good oral and written communication skills
tactful and discrete
interested in people, processes and resource management

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a management consultant you usually have to complete a degree in commerce, business or business administration with a major in management, entrepreneurship or human resource management. You could also consider a course with a major in economics. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

If you wish to work in the manufacturing industry, degrees in industrial, manufacturing and production engineering may also be relevant.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Management consultants may work with a consultancy firm, or may be self-employed. They may also find employment with government departments and commercial or industrial organisations.

Most employment opportunities are in the metropolitan area.

Job opportunities depend on the level of business activity, industry restructuring and advances in technology that require changes to workplace practices and systems.