Resources

Consulting 101

What is Consulting?

Consulting refers to firms that gather analytical minds to help clients tackle intricate business challenges, aiming to boost business performance and shareholder value. These consultants work on diverse projects, often termed Cases or Engagements, which address strategic questions vital to a company's future. Examples of such questions range from market entry strategies to the impact of regulatory changes.

A natural query arises: Why would companies pay high fees to outsiders, often not industry specialists, for strategic advice? Several reasons justify this:

    • Value Addition: Despite the discretionary nature of consulting expenses, the continuous growth of major Management Consulting firms indicates they provide value exceeding their costs.

    • Research and Analysis Expertise: Management Consultants often possess a competitive edge in research and analysis, thanks to their talented workforce and specialized methodologies.

    • External Objectivity: These consultants offer an unbiased perspective, helping companies validate or reconsider their internal decisions.

    • Developed Expertise: Over time, Management Consulting firms cultivate expertise in specific areas, often becoming more knowledgeable than individual industry players.

      Consultants thus play a pivotal role in guiding businesses through complex decisions, leveraging their unique research capabilities, objectivity, and accumulated expertise.

Industry Overview

Emerging alongside the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th Century, the realm of Consulting has its roots in academic endeavors, with early firms like Arthur D. Little and Booz Allen Hamilton being initiated by university professors. McKinsey & Company, established in 1926, stands as a pioneering entity, shaping the modern essence of Management Consulting under the guidance of Marvin Bower. The industry witnessed a significant evolution in the 1960s with the inception of analytical giants like Roland Berger and Boston Consulting Group. While the late 1990s marked a golden era for consulting, the early 2000s brought challenges, only to see the industry rebound post-2004. Today, the consulting landscape is diverse, with major firms like Bain, BCG, and McKinsey leading strategy-focused projects, while others venture into specialized niches, IT, and HR. As the industry continues to adapt, it not only serves businesses but also extends its expertise to governments and non-profit sectors.

  • Types of Firms:

    • Major (Strategy/Management-Focused): High-level corporate decisions. This category encompasses major consulting tasks like industry analysis and merger integration. E.g., McKinsey & Co., Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Roland Berger, Booz & Company, A.T. Kearney, L.E.K Consulting, Monitor Group, etc.

    • Information Technology (IT): Focus on IT development in several different areas (Assessment, Design, Implementation, Infrastructure, and other areas). E.g., Accenture, IBM Consulting, Unisys, etc.

    • Human Resources (HR): Maximizing value from employees and includes topics such as Compensation schemes, Health and benefits planning, Recruitment processes, etc. Example of firms include Mercer Human Resources Consulting, Watson Wyatt, Aon Consulting, etc.

    • Niche: Specific to a technology, industry, or region.

Types of Projects

  • Post-Merger Integration: Combining two companies post-acquisition.

  • Growth Strategy: Market entry, product strategies, etc.

  • Business Diagnostic: Broad snapshot of a company or business unit.

  • Private Equity Due Diligence: Assisting PE firms in due diligence of target companies.

  • M&A Due Diligence: Analyzing potential acquisitions for strategic investors.

  • Cost-Reduction: Streamlining costs.

  • Organizational Design: Restructuring company hierarchies.

  • Customer Retention/Churn: Retaining profitable customers.

Why Consulting?

What is it about consulting that draws attention and interest? First and foremost, consulting offers an unparalleled opportunity for diverse learning. Unlike many professions that pigeonhole individuals into a specific niche or industry, consulting provides a broad canvas. Consultants often find themselves working with a tech startup one month and a century-old financial institution the next. This ever-changing landscape ensures that consultants are constantly on their toes, adapting, learning, and growing. The breadth of exposure not only sharpens one's business acumen but also cultivates adaptability, a skill highly prized in today's volatile business environment.

  • Beyond the diversity of industries, consulting is fundamentally rooted in problem-solving. Every project is a new puzzle, a challenge waiting to be deciphered. This constant analytical exercise hones one's critical thinking and analytical skills. For those who have an innate curiosity and a passion for resolving complex issues, consulting provides the perfect playground.

  • Furthermore, consulting thrives on teamwork. In this dynamic field, diverse minds converge to dissect complex business challenges, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. The collaborative spirit of consulting teams ensures that solutions are not just innovative but also holistic. For some considering a career in consulting, the appeal lies in this collective approach. Working within such teams offers continuous learning, as you're exposed to varied perspectives and problem-solving techniques. It's not just about individual growth; it's about being part of a cohesive unit that drives change, celebrates collective successes, and learns from shared challenges. For many, the opportunity to collaborate closely with bright minds and make impactful decisions as a united front is a compelling reason to embark on a consulting journey.

  • Another significant allure of consulting is the accelerated professional growth. Given the project-based nature of the work, consultants often find themselves in high-stakes situations, presenting to C-suite executives or making pivotal recommendations that can shape the future of a company. Such experiences, early in one's career, can be both daunting and exhilarating. They instill a sense of responsibility, boost confidence, and build presentation and communication skills. Over time, these experiences compound, molding consultants into seasoned professionals capable of handling high-pressure situations with grace and efficacy.

  • Networking is another intrinsic part of consulting. The profession naturally places individuals in environments where they interact with key decision-makers, industry leaders, and other influential stakeholders. These interactions, over time, help build a robust professional network, which can be invaluable for future endeavors, be it climbing the corporate ladder, switching industries, or even starting one's own venture.

The global footprint of many consulting firms also means opportunities for international exposure. For those with a global mindset or aspirations to understand business dynamics across borders, consulting offers the chance to work in different cultural and business environments. This global perspective is not only professionally enriching but also personally fulfilling, providing insights into different cultures, business etiquettes, and market dynamics.