The number of graduates accepting offers in the consulting field has increased as demand and salaries have risen. Some students do not want to shut the door on other possibilities and consider consulting because they believe the experience gained will be useful regardless of their future career path. While there are definite advantages to a consulting career, it may not be the best choice for everyone. This information, combined with a thorough knowledge of the industry, will help you decide if consulting is the right path to follow for success and satisfaction.
Companies use consultants for a variety of reasons.
One reason is that senior management wants an objective viewpoint to a situation facing the company. External consultants can bring a degree of objectivity to a situation which may be politically impossible within the corporation. Experienced consultants also offer a great deal of expertise gained through years of solving similar business challenges. In addition, because of their independence, consultants can often get information from customers and other external contacts that would not be available directly to the company. Finally, many companies do not have the internal human resources to devote to a time-consuming problem.