The field of business consulting offers dozens of career paths that each have a distinct focus, specialty, and job title. Understanding how these titles and their responsibilities vary is essential for identifying which path best aligns with your goals and interests. Each role within this field has unique characteristics -- for instance, if you want to work in human resources, you could become a Human Resources Consultant. This role specializes in employee relations, talent acquisition, and organizational structures within the company. Moreover, you can become a Digital Marketing Consultant and develop new marketing strategies to help boost engagement, increase profits, and promote brand awareness. It all depends on what you enjoy the most, so consider all the possibilities before deciding on a specific path.
What is a Business Consultant?
Business Consultants are industry experts who advise clients on both execution and strategy. After working with management to review company operations, Business Consultants can help with revision and restructuring, as well as implementing a plan for the company to achieve long-term goals. They are typically strong problem solvers, adapt easily to market demands, and are quick to implement any changes on a higher level within the organization. Moreover, consulting across industries can mean becoming better at the job and gaining a deeper understanding of the business world at large.
Companies of all sizes rely on Business Consultants, from decades-old corporate entities to brand-new start-ups, and from family businesses to multinationals. Even more so, they can work in virtually any industry, including finance, healthcare, technology, retail, manufacturing, and even tourism. Their primary roles include analyzing the organizational structure of a business and developing new strategies for improvement as a result of their findings. They may also specialize in certain subsets of business consultancy, such as human resources, marketing, or management.
On a daily or weekly basis, Business Consultants typically engage in several key activities that range from research and analysis to presentations and strategizing. One challenge of business consulting is that tight deadlines and an expectation of meaningful results can make it a stressful field. However, the people who will succeed best as Business Consultants will be problem solvers who are motivated, flexible, calm under pressure, and have excellent communication skills. When working on large-scale projects, Business Consultants will encounter tasks that differ daily, leading to better engagement with the project and higher job satisfaction: since no day is exactly like the next as a Business Consultant, it’s hard to get bored.
Business Consultant Skills
Technical Abilities
Business Consultants have a wide range of skills that go beyond developing basic business acumen. For example, you will need to learn how to manage finances across different channels, so much of your job will revolve around budgeting, forecasting market trends, and analyzing past revenue patterns. In addition, you will likely need to acquire a high level of project management skills. This means juggling different timelines, budgets, teams, and projects all at once. Moreover, you may want to become familiar with marketing concepts and tools, whether that’s Adobe Creative Cloud applications or techniques such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO). You’ll likely need everything from research and analytical skills to resource allocation and supply chain management, so Business Consultants will want to acquire this varied set of skills and more.
Specializations
Of course, each Business Consultant role may differ based on the specialization. For example, if you want to become a Financial Consultant, your focus will shift more to the monetary side of business practices. You will learn more about financial reporting, investing, and budgeting than anything else. Likewise, if you want to become a Marketing Consultant, your studies will revolve around SEO, Adobe Creative Cloud, consumer outreach, and other forms of digital marketing. Likewise, many Business Consultants specialize in human resources. If you want to become a Human Resources Specialist, you will learn more about recruitment, employee management, and company policy. Each specialization has some overlap, particularly in soft skills, but overall they have their specific tasks, strengths, and purposes within the organization.
Soft Skills
No matter which path you choose, you will need soft skills that take you through your daily responsibilities, interactions, and goals. Soft skills such as communication are non-negotiable. You will speak with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients regularly, so it’s important to effectively share your thoughts, opinions, and concerns in a healthy way. With that, you must practice listening to others to understand rather than to respond. Additionally, leadership skills will help you inspire your team and get the ball rolling when morale is low. Presentation skills may be important as well, depending on the specialization. If you can share insights and persuade others through a presentation, you will be an effective Business Consultant.
Business Consultant Career Path
A career in business consulting typically begins with an entry-level position where you will gain more skills and experience with certain tasks, tools, and practices. In these positions, you will assist with research, data analysis, project management, and perhaps marketing. As you gain more experience, and work under different senior members of the company, you will gain more experience and work up towards a mid-level, and then senior-level position. With extended time in the field, you will learn to guide others in their professional endeavors by training lower-level employees and figuring out new ways to build up the strength of the company.
However, you can also work as a freelance professional. This is a great way to blend flexibility and independence, which allows professionals to customize their work schedules, choose projects that align most with their strengths and interests, and choose to work for companies that support their professional goals. This method enables employers to work for multiple clients at once, which can lead to increased pay, networking opportunities, and an improved reputation. Moreover, you can learn more about the field this way than by sticking with one particular company in a specific industry. This method also allows you to learn a little more about how to operate as a business -- set your hours, market your skills, and develop your skills to become better by the day.
While a university degree is a common path into a business profession, there are many other ways to reach your goals. Starting a career in business consulting can become a reality with a professional training program, such as a bootcamp or certificate class, that focuses on the practical application of skills. You can also learn through internships and assistantships, some of which are even paid. The option to start as a freelancer is also there, but this will vary based on the companies and projects you decide to take on. Networking and making new connections with professionals in the field is another way to open the door to this industry and can further establish you as a competent business consulting professional -- all without a traditional, expensive, and time-consuming degree.
Business Administrator
What is a Business Administrator?
A Business Administrator is the backbone of any organization. They oversee the daily operations to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule. They manage different sectors including finance, management, marketing, and human resources. Most of all, they keep track of the company’s overall goals -- the “big picture.” They work towards creating an efficient and productive workplace, devise teams, and implement new policies that help businesses achieve their goals. Whether their tasks involve handling schedules and budgets or improving overall workflow, they are essential employees within any successful business.
Similarities to a Business Consultant
Business Administrators are fairly similar to Business Consultants. They share the similar goal of improving organizational efforts, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations that will help the company. Business Consultants focus more on external insights, whereas Business Administrators work more internally to ensure the company’s objectives align with the daily business strategies. They both collaborate with various departments and assist other professionals in making sure the business sustains consistent growth and profit.
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Business Administrator Job Skills
Overall, Business Administrators must be organized, have strong communication skills, and be driven leaders. They typically handle multiple jobs and projects at a time, so the ability to juggle different tasks at once is essential. Furthermore, they must convey new information to their colleagues so
Industries that Hire Business Administrators
Business Administrators work in virtually every industry, including healthcare, education, government, and finance. They will even work at nonprofit organizations. Business Administrators play an essential role in these industries and more as they are tasked with ensuring business operations are running smoothly. For instance, hospitals require administrative support to manage the influx of patients that come in and out on a daily basis. Likewise, the same can be said for colleges and universities with their students. Even government agencies need Business Administrators to oversee different programs and services. Without proper management, any company or nonprofit would surely collapse, so these professionals are incredibly valuable.
Salary Expectations for a Business Administrator
A Business Administrator can earn a wide-ranging salary, roughly anywhere between $51,000 to $85,000. These reports from Glassdoor also indicate that Business Administrators can earn upwards of $9,000 to $16,000 worth of additional pay, whether from bonuses, commission, or profit sharing scenarios. Still, this will largely depend on the particular employer. For instance, Business Administrators at Morgan Stanley can earn anywhere between $89,000 and $139,000 on average. Compared to the national average, this is relatively desirable.
Business Analyst
What is a Business Analyst?
Business Analysts are data analysis professionals who specialize in monitoring business practices. They help the organization improve its processes and make more informed decisions by analyzing data and identifying areas for improvement. They act as a bridge between complex data sets and other professionals within the business who can then work more efficiently as a result of this newfound information. They work to uncover trends in the market, suggest actionable plans to move forward, and overall boost productivity and efficiency (not to mention this can help increase profits).
Similarities to a Business Consultant
Business Analysts and Business Consultants share some similarities, even if the scope of their work is slightly different. Both aim to help the company succeed through different practices and tasks, but Business Consultants focus on a wider range of responsibilities. Business Analysts, however, focus entirely on data and operational processes. They dive deeper into what this data means for the growth of the company and learn how to research, gather information, and implement new solutions.
Business Analyst Job Skills
You’ll need strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills if you want to work as a Business Analyst. This comes as no surprise, as most of your work will contain analyzing data and identifying trends, as well as finding out the best way to approach those complex business challenges that arise from said data. Moreover, you will need to learn how to use various tools and software that help with data analysis, whether that’s Google Analytics for the act of analysis or Figma for data visualization.
Industries that Hire Business Analysts
Business Analysts are hired across a wide range of industries, such as finance. In this industry, a Business Analyst will report on financial aspects and improve the business aspects of the institution by preventing and identifying risks. Additionally, manufacturing companies will hire Business Analysts to improve the production process and manage inventory. Technology companies will also hire Business Analysts to work on software development, improve technological systems, and enhance business practices.
Salary Expectations for a Business Analyst
The average Business Analyst in the United States earns a relatively profitable salary and has many opportunities for financial growth. The average is roughly $85,000, according to reports from Indeed. However, some of the highest-paying cities for a Business Analyst to live in are New York City, Chicago, and Boston, respectively. The pay range for Business Analysts here is anywhere from $87,000 to $99,000, so this is slightly higher than expected compared to the national average. This goes to show that even your location can play a role in your pay, so it may benefit you to consider other factors as well such as experience, education, and industry.
Project Manager
What is a Project Manager?
A Project Manager has a unique role in the organization. They oversee the planning, execution, and closing of projects at various levels. This includes anything from managing the budget, making a timeline, or delegating tasks between different departments. They ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish, keeping both the client and the brand happy. Project Managers, overall, are the ultimate go-to people who are best at guiding and assisting their teams throughout the project process.
Similarities to a Business Consultant
Project Managers share a few key similarities with Business Consultants. While their focus is slightly different, they both require communication and problem-solving skills. Project Managers handle day-to-day operations and tasks associated with the project more than Business Consultants, who focus on providing advice on long-term business success.
Project Manager Job Skills
To be a successful Project Manager, you will need a blend of different skills to help everyone operate efficiently. First, you will need to be a strong leader. Guiding and motivating your team to be the best they can be is essential, especially when morale is low. With that, they will need to be adept at communication to keep everyone informed and on the same page. They are also highly organized, especially since they manage multiple timelines, tasks, and resources at once. They adapt well when risks and other issues develop and are flexible in order to get the job done.
Industries that Hire Project Managers
Project Managers are needed across different industries, from construction and engineering to healthcare and marketing. For example, Project Managers in the construction industry have to oversee building projects and ensure safety regulations across the board. Additionally, marketing Project Managers handle different campaigns and launch new products. In short, if there are projects that need managing, there’s a Project Manager working behind the scenes to handle it.
Salary Expectations for a Project Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shares information regarding salary expectations for Project Managers. Specifically, the mean annual wage is roughly $105,000. Some areas have higher employment levels for Project Managers than others, and therefore, they may pay more. For example, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Houston are among some of the top cities where Project Managers can find a career.
Marketing Consultant
What is a Marketing Consultant?
A Marketing Consultant is a professional who helps businesses figure out the best way to sell their products and services more effectively. They will frequently devise more successful marketing plans and campaigns, develop new strategies for boosting engagement, and analyze customer behavior. You can think of a Marketing Consultant as the guide to navigating the tricky world of customer satisfaction, as their role is essential for keeping consumers coming back and earning the company more profit.
Similarities to a Business Consultant
Both Marketing and Business Consultants are tasked with one essential responsibility -- to consult. They focus on finding new ways to improve business performance, but while a Business Consultant looks at the broader landscape of the company, such as finances and project management, a Marketing Consultant spends all their energy focused on marketing campaigns. They both require strong analytical skills and are usually strong problem-solvers, which makes them useful in any company that wants to grow.
Marketing Consultant Job Skills
To be a successful Marketing Consultant, you typically need a blend of creative and technical skills tacked on to your analytical skills. Specifically, you will want to understand how to work with data and interpret trends in the market. You will also need to know how to work with different digital tools and techniques, such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media, and Adobe Creative Cloud. You will need strong communication skills, not only between your colleagues but in terms of the consumer and your clients. Plus, you will need that creative spirit to keep coming up with new and exciting ways to engage with consumers.
Industries that Hire Marketing Consultants
Marketing Consultants are needed across nearly every industry. Retailers, in particular, have a high need for Marketing Consultants, since their existence relies on helping the brand attract more shoppers. In addition, healthcare services need Marketing Consultants to help instill trust in patients and build stronger relationships with the community as a whole. Even technology companies need Marketing Consultants to craft strategies to spread the word about new products, services, or platforms.
Salary Expectations for a Marketing Consultant
Glassdoor indicates that the average Marketing Consultant in the United States earns close to $78,000 each year, but this does not take into account other factors such as bonuses, commission, or profit sharing opportunities. This can also differ depending on the city in which you live. In addition, the company you work for will determine what salary you can expect. For example, Google typically pays Marketing Consultants anywhere from $188,000 to $328,000 whereas Pfizer pays closer to $177,000 to $270,000.
Human Resources Manager
What is a Human Resources Manager?
A Human Resources Manager, or HR Manager for short, is someone who works directly with the people in the business operations. They manage everything from current employees to potential employees, as well as the hiring and training process. Additionally, HR Managers make sure the company and its employees are following protocol, whether that is specific to the company itself or complying with legal requirements. Moreover, HR Managers ensure the safety of those who are employed by the business. The overall aim is to create a work environment that is productive and safe and where everyone feels listened to, valued, and safe.
Similarities to a Business Consultant
HR Managers and Business Consultants have very similar roles. They have a lot in common when it comes to making organizations run smoothly, such as spotting areas for improvement, coming up with new business strategies, and communicating with others in the organization to find new areas where collaboration, innovation, or problem-solving can make all the difference. The two roles also rely on analyzed data to guide the decision-making and planning process.
Human Resources Manager Job Skills
To be a successful HR Manager, you will need a mix of skills such as communication and conflict resolution. You will discuss both basic and difficult matters with others all the time, so it is important to keep conversations open and honest. Moreover, sorting out employee issues and mediating arguments can be a real challenge, so understanding how to keep the peace is absolutely necessary. You must also learn how to recruit employees appropriately and, furthermore, learn how to manage the talent you acquire. Plus, it’s necessary to know the legality of your role and those laws associated with the company and industry. Knowing the ins and outs of labor laws will also keep the organization out of any trouble and keep employees and higher-ups happy, productive, and stress-free.
Industries that Hire Human Resources Managers
HR Managers are needed in nearly every industry, including everything from business, finance, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and government. All of these companies need human resources support to ensure that the workplace community operates without any difficulty and moves smoothly. Basically, a company will need an HR Manager whether they have 20 employees or 200, so it is a highly sought-after and valued position to hold.
Salary Expectations for a Human Resources Manager
When it comes to salary expectations, HR Managers can expect to earn a relatively lucrative salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Managers can earn anywhere from $81,000 to upwards of $200,000, but the median annual wage is closer to $136,000. However, your location can play a huge role in your salary expectations. For example, HR Managers living in New York City can earn nearly $206,000 whereas those in Washington, D.C. earn closer to $177,000. All in all, your salary is highly dependent on factors like location, experience, education, and the particular company. Still, the salary expectation is fairly desirable.
Why Become a Business Consultant?
There are many reasons to become a Business Consultant. This field offers a broad range of opportunities unlike any other due to the sheer number of specialties you can explore. This foundation in business gives you the ability to shift from one focus to the next with ease and apply your skills in a variety of settings. Whether you are interested in management, finance, marketing, human resources, or operational efficiency, you can find a career that suits your interests and needs within the business consulting umbrella. As the business field continues to grow, the demand for skilled consultants is going to inevitably grow, so you can rest easy knowing you will have a wide variety of job opportunities awaiting you once you complete your training.
Beyond the numerous career paths, a career in business consulting can give you the skills necessary to complete numerous tasks, including those a little outside of your expected job requirements. As a consultant, you will gain experience in planning, leadership, analysis, and communication, but also other more job-specific skills that can be used in various positions. For example, you will learn how to manage projects effectively, which is a transferable skill across different industries and job roles. You can use most of the skills, tools, and techniques that you learn across a broad range of specializations which will enable you to advance in your career or explore new opportunities.
Moreover, your work as a Business Consultant will be incredibly meaningful, as this is one field where you will have a direct impact on the success of both your clients and your team members. By assessing organizational needs, managing daily processes, and implementing new policies for improvement, you will be able to contribute to the growth of the company at a larger scale than you could even imagine. Business Consultants play a huge role in shaping the direction of a company, even if some of their work is completed behind the scenes. If you are a motivated individual who feels compelled to help others, lead a team, use your creative skills, and solve complex problems, being a Business Consultant is a great option.
Learn the Skills to Become a Business Consultant at Noble Desktop
At Noble Desktop, you can learn all the necessary skills to become a Business Consultant through various classes on a wide range of subjects. You can choose from certificates, bootcamps, and short courses that help give you more insight and skills to succeed in your preferred field and industry. For example, the 132-hour “MBA” Business Certificate allows students to master the tools, concepts, and technologies to succeed in the business world. Specifically, you will learn project management methodologies, financial concepts pertaining to investments and insurance, marketing strategies such as search engine optimization, business law and writing styles, and data analytics processes. In addition, you will explore ways to utilize useful tools like AI, which can be instrumental in creating a more productive workplace. In addition, you will practice using software and platforms like Microsoft Excel, Figma, Tableau, and Google Analytics. With the help of an expert instructor, hands-on training, and additional mentoring, you will earn your certificate of completion. This all-encompassing education will enable you to become more confident in your business skills and feel ready to take on a role as a Business Consultant or a related position.
One of the most popular and widely used platforms across all businesses includes Microsoft Office. The applications within Microsoft Office are essential for data management, communications, presentations, and document handling. In Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Office Fundamentals Bootcamp, you will learn advanced levels of Excel and intermediate levels of PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook. In Excel, your instructor will show you how to turn data insights into clear, understandable visualizations. Perhaps you choose to present your data findings with PowerPoint -- after this bootcamp, you will feel comfortable using all the visual features, transitions, and layouts. Similarly, you will learn how to navigate, format, and personalize documents within Word and share them with others in your organization with Outlook. Overall, this bootcamp gives you an all-encompassing overview of the most essential Office tools that will serve you well as a business consultancy professional.
If you are curious about specializing in project management but want to take a short course before deciding, you can enroll in Project Management Level I. Here, you will learn the five key phases of project management, focusing mostly on the first two stages: initiation and planning. You will study foundational concepts and project management terms that give you more insight into the field before deciding to move forward with Level II or a bootcamp. Moreover, you will learn how to select and develop project plans, including everything from its schedule, budget, resource allocation, and other aspects that define the project. Overall, this course gives you the skills to determine whether project management is the right career path for you to explore.