Posted in Consulting Industry. Needless to say, management consulting is a great stepping-stone for other careers or business endeavors. Individuals who have worked in a top consulting firm know what it takes to be successful in the business world due to their experience working in highly competitive markets.

They have knowledge in business areas such as applying for permits, drafting contracts, forecasting, and creating organizational charts. Even a basic understanding of these concepts will help ex-consultants with their entrepreneurial activities.

As mentioned above, some consultants use the industry as a stepping-stone for startups. Well-known firms that have a reputation founded on integrity and trust impose the same qualities on their employees. Finding investors for a startup requires a strong network—but not just any network. One needs contacts who have the extra cash to invest in a business, and because companies that hire management consultants have a large budget, working in the industry provides more opportunities for locating partners and pooling capital.

Professionals who have experience in day-to-day business operations may find the transition to be smoother than those who specialize in hedge funds and mergers. However, most consultants make great business owners because they have the competitive drive and motivation to run a business. Running a successful business includes managing the requests and needs of clients, which is also a key role of consultants.

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These are skills that usually take years to develop and will give consultants an edge over their competition. Another option that consultants have when leaving the industry is graduate school. An MBA can serve as a reliable fallback when shifting careers.

Professionals may choose this option as a way to get away from the hectic consulting lifestyle for awhile. Alternatively, a consulting background can also help individuals get into top universities, which can then serve to advance their consulting career. And some alternative professions hire ex-consultants who have a proven track record of experience and educational attainment.

Not all management consultants choose to start their own company; some begin as freelancers and eventually open their own firm. There are some advantages to this shift. This allows for more flexibility in meeting with clients and completing daily tasks.

Second, you have the potential to earn more. However, it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to maintain a steady flow of projects.

If you are a highly motivated individual, you should be able to make a profit. Moreover, your contacts will be able to recommend you, which is invaluable considering that you need more clients to keep your practice going. Depending on their interests, ex-consultants can take on key corporate roles in reputable organizations.

Fortune companies hire consultants and add them to their team of strategists. Other corporate roles include coordinators, researchers, and operation management. Consultants may choose this new career path because of the slower work pace and less stressful environment, not to mention the lighter workload.

Although not as common as the options listed above, some consultants choose to pursue a political career, usually transitioning into an advisory or a strategist role. Those who plan to leave the consulting industry usually prepare years in advance. There are points to consider when preparing to switch to a different, more desirable career path.

For example, if you want to work as a pharmaceutical strategist, then you should take on projects in the pharmaceutical industry. You will be able to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the new industry and start building a network of clients. A reoccurring theme of this article is building a solid network.

This may mean taking additional time in providing consulting services or going out of your way to deliver outstanding results. In conclusion, there are plenty of exit opportunities for a management consultant. You should begin preparing for this phase as early as possible in order to decrease the risks involved with the transition.

The two most important aspects of an exit strategy are maintaining a strong network and accumulating relevant experience through projects related to the next chapter of your professional career.

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Home Online Course Ebooks Resume Feedback Free Career Guides Blog. Benefits of a Management Consulting Foundation As mentioned above, some consultants use the industry as a stepping-stone for startups.

Graduate School Another option that consultants have when leaving the industry is graduate school. Freelance Not all management consultants choose to start their own company; some begin as freelancers and eventually open their own firm.

Corporate Positions Depending on their interests, ex-consultants can take on key corporate roles in reputable organizations. Government Roles Although not as common as the options listed above, some consultants choose to pursue a political career, usually transitioning into an advisory or a strategist role.

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The Importance of a Solid Network A reoccurring theme of this article is building a solid network. Learn More For more information about how to prepare for the next phase of your career, download our free consulting guide.

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