Additional Information
People become management consultants in a variety of ways. No one single
educational path will get you into this career any more easily than another.
Those in the field recommend at least a bachelor's degree in either business
or the social sciences or humanities, as each stream will train you to work
with people and ideas.
A minor in economics or business administration is a real asset. Many management
consultants also have information systems and engineering backgrounds.
"Educational requirements will depend on what type of management consulting
you plan to do. Obviously an MBA is an asset, but not essential," says management
consultant Lynn Haight.
Know that the more advanced you get in this career, the more likely it
is you'll need more education. However, our experts advise waiting until you
do need it. Between degrees, get as much on-the-job experience as possible.
"The best route is to get a liberal education and then work in a large
organization in order to really understand the formal and informal culture.
In international organizations, you must try to get overseas experience at
an early point in your career. I would then come back to university and get
a dual master of business administration [or a] communications degree," says
consultant Brent Baker.
Nearly all universities and community colleges offer liberal arts and humanities
degrees, as well as business programs. At the MBA level, the school you graduate
from can determine the salary you'll demand in the job market.
Publications like Forbes rate the top MBA programs each year in terms of
what salaries graduates can get. Poke through those issues to find out if
your top choices make the grade.