Indiana UniversityCareers in Consulting

Creating a Competitive Advantage

Indiana UniversityCareers in Consulting

Questions

Why do companies hire consultants? What is it like to be in consulting? What does it take to be a consultant? How to determine a career fit?

Indiana UniversityCareers in Consulting

Why do Companies Hire Consultants?

• Represent a non-political, unbiased vision

• Bridge gaps between internal departments/divisions

• Have specific business/technology expertise

• Leverage many different experiences

• Can understand specific business problems and can provide/facilitate solutions to solve.

Indiana UniversityCareers in Consulting

What is it like to be in consulting?

• Fast Paced• Work evolves around clients and providing

value• Do what it takes to get the job done• Travel• Variety• Latest Technology• Typically more responsibility early in career• Each type of consulting company has its own

traits that you need to match to your lifestyle

Indiana UniversityCareers in Consulting

What does it take to be a consultant?

Enjoys learning new technologies and industries.

Passion for helping people. Enjoys leadership responsibilities. Concern for the quality and the

results.

Indiana UniversityCareers in Consulting

How to determine a career fit?

• Start with understanding your goals• Then understand the career and company

– Continuing education

– Career planning

– Mentoring

– Project size and length

– Typical team makeup

– What will you really be doing?

• Finally, determine the best fit for you.

Indiana UniversityCareers in Consulting

Creating a Competitive Advantage