consulting

How to get a job in internal consulting

By Anne Carpenter 13 April, 2023 2 mins read

Having in-depth knowledge of a company's operations, products, strategy, policies, culture and politics can be an extremely valuable skill. It's a good way to build a career in the industry, and it can also lead to a senior level leadership position within the company.

Companies that are trying to reduce their dependence on outside consultants are increasingly turning to internal consulting. They create internal consulting groups in order to solve specific business problems, or foster innovation within their organizations.

What is an internal consultant?

An internal consultant works with an organization to find a problem and propose solutions. Intern consultants can be hired to assist in all aspects of organisational management, including financial planning, strategy, mergers and purchases, process improvement and technology.

They can be advisors, change agents or execution facilitators as well as coaches and trainers. However, the main difference between internal and external consultants is their relationship with the client organisation; internal consultants are on the payroll or limit themselves to full-time advisory within one organization.

What personal traits are necessary for an internal consultant to be successful?

An internal consultant who is effective must be a strong communicator, good at interpersonal skills, and an expert in their chosen industry. They need to be trustworthy and able take responsibility for their decisions.

What are the benefits of becoming an internal consultant

Internal consulting has one major advantage: it allows you work with specific companies on their most pressing problems. This allows for you to create a vertically integrated understanding and perspective of the business as well the challenges faced by the company.

This allows you be an integral member of the team when implementing changes. It makes it easier to collaborate with management to get the resources needed to make your ideas a reality.

It is important to recognize others before yourself when implementing change. This is a well-worn cliche, but it's critical to the success of any successful change initiative.

It is important to be able listen and communicate well. This skill can also be learned in many different ways. You should be able express your opinions and thoughts clearly, persuasively, and persuade others to change.

An advantage to being an internal consultant? You can often work on a flexible schedule. This makes it easier to be involved in the company's business life, and can help you maintain a balance between your professional career and your family.

Having a clear idea of the scope of the project is also crucial, and being able to manage your time and energy wisely is essential. This will allow you to be able to manage your time and complete the tasks required for your project.

FAQ

What qualifications does a consultant need?

Not only is it important to have an MBA but you should also have business consulting experience. You should have at least two years of experience in consulting and/or training for a major company.

You must have worked closely with senior management teams on strategy development projects. This requires you to feel confident presenting ideas to clients, and getting buy-in.

A professional qualification exam, such as the Certified Management Consultant (CMC), of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), is also required.

What's the difference between an advisor and a consultant?

A consultant is an advisor who gives information on a particular topic. A consultant provides solutions to problems.

A consultant works directly alongside clients to help them realize their goals. Advisors advise clients indirectly via books, magazines, lectures and seminars, etc.

What degree do I need to become a consultant?

It is best to study a subject well and then practice what you have learned.

So if you want to learn how to become a great consultant, start studying now!

It may be difficult to get hired if your degree is not accompanied by relevant work experience. If you can show that your education is comparable to the job applicants, you may still be eligible for employment.

Employers are always looking for people with real-world knowledge.

What is the difference between consulting and freelancing?

Freelancers work as independent contractors and offer their services without the assistance of an agency or company. They generally charge an hourly rate depending on how long they spend on a client project. Consultants typically work for agencies and companies that employ them. Their salaries are paid usually monthly or annually.

Freelancers tend to have more flexibility than consultants because they control their work hours and set their own prices. Consultants often offer better benefits such as vacation days and retirement plans, health insurance, and vacation days.

What are the types of contracts available to consultants?

Most consultants sign standard employment agreements when hired. These agreements outline how long the consultant will work for the client, what he/she will get paid, and other important details.

Contracts will also outline the areas of expertise and compensation for the consultant. The agreement might state that the consultant will conduct training sessions, workshops or webinars.

Sometimes, the consultant simply agrees that a specific task will be completed within a set time frame.

Many consultants sign independent contractor arrangements in addition to standard employment contracts. These agreements allow consultants to work independently while still receiving payment.

Statistics

"From there, I told them my rates were going up 25%, this is the new hourly rate, and every single one of them said 'done, fine.' (nerdwallet.com)
According to statistics from the ONS, the UK has around 300,000 consultants, of which around 63,000 professionals work as management consultants. (consultancy.uk)
So, if you help your clients increase their sales by 33%, then use a word like “revolution” instead of “increase.” (consultingsuccess.com)
WHY choose me: Why your ideal client should choose you (ex: 10 years of experience and 6-week program has helped over 20 clients boost their sales by an average of 33% in 6 months). (consultingsuccess.com)
Over 50% of consultants get their first consulting client through a referral from their network. (consultingsuccess.com)