Admin, HR, legal

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

It may be useful to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:

• business studies
• maths
• finance
• science
• project management

A postgraduate qualification, like a master's in business administration (MBA), may also be helpful.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You could do a junior management consultant higher apprenticeship and work your way up as your experience grows.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

You can apply directly to become a management consultant or set up your own business if you've got relevant work experience in:

• business management or finance
• human resources
• project management
• IT

Other routes

You may be able to join a graduate training scheme straight from university. Competition for places on schemes is strong, so you'll find it helps if you have:

• a minimum of an upper second class degree in a subject like business studies or business management
• evidence of analytical, planning and communication skills
• relevant work experience from placements, internships or temporary jobs

More information

Career tips

Foreign language skills are highly valued, as many firms work with international clients.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it helps to become a member of a professional body like the Institute of Consulting.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in management consultancy from the [Management Consultancies Association | https://www.mca.org.uk/career-development/careers-advice/] and the [Chartered Management Institute | http://www.managers.org.uk].

With experience, you could become a partner in a management consultancy, work freelance or set up your own consultancy firm.

You could become a member of the Institute of Consulting and apply for certified management consultant status.

You can find out more about careers in management consultancy from the Management Consultancies Association and the Chartered Management Institute.