Can I be a business consultant?

There is nothing you cannot be as long as you get trained, educated, and obtain all the knowledge required. Many people limit themselves to the option and idea of entering the business consulting world due to what we call “excuses”. The main one of them lies in the belief of people and how they consider things to be impossible without even trying. We do not want to be philosophic about the topic and confuse you about this.

Therefore, here is our short answer: yes, you can. Now, how can you become a business consultant? As mentioned before, you can always obtain training and study to be one just like any other profession or career. Most people find the possibility of becoming one by attending the university or dedicating all their studies to this field. A very important aspect to remember is that you need a degree to become a business consultant but it does not have to be one from a university.

However, you do need a bachelor’s one and if you can obtain a major or master’s degree in a field or area in business or related to it, it is always the best. But going back to the previous idea, what if you do not want to get a master’s degree or go to the university to work towards becoming a business consultant? In this case, obtaining proper education not only lies in big institutions but also in programs and mentorships anyone can access, including you. Therefore, you have many options to work on this goal and become one sooner or later.

A business consultant is not only an expert that handles all the departments in the field but rather one or a few. This means you need to determine your specialty and in what areas you are wishing to assist and support companies. For example, consultants in the area of human resources are different from the ones that help with marketing or sales. You will not be limited to one specialty or choice but the most suitable way to be the best at what you do and prove yourself as a reliable business consultant in the future is to focus on one or two areas—maximum.

When you reach the point, you should have a well-defined map about your next steps and what you will do to prepare yourself. Here, we can give you advice and some ideas about what you need to do overall and how we want our professionals to be and get prepared as a business consulting company:

• Enter a coaching program, mentorship option, or training.

If you are not going for the university option and decide to try a route that tends to be faster—depending on your basic skills—, getting a degree and certification in any business consultant program is a good choice. Nowadays, when people start depending less on going to the university or high education institutions, the right program and mentorship are more than enough. As long as you are also eager to learn and obtain the required skills.

• Gain skills and experience before, during, and after your education. 

We all know how crucial experience is, sometimes, even more than the training and degrees you have earned over the years. But one of the main problems most people face—and not only in the business world—is the opportunity to gain it. However, this is usually due to the high expectative they have when the journey just started or they got fully prepared—in knowledge and some skills—to enter the field. We know how difficult it is to find a company or business in the consulting area that is willing to give you options to obtain more skills and gain the extra knowledge you will need.

But if you go to a business consulting firm expecting to obtain a high position or one that is usually occupied for someone that has, at least, two years in the field or has completed the program or training, you will not get too far. You will have to start as an apprentice—just like everyone else—, and not realizing this will give you a hard time. But working around it and thinking like someone who wants to learn and obtain experience while also being aware of the position and steps you will have to take before becoming a fully business consultant, will give you the chances of gaining both. And we assure you the experience and skill gained during your first years and while getting trained will pay off completely.

• You will not be independent right away. 

All business consultants go through the phase of working for someone else, and in this field—in particular—, it is the best decision you can make. One of the benefits of becoming a consultant is that you can be your own boss, but no one is willing to hire one that has no connections, experience nor has been working in the field for quite a while. Therefore, going to a firm or company in the area is not only for gaining experience but also to prove yourself. In this way, you will show your future clients and companies what you are capable of and how your role, advice, and work will give them the results they are looking for.