Practical Steps to Become a Management Consultant in 2025

In today’s fast-paced business world, the demand for management consultants is growing as companies face intense competition and increasingly turn to specialists for guidance.

Reports suggest that the Indian consulting market is expected to reach 24 billion USD by the year 2025. If we talk about global numbers, the management consulting services market is predicted to grow $1067.36 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. These massive numbers indicate the vast potential for career growth and lucrative job opportunities in this sector.

In this guide, we will walk you through the practical steps on how to become a management consultant, helping you build the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in this field.

So, let’s dive in as we explore key steps, with requirements, career opportunities as well as popular management consultant courses that you can pursue!

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How to Become a Management Consultant: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a management consultant is an exciting and rewarding career choice that offers the opportunity to work with diverse businesses and industries. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the essential process of entering the management consulting field, from educational requirements to gaining experience, helping you understand how to successfully pursue this dynamic profession.

But before, you examine the steps to become a successful management consultant, let’s take a brief look at what does a management consultant do?

The major roles and responsibilities of Management Consultants are as follows:

• Providing solutions: Management consultants improve business operations by developing strategies, optimizing processes, and implementing technology to meet business needs.
• Documentation and research: Consultants produce legal documents and conduct research on industry and economic changes, enhancing the information available to clients.
• Expert Advisory: They offer expert advice based on their in-depth knowledge of their field and industry, staying updated on new trends to help clients succeed.

To become a management consultant, you will need a degree in any of the fields like business administration, economics, or finance to provide the foundational knowledge needed for this role. 

These areas of study cover crucial topics such as strategic planning, data analysis, and financial management, all of which are key skills in consulting.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting a career in management consulting:

1) Complete a bachelor’s degree program

• A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum requirement for most consulting roles.
• Consider pursuing a major in a field of your choice, such as marketing, finance, or human resource development, to build foundational expertise.
• Supplement your major with specific minors and courses to gain targeted knowledge and skills for your chosen sector.
• Additional relevant management consultant courses can help you develop expertise in key areas needed for consulting, such as data analysis, project management, or strategy.
• Although not mandatory, many companies in consulting prefer candidates with a master’s degree or an MBA due to the competitive nature of the field.

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2) Gain Work Experience

• Most management consulting roles in India require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience.
• Experience in other business areas, such as project management, the social sector, or the public sector, can be beneficial for consulting roles.
• Some professionals start in junior roles within a company and gradually get into consulting positions as they gain experience.

3) Pursue Additional Certifications ( for skill enhancement) 

• While not mandatory, management consultant certifications can give you an advantage in the hiring process.
• Certifications act as proof of your training, experience, and practical knowledge in management consulting.
• They allow you to showcase your specific skills and expertise to potential employers, helping you stand out from other candidates.
• There are various certifications available, from entry-level to advanced programs for high-level managers who work directly with clients.
• These management consultant courses offer structured learning to help you gain the skills needed for a successful consulting career.

4) Crack the Interview

• Management consulting interviews are known for being lengthy and involve multiple stages to assess your skills.
• Employers will evaluate how well you work in a team and how you approach solving specific problems.
• You’ll need to show your ability to communicate effectively and present your solutions.
• Interviews often include case studies, real-life consulting problems, and discussions to test your time management, analytical, and critical thinking abilities. Practice these skills to succeed.

Must read: Top 30 Interview Questions & Answers for Freshers

5) Networking within your Field

• Networking allows you to build connections as you connect with industry professionals and uncover job opportunities.
• By learning from others’ experiences you gain key insights and information on industry trends.
• As you initiate putting your profile out there, you raise your chances of being noticed by key figures in the industry ranging from recruiters and clients.

6) Continuous Learning

• Continuously improve your skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the field.
• Connect with other consultants at formal events, conferences, and industry meetups to expand your professional network.
• Use corporate presentations and events as opportunities to display your expertise to potential clients.
• Regularly engaging in these activities helps you build your professional reputation and opens doors to new opportunities.

What are the Qualifications needed for Management Consultant?

To become a management consultant, having the right qualifications is essential. While specific requirements may vary by company, certain educational backgrounds, skills, and experience are commonly sought after in the consulting field. 

Below are the key qualifications you need to become a management consultant:

1. Undergraduate Degree:

• This is the first step in getting into management consulting.
• Enroll in programs like BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) or BBM (Bachelor of Business Management).
• Aim to score at least 55% marks from a reputable university.

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2. Master’s Degree:

• Pursue a Master’s degree from a well-known institution to further specialize in management consulting.
• You can choose from various management consultant courses to deepen your expertise.

3. Relevant Work Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in business or project management roles is typically required.
• Experience in sectors like marketing, finance, or the public sector can also be beneficial.

4. Certifications:

• Management consultant certifications, like the Certified Management Consultant (CMC), can boost your credibility and demonstrate your expertise.
• Other relevant certifications in business analysis or project management can add value.

5. Key Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to assess and address complex issues.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to explain solutions clearly.
• Ability to work in teams and manage client relationships effectively.
• Time management and critical thinking skills to handle multiple tasks and challenges.

What are the Best Management Consultant Courses in India

Becoming a management consultant in India requires a strong educational base. The right courses help you build the skills needed to solve complex business problems, lead teams, and offer valuable insights to clients. 

Both undergraduate and postgraduate courses play an important role in shaping your career as a management consultant.

But do you know which course you should opt for to become a Management Consultant in India?

Refer to this table to learn about the best management consultant courses you can take to kickstart your journey toward a rewarding career: 

What are the Key Skills Required to Become a Management Consultant?

By now, you must have gained a fair idea of how vital skills can be in a management consulting role. It is really important to develop a strong set of skills to succeed as a management consultant. This will help you analyze problems, communicate effectively, and provide valuable solutions to clients.

These skills are not only essential for problem-solving but also for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

Below are the key skills needed to succeed in the field of management consulting.

1. Leadership:

• Leading teams or projects to successful outcomes.
• Taking initiative and being responsible for decision-making processes.

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2. Analytical Thinking:

• Ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.
• Analyzing data and trends to identify key issues and solutions.

3. Problem-Solving:

• Strong critical thinking to approach challenges creatively.
• Developing innovative strategies to solve business problems effectively.

4. Communication Skills:

• Clear and concise communication to explain complex ideas and solutions to clients.
• Strong writing and presentation skills for creating reports and delivering presentations.

Sign up for upGrad’s Free Online Course on Communication with Certification to enhance your communication skills.

5. Teamwork:

• Ability to work well with clients and colleagues in a team setting.
• Collaborating with people from different backgrounds and departments to find solutions.

6. Time Management:

• Effectively managing multiple projects and deadlines at once.
• Prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion of work.

Know More Here: 15 Ways to Improve Your Time Management Skills

7. Adaptability:

• Being flexible and able to adjust to changing client needs and market conditions.
• Quickly learning about new industries, business models, or technologies.

8. Client Management:

• Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their needs.
• Providing excellent customer service and ensuring client satisfaction.

Also Read: 5 Key Skills Required for a Successful Management Career

Who are the Top Recruiters for Management Consultants in India?

India has a booming management consulting sector, with numerous top firms hiring skilled professionals to help businesses navigate complex challenges and improve operations. 

These firms range from global giants to industry-specific consultancies, each offering unique opportunities based on their areas of expertise.

According to India Business & Trade, the Indian consulting services industry has seen impressive growth over the years. In 2021, it was valued at USD 316.5 billion and is expected to reach USD 811.3 billion by 2031, growing at an annual rate of 10.2%. 

This growth highlights that there will be a notable increase in job openings for management consultants in India in the coming years.

Here are some of the top recruiters for management consultants in India:

Source: Glassdoor

Career and Salary Outlook for a Management Consultant in India?

In the wake of newer challenges and continuous transformation, especially since the post-pandemic era, the career outlook for management consultants in India has been witnessing several trends.

As per RBI data, the employment rate in India has grown 36% in the past decade. The advancement in the Indian economy and business landscape in sectors like fintech, healthcare, IT, financial services, retail as well e-commerce is paving further way for demand for management consultants who play a key role in driving business growth and expansion.

A number of factors have influenced the changes and the job market. Let’s list down these factors:

• Increased reach in global markets due to globalization
• Technological revolutions and adaptations have made a revolution in the scaling of businesses. The huge growth of the quick commerce industry via companies like Blinkit and Zepto is a great example of the fact that strategically meeting consumer needs and a digital business vision can result in massive business growth.
• Greater focus on specialization. Within management consultancy also, you can explore your domain of interest and build your expertise in that domain.
• Growth of startup culture in recent years pushed by policy and government initiatives like Startup India and Make in India.

Now, let’s examine the salary outlook for management consultants. The salary of a management consultant in India too varies widely depending on factors such as experience, job role, location, and the consulting firm. As you progress in your career, earnings tend to increase significantly. 

Below is a general breakdown of the salary structure from entry-level to senior roles, along with how factors like experience, city, and company can impact your earnings.

First, let’s take a look at Management Consultants’ salary structure in India according to experience:

1. Entry-Level (0-1 years of experience): At the start of your consulting career, you can expect to earn around INR 15.5L per annum as per Glassdoor, with most firms offering a base salary along with performance bonuses.

2. Mid-Level (4-6 years of experience): At this stage, consultants take on more responsibility, including managing projects and leading teams. Salaries increase accordingly. According to Glassdoor, Management Consultants with this experience can get a salary of INR 26L per annum.

3. Senior-Level (10-14 years of experience): Senior consultants, managers, and partners, who have proven expertise and leadership skills, earn significantly higher salaries, often with additional bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentives. As per Glassdoor, their average annual salary is approximately INR 28L.

The average salary of a management consultant in India can range from INR 15L to INR 30L per year, depending on the factors mentioned above. 

Below is a table of the average annual salaries for management consultants across some top cities in India.

Source: Glassdoor

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the employer and experience.

What Are the Advantages of Becoming a Management Consultant

A career in management consulting comes with numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for those looking for dynamic and rewarding work.

Consultants play a key role in helping organizations solve complex business challenges, which provides both personal and professional growth.

Here are some specific advantages of becoming a management consultant in India:

1. High Salary

• Management consulting is known for offering high salaries, especially as you progress in your career. 
• With experience and expertise, consultants can earn substantial compensation, along with performance bonuses and other incentives.

2. Travel Opportunities

• Many management consultants have the chance to travel for work, either to client sites within India or internationally. 
• This provides the opportunity to explore different cultures and gain diverse work experiences, while also expanding professional networks.

3. Quicker Success

• The consulting industry offers rapid career advancement. Top-performing consultants often see quicker promotions compared to other industries, helping them rise through the ranks faster.
• You will acquire a broad set of skills, from problem-solving and leadership to client management, which can accelerate your success in the field.

4. Growing Field and Demand

• Management consulting is a growing field in India, with more businesses seeking expert advice to remain competitive. 
• As the industry continues to expand, more job opportunities and career paths will become available for consultants.

How upGrad Can Help You Become a Management Consultant?

It is 2025, and online education is the new normal! You don’t necessarily need to be on campus of reputed colleges to obtain necessary skill certifications or even pursue higher study options. 

As management professionals who often look to pursue a management master’s after some years of work experience, not everyone can pursue a full-time on-campus program to elevate their worm profile. 

As the job market and business needs have advanced, so has the education scenario. In a digital world, you can now avail a complete degree experience, completely remote with a range of online education options at your disposal.

At upGrad we aim to take your learning journey up a notch with our specialized learning programs. From short-term skill-based courses to full-fledged degree courses, we have got you covered! 

Explore our different management courses and enroll in the one that suits your needs the best:

• Online MBA Courses from Global Business Schools
• Management Courses

And that’s not all, you can also explore our Free Management Courses to kickstart your learning journey!

Learn at your own pace, from renowned industry experts and also avail end-to-end career assistance with upGrad learning!

If you’d like to receive expert guidance, go ahead and book a free counseling session with us now!

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Reference Links:

https://www.theceo.in/industry/best-business-consultants/india-consultancy-sector
https://consultingquest.com/insights/key-trends-india-consulting-industry/
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/mumbai-management-consultant-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IM1070_KO7,28.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/chennai-management-consultant-salary-SRCH_IL.0,7_IM1067_KO8,29.htm
https://300hours.com/management-consulting-career-path/ 
https://www.ibef.org/industry/services 
https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/app/business/india
https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/employment-rate-jumps-36-to-64-33-cr-in-modi-tenure-mansukh-mandaviya-125010200451_1.html
https://www.indiabusinesstrade.in/blogs/indian-consulting-industry-time-for-a-new-playbook/