Consultant

Become a consultant and help companies overcome strategic challenges. Learn about roles, skills, and training at EDC Paris Business School.

What is a consultant? 

Definition and main role of a consultant 

A consultant is an external expert who provides their expertise and recommendations to a company or organization to help solve a problem, improve performance, or support a project. They may work independently or for a consulting firm. 

The main role of a consultant is to analyze a situation, identify areas for improvement, and propose tailored solutions. 

They begin by diagnosing the client’s needs and issues, then recommend strategies, tools, or methodologies to achieve the defined objectives. Finally, they support the implementation of the solutions and monitor their impact on the organization. 

The different types of consultants 

• Strategy consultant : Helps companies define their vision, positioning, and long-term growth. 
• Management and organization consultant : Optimizes internal processes, improves team management, and supports organizational transformation. 
• Finance and audit consultant : Analyzes financial management, optimizes costs, conducts audits, and advises on investments. 
• Marketing and communication consultant : Develops brand strategies, improves visibility, and provides guidance on digitalization and advertising campaigns. 
• Human resources (HR) consultant : Supports talent management, recruitment, training, and the work environment within the company. 
• IT and digital transformation consultant : Implements technological solutions, supports digital transition, and secures information systems. 
• Sustainability and CSR consultant : Helps companies integrate responsible practices and address environmental and social challenges. 
• Supply chain and logistics consultant : Optimizes the management of flows, inventory, and transportation to improve efficiency and profitability. 
• Innovation and transformation consultant : Helps businesses adopt new practices, technologies, or business models to remain competitive.  

What are a consultant’s responsibilities? 

Analyzing client needs and proposing solutions 

Through active listening and in-depth analysis, the consultant evaluates the challenges faced by clients, whether strategic, organizational, or operational. They conduct interviews, analyze available data, and carry out audits to identify areas for improvement. 

Based on these findings, they make tailored recommendations using best practices and proven methodologies. 

The goal is to design effective, realistic strategies aligned with the company’s ambitions, while ensuring feasibility and positive impact on overall performance. 

Supporting businesses in project implementation 

Once solutions are defined, the consultant ensures the proper execution of the implementation phase, making sure each step aligns with the objectives. 

They coordinate internal and external teams, manage resources, and adjust timelines when needed, all while ensuring smooth communication among stakeholders. 

Their expertise helps overcome obstacles and optimize implementation, ensuring that outcomes are achieved on time and within budget. The consultant’s role is to proactively guide the company toward success and measurable value creation. 

Qualities and skills needed to be a good consultant 

Technical and analytical skills 

A consultant must master tools and technologies specific to their field, whether in data analysis, project management, or process optimization. 

The ability to analyze complex information, understand underlying dynamics, and identify trends is essential for strategic recommendations. This requires rigor in interpreting data, using specialized software, and sometimes building models or simulations to predict results. 

Interpersonal and communication skills 

It’s crucial to build trust, actively listen to clients’ needs and concerns, and reassure them about the feasibility of proposed solutions. The ability to tailor communication to different audiences, technical or not, is key for shared understanding and convincing stakeholders. 

Clear, structured communication is also essential for writing reports and presenting solutions during meetings or workshops. 

The consultant must also work well in teams, unite stakeholders around common goals, and resolve conflicts diplomatically. 

What are the advantages of being a consultant? 

A stimulating and diverse profession 

Each mission brings unique challenges, whether improving performance, reorganizing a company, or preparing for future hurdles. This variety allows consultants to continually take on new challenges, think creatively, and apply innovative solutions. 

Consultants work with clients from diverse backgrounds, enriching their network and facilitating the exchange of ideas. They must also adapt to each company’s specificities, requiring fine-tuned analysis and flexibility. 

This versatile role—combining strategic analysis, project management, and communication—makes each mission dynamic and unique. 

The range of environments, expectations, and solutions makes consulting a rewarding career with strong personal and professional growth potential.  

Personal and professional growth opportunities 

Gaining diversified expertise 

This profession provides a deep understanding of various business environments, a major asset for taking on leadership or high-level project management roles. 

Developing analytical and strategic skills 

As they gain experience, consultants refine their abilities, allowing them to lead increasingly strategic projects and become recognized for delivering high-value solutions. 

Strengthening project management and leadership skills 

By guiding companies through implementation, consultants often handle large-scale projects, enhancing their project management, resource management, and leadership capabilities. 

Expanding one’s professional network 

Consultants build connections that can lead to new career opportunities, either internally or with other companies. 

Advancement to higher-level roles 

Such roles include supervising teams, managing relationships with strategic clients, and contributing to the firm’s overall strategy. 

Personal development and interpersonal skills 

Consultants must continually improve communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills—essential for understanding client needs, negotiating solutions, and managing complex situations. 

Consultant: Salary and Career Development 

Average consultant salary based on experience 

• Junior Consultant (0–2 years of experience) 
  A junior consultant can expect a gross annual salary between €30,000 and €40,000. This can vary depending on company size and sector (top firms like McKinsey or BCG offer higher pay). 
• Mid-level Consultant (3–5 years of experience) 
  With a few years of experience, mid-level consultants typically earn between €40,000 and €60,000 per year. Those with niche expertise or in high-demand sectors may earn more. 
• Senior Consultant (6–10 years of experience) 
  At this level, salaries range from €60,000 to €80,000 annually, or more, depending on responsibilities. Senior consultants often oversee complex missions and work on strategic projects. 
• Manager / Director (10+ years of experience) 
  A manager or director-level consultant may earn over €80,000 to €120,000 annually, especially in large international firms or specialized sectors. 

Consulting career paths 

• Junior Consultant 
  Learns the fundamentals, performs analysis, writes reports, and assists senior consultants with missions. 
• Mid-level Consultant 
  After 3–5 years, assumes more responsibility, leads missions independently, supervises junior consultants, and engages more with clients and solution design. Often specializes in a sector or area of expertise. 
• Senior Consultant 
  At 6–10 years, leads complex projects and strategic clients, manages teams, oversees missions, and contributes to business development. May help shape new service offerings. 
• Manager / Project Leader 
  With 8–12 years’ experience, manages multiple projects and consultants, oversees budgets, and ensures client satisfaction. 
• Engagement Director / Partner 
  After 12–15 years, takes on executive roles, leads large projects and teams, manages long-term strategic client relationships, and helps define business strategy or open new markets. 
• Senior Partner / Principal 
  For top-level consultants who have shown exceptional leadership in both project delivery and business development. Partners steer firm-wide strategy, business lines, board-level decisions, and profitability. 
• Transition to other sectors 
  Experienced consultants may pivot to leadership roles in client companies, manage start-ups, or launch their own consulting firm. Their transferable skills in strategy, analysis, and project management are highly sought after across industries. 

What education is required to become a consultant? 

Initial and specialized training 

• Master’s Degree (Bac +5 equivalent) 
  Most consultants hold a Master degree in Business Consulting. Business schools and universities offer programs that provide direct access to consulting careers. 
• Specialized Master’s programs 
  Many pursue specialized degrees in areas such as strategic management, finance, data analytics, or project management.