Why choose a graduate consultancy job?
The variety, intellectual challenge, and steep learning curve make consultancy one of the most appealing graduate jobs available today. But what does a consultant actually do? And how do you break into the industry right after university?
Keep reading to find out what consultancy is, where graduates fit in, and how you can prepare to land your first graduate consultancy job.
What is consultancy?
In essence, consultancy is about being a problem solver.
Consultancy is a professional service in which individuals or firms provide expert advice to help organisations improve their performance, solve complex problems, and achieve their goals. It spans nearly every sector - from finance and technology to healthcare and retail.
Consultants are expected to:
- Listen to client needs
- Analyse data and business operations
- Develop innovative solutions
- Communicate insights clearly
- Support clients through change or transformation
It’s a career that demands curiosity, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills - making it a great fit for analytical and motivated graduates.
How are these graduate positions?
While it might sound like a senior role, graduate consultancy jobs are designed for entry-level professionals. These graduate roles give you the chance to:
- Apply your university knowledge to real-world issues
- Work alongside industry experts
- Contribute to high-profile projects early in your career
Unlike traditional graduate jobs that can involve repetitive tasks, graduate consultancy roles are fast-paced and intellectually stimulating from day one.
Most common consultancy areas in the UK
In the UK, consultancy is a diverse field. Graduates usually begin by specialising in one of these core areas:
Management Consulting
Focus: Business strategy, operations, and organisational performance
Clients: Corporations, governments, public sector
IT Consulting
Focus: System implementation, cybersecurity, digital transformation
Clients: Tech firms, healthcare, education, retail
Financial Consulting
Focus: Financial planning, investment strategy, risk management
Clients: Banks, insurance firms, corporate finance departments
HR Consulting
Focus: Organisational design, employee engagement, training and development
Clients: Large organisations navigating workforce change
These specialisms give you a chance to match your interests and skills with a specific consultancy path.
What are the top skills required for Graduate Consultancy jobs?
To succeed in graduate consultancy roles, you need a mix of technical knowledge and soft skills. Here are the most important:
- Analytical Thinking - Crucial for breaking down complex problems into parts, applying logical frameworks (E.g. SWOT, Porters Five Forces), and reccomending structured solutions.
- Data Interpretation - You'll likely be analysing reports, financials and metrics, looking for trends and anomalies that shape stratagy and making data-driven decisions.
- Communication Skills - You need to be able to present ideas clearly to different audiences, write concise reports and updates, and adapt your tone for internal vs. external communication.
- Teamwork - To collaborate across diverse teams, build rapport with clients and collegues, and share insights and responsibilities.
- Time Management - Important for prioritising tasks under tight deadlines, managing multiple workstreams simultaneously, and staying focused in a fast-paced environment.
- Problem-Solving - Creatively overcoming challenges, staying calm under pressure and proposing practical, client-specific solutions.
- Commercial Awareness - To understand how the industry you consult in operates, align your advice with specific business goals, and track competitors, market trends and client needs.
These skills are essential, not just for consultancy but also for many other graduate roles across sectors.
Is Consultancy Right for You?
If you're looking for a career that combines strategy, variety, and real-world impact, a graduate consultancy job could be a perfect match. It offers early responsibility, accelerated learning, and the chance to shape decisions in leading organisations.
Whether you're a business student, STEM graduate, or from a humanities background, consultancy values fresh perspectives and problem-solving potential. With the right preparation, you can launch a rewarding and influential career.
Find out more on our industry profile for consultancy, or check out what live consultancy roles we have open at the moment!
