Explore the skills and training you need to become a highly-paid, in-demand consultant with employers knocking at your door.
A consultant is a skilled professional who provides expert advice and guidance to businesses or individuals within their field of knowledge. Consultants are often independent contractors hired to provide insights, solve complex problems and help people and organisations achieve their goals.
While most consultants are adept at providing generalised advice, business consultants focus on understanding organisations’ unique opportunities and challenges.
Business consultants work closely with clients to identify key areas of improvement and development across marketing, finance, operations and strategy, which are all vital elements of business success.
The diversity of work, potential financial rewards and career advancement opportunities are common drawcards that attract working professionals to pursue further study in business consulting.
Business consultants play a crucial role in driving positive change for organisations in the public and private sectors, spanning defence to finance, to healthcare and beyond.
The role of business consultants can vary depending on the size and needs of the company but typically include:
In the world of business, many different types of consultants offer specialised services to help organisations define and achieve their goals.
Pursuing a career as a business consultant can be financially and personally rewarding.
According to the latest data from Seek, the average business consultant salary in Australia ranges from $115,000 to $135,000 per year.
Below is an outline of what you can earn as you progress through your business consulting career.
Entry-level business consultant – $80,000 to $100,000
Mid-level business consultant – $100,000 to $120,000
Experienced business consultant – $120,000 to $140,000+
Earning a salary as a business consultant can place you in the top 20 per cent of income earners in the country. And it’s achievable with the right combination of experience, expertise, education and location.
Business consultants with advanced qualifications like an MBA can unlock increased earning capacity and open doors to broader employment opportunities.
To start a career in business consulting, there are two pathways worth considering.
As an added consideration, graduate salaries also tend to pay more — enough to net you a position in Australia’s top 2–3% of income earners.
Look for an MBA with built-in speciality units to deepen your understanding of core business consulting areas, including strategic management, finance, technology, marketing and human resources.
Completing either the Master of Business Administration (RMIT) or the Master of Business Administration (Victoria University) can equip you with the skills you need to excel in your career and set yourself apart from other applicants in job applications and pitches.
If you meet the relevant work experience requirements, it’s possible to apply for an MBA program without a bachelor’s degree. Generally, you’ll need at least four years of experience in a managerial role or possess other qualifications and practical experience that are recognised by the Dean.
You can explore several certifications, accreditations and memberships to enhance your knowledge and put your best foot forward with every project, starting with a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) from the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC). This certification is recognised in 58 countries.
To excel as a business consultant, you must possess a blend of skills across strategy, technical expertise and communication. A firm grasp on the following areas will help you to drive better business results and make your mark in your area of expertise.
Once you have honed these skills, you’ll be on your way to building a successful and rewarding career as a business consultant.
Becoming a business consultant can pave the way to a diverse and exciting career, made even more rewarding by studying a specialised MBA. Invest in your professional future by speaking with a Student Enrolment Advisor today.
Whether you’re ready to enrol, or just have a quick question, simply fill out the enquiry form below to speak directly to the university’s enrolment team. They will be able to guide you through:
