The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Junior Internal Consultant / Associate Consultant
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Analytical accuracy, slide building, data gathering, understanding core consulting frameworks (MECE, Hypothesis-driven).
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers error-free analysis and high-quality slide content.
- Can independently manage small, well-defined tasks without constant supervision.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of project objectives and how their work contributes.
- Receives positive feedback from Project Managers on proactivity and attention to detail.
- 2
Business Analyst (from a corporate function)
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Problem structuring, executive communication (especially 'the deck'), stakeholder management, hypothesis generation, working across different business units.
You're ready to move on when
- Has experience translating business requirements into analytical solutions.
- Can clearly articulate findings and recommendations to non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrates a strong desire to move beyond just reporting to actively solving strategic problems.
- Has worked on projects with clear business impact and can quantify their contributions.
- 3
External Junior Consultant (from a smaller firm)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Adapting to internal politics and culture, building relationships without a 'client-vendor' dynamic, understanding internal data systems and access protocols, focusing on implementation rather than just recommendations.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of delivering client-facing projects and presentations.
- Strong foundational consulting toolkit (analysis, problem-solving, communication).
- Exhibits curiosity about internal operations and a desire to drive change from within.
- Understands the nuances of internal stakeholder management versus external client management.