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
Project Coordinator / Project Support Officer
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering task management, meticulous documentation, basic risk identification, and effective meeting organisation. You'll need to show you can take on more responsibility and proactively manage small tasks independently.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering assigned tasks ahead of schedule with high accuracy.
- Proactively identifying and resolving minor issues without needing constant supervision.
- Taking initiative to improve project support processes or templates.
- Demonstrating strong organisational skills and attention to detail in all deliverables.
- 2
Business Analyst (non-project specific)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Translating business requirements into functional specifications, process mapping, data analysis, and stakeholder interviewing. You'll need to show you can apply these analytical skills within a structured project framework and drive towards tangible outcomes.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully leading requirements gathering for complex features or processes.
- Ability to clearly articulate business problems and propose data-backed solutions.
- Strong communication skills, especially in translating technical concepts for business audiences.
- A desire to move from 'analysis only' to 'analysis and delivery'.
- 3
Graduate Consultant / Junior Internal Consultant
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Exposure to various business functions, foundational consulting methodologies, data gathering and analysis, and presentation skills. You'll have worked on multiple projects, albeit in a supporting role, and are ready to take on more ownership.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering high-quality research and analysis for senior consultants.
- Proactively seeking out opportunities to lead smaller project components.
- Receiving positive feedback on your ability to quickly learn new business domains.
- Demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and a structured approach to tasks.