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
Organisational Design & Learning Consultant (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Independent project execution, basic data analysis, workshop facilitation support, stakeholder communication.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed multiple workstreams within larger projects.
- Consistently delivered high-quality outputs with minimal supervision.
- Received positive feedback on ability to identify problems and propose solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to informally guide junior colleagues.
- 2
HR Business Partner (Senior)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding business unit strategy, advising leaders on people issues, basic change management, talent management processes.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully partnered with senior business leaders on strategic HR initiatives.
- Developed a strong understanding of business operations and challenges.
- Led small-scale organisational changes or restructures within a business unit.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
- 3
External HR/OD Consultant (Mid-Level)
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Client management, project delivery across diverse industries, structured problem-solving, presentation skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed client engagements end-to-end, delivering measurable outcomes.
- Worked on a variety of OD-related projects (e.g., operating model design, change management).
- Developed strong consulting skills, including proposal writing and client relationship management.
- Comfortable presenting complex ideas to external clients.