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
Senior Strategy Analyst (Internal Consulting)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Leading complex workstreams, mentoring junior analysts, developing strong analytical models, and beginning to manage stakeholder relationships independently.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers high-quality workstreams on time and with minimal supervision.
- Receives strong positive feedback from project managers and stakeholders on their contributions.
- Successfully mentors 1-2 junior analysts, helping them grow their skills.
- Proactively identifies and flags project risks or opportunities to senior leadership.
- 2
External Management Consultant (from a 'Big 4' or boutique firm)
5-8 years of consulting experienceSkills to master
- Project management, client relationship management, structured problem-solving across diverse industries, and building executive-level presentations.
You're ready to move on when
- Has led multiple client engagements, managing project teams and client expectations.
- Demonstrates a strong toolkit of consulting methodologies and frameworks.
- Is looking for a role with deeper, long-term impact within a single organisation.
- Can articulate how external consulting experience translates to internal strategic challenges.
- 3
Senior Analyst / Manager in a Business Unit Strategy Team
6-10 years in a specific industry/functionSkills to master
- Deep domain expertise, understanding of operational realities, and experience driving strategic initiatives within a specific business context.
You're ready to move on when
- Has successfully led strategic projects or initiatives within a business unit (e.g., product strategy, sales effectiveness).
- Possesses a deep understanding of a particular market, customer segment, or operational process.
- Is looking to broaden their strategic impact across the entire organisation.
- Can demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to real-world business challenges.