On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Career Connections Center hosted a virtual panel event on careers in consulting. The panelists provided insight about the day-to-day of their roles, and how they’ve leveraged their educational background and technical skills to launch successful careers in consultant roles in varying industries.
(Special Note: This blog post was adapted from the AI Summary provided by Zoom).
CLICK HERE to access the event recording.
Event Summary
The panelists discussed their career backgrounds, experiences in consulting, and essential skills required for the industry. They also highlighted the evolving trends in consulting, including the impact of Gen. AI and the shift towards offshoring and nearshoring. The panelists provided advice for students preparing for consulting roles, emphasizing the importance of both technical and soft skills, and shared a case study on problem-solving strategies.
Panelists Share Career Experiences
Sarah introduced the panelists and explained the event’s format. The panelists, including Brittney, Lea, Krista, Kaitlyn, and Leticia, shared their career backgrounds and current roles. Britney discussed her experience in State government and her transition to Accenture, while Leah shared her work in community health and her transition to public health consulting. Krista talked about her roles in higher education and her work at Frontier Design. Kaitlyn and Leticia both shared their experiences at Deloitte, focusing on project management and commercial strategy.
Consulting Experiences and Career Paths
The panelists discussed their experiences and definitions of consulting. They explained that consulting involves helping clients solve problems, which can range from reorganizing branches to implementing new technology. The panelists also shared their paths into consulting, with some having prior experience in their industries and others discovering the field through friends or during their master’s programs. They emphasized the importance of adaptability, flexibility, and customer service in their roles.
Consulting Skills and Networking Strategies
The panelists discuss essential skills for consultants and strategies for networking in the consulting industry. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, quick learning, confidence, and active listening. For case study interviews, they advise practicing with peers and maintaining confidence even if mistakes are made. Regarding networking, the panelists stress the value of finding mentors, maintaining connections, and networking both vertically and laterally. They suggest using LinkedIn, attending events, and joining professional associations to build relationships. The panelists also highlight the importance of being genuine in networking efforts and offering value in return.
Gen. AI’s Impact on Consulting
The panelists discussed the evolving trends in the consulting industry, with a particular emphasis on the impact of Gen. AI. They noted that Gen. AI is transforming how they work and how they serve clients, and it is expected to be a significant trend in the coming years. They also highlighted the shift towards offshoring and nearshoring, with a lot of grunt work technical skills being sent offshore. The panelists also mentioned the changes in administration and the use of technology in the public sector. They suggested that students should be aware of these trends and adapt their skills accordingly.
Preparing for Consulting Roles
The panelists discuss how students can prepare for consulting roles and provide advice for entering the field. They emphasize the importance of both technical and soft skills, suggesting that students take relevant classes, pursue certifications, and develop communication abilities. The panelists recommend gaining experience through internships, leadership roles, and challenging situations to prepare for consulting work. They advise students to experiment with different activities to discover their interests and strengths. The discussion also covers the differences between government and commercial consulting, as well as the various fields within consulting. Some firms offer rotational programs for new graduates to explore different industries and roles, while others require more intentional career planning. The panelists stress that there are multiple paths into consulting, including entry-level programs and experienced hires, and encourage students to leverage their networks for referrals when applying for positions.
Problem-Solving Strategies in Consumer Goods
Sarah led a discussion on problem-solving strategies, with Leticia sharing a case study from her work with a consumer packaged goods brand. The brand was losing market share in the unsalted tortilla chip category, prompting Leticia’s team to conduct competitive data analysis and in-store customer interviews. They discovered that consumers were more health-conscious and price-sensitive, leading to the development of a new unsalted tortilla chip variation. The project was completed in 12 weeks, demonstrating the team’s ability to work quickly and creatively. Leticia emphasized the importance of asking questions, analyzing data, and thinking outside the box in problem-solving.
LinkedIn Usage in Consulting Industry
In the meeting, Sarah led a discussion on the importance of networking and LinkedIn usage in the consulting industry. Panelists Brittney and Lea emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to networking, including community involvement, career fairs, and peer connections. Lea also stressed the importance of researching potential firms and considering their culture and fit. Sarah encouraged students to connect with career coaches for further discussions on consulting.
