Being a consultant is an outstanding way to broaden your professional network. As a consultant, you will be transitioning between multiple clients for a longer period of time than an employee would remain with their single employer, allowing you to build personal and professional connections with more people. Consulting is not a typical 9-5 job; you may feel like you are “always working” since you are expected to be on the road for extended periods of time, which can be tiring. If you are looking for stability and structure, then consulting may not be the best career choice for you. You will need to create your own work structures and be responsible for your own impact.
The new normal brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic will bring about substantial changes in the way companies are managed. One of the greatest advantages of being a consultant is that it opens up a wide range of options. You will create a network of contacts that will allow you to put your skills into practice. You'll also gain knowledge and vast experience in your field, giving you more options when you decide to move on. Many consultants launch startups, while others dive into venture capital or private equity. Project managers and other technology roles are also popular.
Joining a consulting firm is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create a large and valuable network. On the one hand, you'll be working with several customers and stakeholders throughout your different projects. This will allow you to establish relationships in several organizations (usually with very high-level people) that can be converted into job offers, other consulting jobs, or even mentoring. All top business leaders (and even politicians) turn to consultants' advice to make any important decision. The world of consulting offers you the possibility of working with very different cultures, different work methodologies, different business environments and languages, etc. To help you decide if consulting is right for you, we have listed some of the benefits of being a consultant.
If you enjoy working hard, have strong social skills that help you be an effective consultant, like learning new things, and are interested in different types of businesses and problem solving, then consulting could be an excellent career choice. The advantages of becoming a consultant include the ability to build a wide network of contacts, gain knowledge and experience in your field, work with different cultures and business environments, and have access to high-level people who can offer job opportunities or mentorship. Additionally, consultants have the freedom to create their own work structures and be responsible for their own impact. Consulting is not for everyone; it requires hard work and dedication. However, if you have the right skillset and mindset, it can be an incredibly rewarding career path.
