What Is the Best Consulting Firm for Me?

Every consulting firm is unique. If you are interested in working in consulting, the available options include working for the typical strategy consultancies , more specialized boutique consulting firms, or for the so-called inhouse consultancies which are basically internal consulting firms of big companies. The big players in strategy consulting know how to set the tone by means of branding, demanding projects, internationality, and last but not least through attractive salaries. Boutique consultancies have the advantage that consultants may work in their favorite field in order to evolve into specialists. Inhouse consultancies are becoming more and more important for the job market, since employees are looking for more promising work-life-balance properties in their employers. Moreover, you'll be able to do your own networking in a big firm, and therefore lay a solid foundation for the transition into the later stages of your career.

What Are Necessary Skills for Me as a Consultant?

You'll have to bring certain abilities to the table, but it's about more than what's on your resume. Despite an excellent academic education, your future employer will also look for working experience, especially if acquired abroad. Particularly if you studied business/economics, you'll be expected to have at least two internships on your record when being interviewed.

Do I Need an MBA to Apply for a Job in Consulting?

While an MBA can be beneficial, it's not a strict requirement to apply for a consulting job. Consulting firms often seek candidates with diverse educational backgrounds, including natural sciences, medicine, and pharmacy. They highly value organized and analytical working behavior. Beyond educational qualifications, firms also emphasize soft skills such as communication abilities, self-confidence, and analytical skills. Even without significant practical experience, if you demonstrate these qualities, you could potentially be considered for consulting roles. Some firms may also offer workshops and mini-MBA programs to further develop your skills once hired.

What Are the Benefits While Working as a Consultant?

Working as a consultant offers several benefits. While the role often requires long working hours, especially for those starting their careers, it compensates with high salaries. Additionally, the experience you gain as a consultant can lead to promising career advancements and opportunities for personal development, extending beyond the realm of consulting. Many consultants leverage their experience to transition into roles in large industrial companies, smaller boutique consultancies, or startups, which can offer diverse career paths.

Get to know top consultancies, and stay up to date on current career events and job offers.

Kearney

Strategy Consultancy

Düsseldorf, München, Berlin, Wien, Zürich

>4,000 employees worldwide

Finance, IT & Cyber, M&A, Marketing & Sales, Organization, Pricing, Process Management, Procurement, Strategy, Supply Chain Management

Automotive, Energy, Finance, FMCG & Retail, Industrial Goods, Lifescience & Healthcare, Public Services, Telekommunications & Media, Transportation & Logistics

1 Event

by Kearney

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Become a Kearney Original

What’s the best way to enter the world of consulting? A prestigious name on your resume? An intense time without a personal life? A fully stocked frequent flyer account? If you’re looking for more than that, join Kearney. Here, you’ll create real value for significant clients – while pursuing topics that matter to you personally. At Kearney, you’ll find more than just a network of useful contacts – you’ll build genuine friendships that will support you on your journey.

This is Kearney – for you

Among global consulting firms, Kearney is a true original. For nearly 100 years, C-suites, government agencies, and non-profits have trusted us. Kearney is just the right size for you: your ideas make a real impact on Fortune 500 companies, DAX corporations, and globally active mid-sized businesses. At the same time, the Kearney world remains comfortably close-knit. Our teams in vibrant locations like Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich know, value, and support one another.

Event with Kearney

Kearney: BoostHER

May 22nd - May 23rd, 2025

München

Entdecke die Macht deiner Selbstwahrnehmung beim Kearney BoostHER Women Talent Event am 22. & 23. Mai 2025 in München! Leadership-Coachin Sarah Cartwright zeigt dir, wie Selbst- & Fremdwahrnehmung deinen Karriereweg beeinflussen. Tausche dich mit ins... (Read more)