Consultants are people who specialize in helping customers solve their company's most pressing problems, issues, or projects. They work in a wide range of functions and industries and share a gift for analyzing information and identifying the best path forward for each company. Consultants can provide advice on business management or marketing, provide training on new technologies, help improve team functioning, or manage difficult tasks, such as layoffs. In consulting firms, titles include the typical senior management positions, such as chief executive officer and vice president, that most companies hold.
Below that level, titles may indicate the person's particular area of specialization, such as a business analyst, marketing consultant, or human relations consultant. Many companies are concerned about their environmental footprint, because of state and federal regulations, or simply because green practices are the right thing for the Earth. Many companies hire consultants in this field to help them implement cleaner work environments. Companies are always interested in their fiscal health and often turn to financial advisors to help them protect, restructure, or maximize their results.
Human resources experience can qualify you for a variety of lucrative consultant positions. As staffing and hiring are increasingly global, HR experts are often needed as a company moves to the next phase of development. Companies hire many types of consultants to help them with their operations, from marketing to sales. These positions can be short-term or long-term and can also involve travel opportunities.
General consultants have experience in many fields and offer their services to companies to help them achieve overall improvements. Kristina Kang, a senior change management consultant, told me what it's really like to work in the field.
