I would really like to hear the suggestions of those who are or have been consultants, as I am really considering moving in that direction. Here’s my basic story.
Pretty fluent in Japanese. (Currently working as an interpreter with a minimum of complaints from my employer.)
About to enroll in a full-time MBA program. (Either Georgia Tech or South Carolina, as both are essentially free for me.)
Worked for Japanese companies or in Japan for the last 8 years. Mostly consumer electronics or automotive manufacturing.
Undergrad in International Studies.
Once I finish my MBA, will my credentials be enough to get consulting work?
Is it better to try to land a position with a major firm, or to go out on my own?
What is the typical life of a consultant like?
OK, first of all, what field do you want to “consult” in?
It will need to be a field that you have lots of experience in, and preferrably one in which you are fairly well-known. There has to be a good reason for companies to go outside to hire you, instead of keeping the work in-house.
My MIL has a consulting company (where I work) that is successful because she seems to know EVERYBODY in her field, helped many of them get their jobs, and has a consistently good work product. Our field (education) may seem large, but it’s a small fraternity, so your good name is vital.
If you will be working for yourself, you must be able to work on your own, and not just mess around all day. We set our own hours (but they usually coincide with regular hours, or who would answer the phones?) and take whatever days off we want, but every day we don’t work is a day we don’t make money.
Good luck. If you get more specific, there are probably some Dopers who can give you more concrete advice.
Speaking as a guy who did consulting in the building material supply trade (not large corporations) for a couple of years, most of the best consultants I’ve come across are experienced salespeople.
You have to be personable, present an image of success, be unassuming & knowledgeable while presenting a realistic, trackable goal.
Sell the sizzle, not the steak. Your services should never include micromanagement, but don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves, climb into the foxhole and guide the way. Stay focused on the big picture.
To avoid suspicion, backstabbing, sabotage or raised eyebrows, never give the impression your trying to get your foot in the door toward a full-time, permanent position.
Are you trying to get into a firm like McKinsey or KPMG? Or are you thinking of doing consulting as a self-employed person? Anyone can call himself a consultant if he’s self-emloyed; all it basically is is selling some knowledge you have to someone who doesn’t have that knowledge. An MBA alone won’t get you any consulting work (well it might, but only by clueless people); it is going to depend on what knowledge and experience you have to offer.
Now if you plan to try for a McKinsey or KPMG kind of place, plan on working 70-90 hours a week, traveling 85% of the time, and having little to no social life outside of work for at least a couple of years. After that, it gets worse. Eventually you’ll either quit, get asked to leave, or make partner and lose all your accrued vacation time.