How to Become A Consultant

Steps to Become a Consultant in Australia

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a Related Field

Enrol in a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, or a related degree at an Australian university. These programs take three years full-time. They cover management, finance, strategy, and organisational behaviour. Pick a degree that matches the industry you plan to advise in, such as information systems, engineering, or health management.

Step 2: Gain Experience in Your Target Industry

Work in your chosen sector for at least two to three years after you graduate. Target roles in finance, IT, health, government, or another field that interests you. Employers value real-world experience alongside academic credentials. Working inside an organisation gives you the insight needed to advise future clients well.

Step 3: Consider a Postgraduate Qualification

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Management builds your skills for senior consulting roles. These programs take one to two years full-time and cover strategy, leadership, and business analysis. Many Australian universities offer both on-campus and online options (confirm the current intake on training.gov.au).

Step 4: Earn the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) Designation

The CMC is the top professional certification for consultants in Australia. It is awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants Australia (IMC). To qualify, you need a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least three years of consulting experience. The CMC is recognised internationally through the ICMCI global network.

Step 5: Join the Institute of Management Consultants Australia

Become a member of IMC Australia and link up with your state chapter. Membership gives you access to events, professional development, and the IMC’s Find a Consultant directory. Regular networking with peers and potential clients is how most independent consultants build a strong and lasting practice.

A consultant’s day is busy and varied. Mornings might start with a client call to review project progress. Then it is into the data: gathering numbers, spotting trends, and building the case for change. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to writing up findings or running a workshop with the client’s team. Consultants also spend time preparing presentations for senior leaders. Every task is tied to a clear goal: help the client solve a real problem and move forward.

Consultants help businesses and organisations tackle challenges and reach their goals. Their work is practical and project-based, covering everything from research to delivery. Here are the key tasks a consultant handles day to day:

• Client meetings: talk with clients to understand their needs, goals, and challenges.
• Research and analysis: gather and review data to build a clear picture of the issue.
• Strategy development: design tailored plans based on what the research shows.
• Report writing: document findings and recommendations in clear, easy-to-read reports.
• Presentations: prepare and deliver findings to clients and their leadership teams.
• Project management: track timelines, budgets, and team tasks to keep projects on course.
• Stakeholder engagement: work with people across the business to build support for change.
• Training and workshops: help client teams learn new skills or adopt new processes.
• Professional development: keep up with new trends, tools, and industry knowledge.
• Networking: connect with other professionals to grow your knowledge and your career.

• Analytical thinking
• Written and verbal communication
• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Interpersonal skills and relationship building
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Industry and domain knowledge
• Time management
• Research skills
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Client focus
• Negotiation skills
• Facilitation and presentation skills
• Commercial awareness