Career Progression
|
|
Position
|
Remuneration
|
Experience
|
Education
|
|
Start Position
|
Associate
|
$40-80K
|
0-3 years
|
Commerce or Engineering Degree
|
|
1st Promotion
|
Consultant
|
$90-150K
|
3-6 years
|
Degree
|
|
2nd Promotion
|
Project Leader, Project Manager, Engagement Manager
|
$160-250K
|
6-10 years
|
Degree
|
|
3rd Promotion
|
Principal, Senior Project Leader, Associate Partner
|
$250-400K
|
8-12 years
|
Degree
|
|
4th Promotion
|
Partner
|
$500K+
|
12+ years
|
Degree
|
Larger firms can have up to 8 levels including Senior Associate, Senior Consultant, and Associate Partner between those listed above. Expect 18-24 months between promotions – or 2-4 years for the major steps listed above. A graduate degree (MBA, PhD or Masters in Engineering) can shortcut the process by allowing you to start at a higher level (usually Consultant). Salary sources: www.glassdoor.com and www.managementconsulted.com
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
|
Associate
|
Develop knowledge of clients’ critical business issues, build client-management, problem-solving, and communications skills; given project ownership & involvement in broader problem-solving effort; conduct interviews & analyse clients’ performance; gather data
|
|
Consultant
|
Work closely with clients to develop deep understanding of competitive issues, create strategies for change, secure clients’ buy-in to strategic solutions, and work alongside clients to make those solutions happen.
|
|
Project Leader
|
Provide intellectual team leadership; ensure creative project solution is delivered on time and within budget, give team members feedback and skill development; manage client relationship beyond expectations; start recruiting, training & writing campaigns.
|
|
Principal
|
Deliver innovative solutions to clients and their long term strategic agenda; delegate, advise, lead, and guide team members; share key business insights to foster innovation & build client portfolio; growing role in the management of the company & its strategic vision.
|
|
Partner
|
Drive overall business, develop existing and new client relationships; recognise new trends first; deliver original solutions that make a real difference; lead, coach & mentor teams; exercise clever judgment, persuade, and make change happen.
|
**The above table is to be used as a guide only
Career Path Options & Employment
As a graduate entering the workforce, there are a few steps you may take in terms of advancing your career. A new graduate will usually start as a researcher. Once you have established a track record of achievement and completed all educational requirements you receive less supervision, and given more responsibility involving more complex and larger scale projects. Director or partner-level positions are usually only available to those who have mastered the art of providing advice that is well-justified, credible and achievable as well as the skill of selling to senior managers in client organisations. Professionals wanting to become more engaged in business decisions, rather than just making recommendations, tend to leave consulting.
About the Author
Andrew Lewin
Andrew Lewin is a seasoned strategic and operational consultant, with 15+ years experience devising, leading and consolidating transformational change. Currently a sole practitioner, he formerly worked for Accenture in San Francisco, Mars & Co in San Francisco and Tokyo and Portland Group in Sydney and Melbourne.
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