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AI is changing consulting careers. Students can create a future-ready path by developing analytical, technical and problem-solving skills to remain relevant in an emerging industry.
Consulting skills such as adaptability and problem-solving are now essential for every professional.
Dr. C.J. by the meadows
Consultants often get a bad reputation, yet there are more of them today than ever before. Between 2005 and 2025, the number of management consulting firms worldwide is expected to grow from 1.4 million to 3.6 million. The industry is now valued at over US$1 trillion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8 percent through 2028.
Obviously, they will be doing something for which they will have to pay.
But like every other field, consulting is also changing rapidly. Large companies now compete with boutique agencies, independent experts, AI-powered platforms, and digital ecosystems that enable gig-based consulting work. Traditional companies are hiring more selectively with fewer entry-level roles, but the overall industry continues to expand. The skills that mentors develop are becoming essential for everyone looking for a future-ready career.
So, what are these skills? These can be grouped into five major areas.
Professional Skills: This includes industry and functional expertise, general management, strategic thinking, future vision and project management.
Working with digital flows and AI: The next generation of advisors will need to combine human insight and creativity with the analytical power and accuracy of AI. It is important to understand what AI can and cannot do.
Problem Solving and Innovation: Structured problem-solving remains the focus of counseling. This involves defining challenges, analyzing data, generating insights, and designing solutions that can be tested and implemented. For this, creative thinking and courage to experiment is also necessary.
Human Soft Skills: These are often more difficult to master than technical skills. Research from LinkedIn shows that eight of the ten most in-demand skills are soft skills, including communication, collaboration, leadership, stakeholder management and adaptability.
Adaptability and Learning: Consultants thrive on ambiguity. Their work demands continuous learning, self-direction, flexibility and professionalism while rapidly providing new value in unfamiliar environments.
According to LinkedIn, the ten most in-demand skills globally are communication, customer service, leadership, project management, management, analytics, teamwork, sales, problem-solving, and research. The fastest growth has been seen in the importance of adaptability, which consultants rely on every day.
So how can one build these skills without joining a consulting firm?
start small: Volunteer for project-based work or consult for free with NGOs or startups. Work on real-world problems that require gathering information, analyzing data, and proposing solutions. Joining consulting clubs, working on independent projects, or participating in case competitions can also simulate consulting experience and help develop professional behaviors such as structured thinking, collaboration, and client management.
GET CONSULTATION: Surround yourself with experienced professionals who can provide feedback and guidance. Treat them like an informal advisory board for your career.
Use digital devices wisely: AI is not only changing work but also the way we learn. Online platforms, case-study simulations, and AI tutors can now help you practice interviews, presentations, and problem-solving in realistic scenarios.
In short, you don’t need to be an expert to start consulting. You just need to get started and keep going.
Mentors provide value not only through the advice they give but also through the example they set.
(The author is Professor and Head of MBA-Consulting Management at SPJ Global. The views expressed in the above excerpt are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of AyraNews24x7.)
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A team of journalists, writers and editors brings you news, analysis and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest… read more
November 13, 2025, 1:59 pm IST
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