A beginner-friendly guide to the daily tasks of consultants at top firms
Consulting sounds impressive, but what do consultants actually do all day? If you’re considering a career at a top firm like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or Accenture, it’s important to understand what life as a consultant is really like. This article will walk you through the basics of the job: no jargon, just clear facts to help you decide if it’s right for you.
1. Solving business problems
At the heart of every consulting project is a business problem. For example:
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A retail company wants to grow in a new market.
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A manufacturer needs to cut costs.
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A healthcare provider wants to improve service.
Consultants are hired to research the situation, analyze the data, and recommend a solution. That means asking the right questions, gathering information from stakeholders, and turning complex ideas into clear recommendations.
2. Doing research and analysis
As a junior consultant, you’ll spend a lot of time doing research:
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Interviewing clients and experts
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Searching industry reports
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Analyzing spreadsheets and financial data
You’ll need to spot patterns, test hypotheses, and build logical arguments based on evidence.
3. Creating presentations
Consultants spend hours making presentations, especially using PowerPoint or similar tools. These slides are more than just visuals; they are the final product that clients use to make decisions. Each slide needs to be:
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Clear and professional
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Backed by data
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Easy for senior executives to understand quickly
Learning how to “tell the story” visually is a key consulting skill.
4. Communicating with clients
You won’t just sit at a desk. Consultants spend time:
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Running client meetings
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Presenting recommendations
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Answering tough questions
Your communication skills need to be excellent, especially in English if you’re working in a global team. Clients expect you to speak clearly, write professionally, and respond to feedback with confidence.
5. Working in teams
Most consultants work in small teams. You’ll collaborate closely with other consultants, managers, and experts from different countries. You’ll need to:
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Contribute ideas in team meetings
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Manage your tasks and deadlines
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Give and receive feedback
Time management, teamwork, and flexibility are essential.
Is consulting for you?
Consulting is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding. It’s a great career if you enjoy:
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Solving problems
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Working with people
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Learning about different industries
At The English Farm, we help future consultants build the English skills they need to succeed: from negotiating to confident speaking in meetings. If you’re ready to step into the consulting world, start by mastering the skills that real consultants use every day.