Business Analysis, Strategy & Consulting
Consultancy is a rapidly expanding sector offering opportunities to work in a variety of industries and specialisms, from strategy and operations to more specialised consulting areas such as digital-strategy, HR and risk management.
The combined effects of globalisation, new technology, evolving business trends and changes in regulation/legislation, have meant a rise in demand for consultancy services.
Management analysts and consultants analyse business or operating procedures to devise the most efficient methods of accomplishing work. They gather and organize information about operating problems and procedures and prepare recommendations for implementing new systems, strategies, or changes.
Strategy consultants focus on financial and market growth. Technology consultants specialise in the deployment of digital solutions. Many consultants specialise in specific areas such as finance, HR, change management, and sustainability
It is highly likely that you'll need a degree to progress in this sector, but you won't always need a business degree to get started.
Career Zone Employability Schemes
The Career Zone runs a range of employability schemes to help increase your work experience and networks in this area:
- Career Zone Internship schemes - internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements.
- Ask An Alum - a fuss-free way to connect with University of Exeter alumni to ask careers questions.
- Career Mentor Scheme - a popular employability scheme which matches a student or graduate with an experienced professional, for sector insight and one-to-one careers advice and guidance, over a 6-month period.
- Professional Pathways - a suite of sector specific training courses and paid week-long internships that take place in June.
Information Resources
Watch the following videos to get a feel for some of the roles within the sector:
If you would like to do further research into this sector, the following webpages may be useful:
- Bright Network - Why a graduate career in Consulting is for you
- Prospects - Business, consulting and management
- Consultancy - Career
- Bright Network - Management consultant
- Bright Network - Strategy consultant
- Bright Network - Change manager
For information and advice on finding work opportunities outside the UK, look at this webpage: Help with finding work outside the UK
Use the LinkedIn Alumni tool to search Exeter alumni working in your sector or country of interest, as well as those that have studied languages.
For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page, and for a list of general job search engines please visit our general job sources page. You could also have a look at Handshake, our vacancy database with employers who are targeting University of Exeter students.
Speculative applications / Directories
As jobs are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and also apply speculatively. You could use business directories and/or the Global Business Network to find potential organisations to contact.
Internships and work experience will enhance your chances of employment.
- Bright Network: Consulting internships
- Ratemyplacement: Consulting placements
- Targetjobs: grad and intern opportunities across Business, Consulting and Management
- Student ladder: Professional Services year 2 internships including Consulting
- Glassdoor: Consulting industrial placements
- Bright Network: Consulting industrial placements
- Student ladder: Finance and Consulting industrial Placements
If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.
To find sector-specific professional bodies visit the relevant sector page. If your sector of interest is not listed on this page you may find a professional association related to it on the Directory of the Professions website.
If you would like to learn more about postgraduate study, please visit our Postgraduate Study information page for more information.
If you’re interested in professional qualifications in change management, consider the APMG Change Management courses or the Change Management Institute’s Foundation Level Accreditation.