Changing Careers - Director of Project Management to Business Consulting

Anonymous

March 2,2023 at 2:50PM UTC

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Changing Careers - Director of Project Management to Business Consulting

I currently work in a Digital agency where I manage 6 direct reports. I've spent 2 years at this company as a Project Manager and took on my Director role just over a year ago. With our company's growth, numerous pro-bono accounts, and partnerships with "friends of the owner" there has been a lot more work piled onto everyone's plates and we have been struggling with growth due to financial issues. When I express to my leadership that my team is overworked and feeling burnt out and provide solutions our leadership rejects my ideas and will not allow me to hire. I can't see things changing in the future despite my efforts.

I'm ready to move on to a company with better pay, more opportunities to learn, and flexible PTO. My 5-year plan has been to grow into a business consultant role and a growing consulting company has recruited me. I am close to the end of the interview process and my concern is that because of my level of experience and the nature of the market, I will struggle in this new role.

Have any of you moved into consulting? How did you do it? What should I look for in a consulting company? What advice do you have for someone like me?

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Mare LevineMarch 2,2023 at 4:39PM UTC
Congratulations on stepping into a new career role. Remember that many of the skills you've developed in your current circumstances will aid you as a consultant. Are you a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI)? They have an article that may be helpful on becoming a PM Consultant: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/become-project-management-consultant-6101
I have been a PM for companies in many different roles, and I know you can make that transition, too. The company you are interviewing with should become your ally in helping define what consulting they do and don't offer for clients. You may even find a mentor there. Spend your first months there listening and learning, and then you may even have ideas to contribute to new or expanded offerings for your company. Good luck!
Barb HansenMarch 2,2023 at 4:51PM UTC
I have moved into and out of consulting work over my career. I have worked for both small and large consulting firms and I've hung out my own shingle a few times.
For me, working for a established consulting companies is not for me, but I did learn a lot while working in those jobs. I watched Senior Associates upsell a client and extend contracts. I learned the different types of deliverables, how to position problems, how often to get feedback from clients and more.
Here are my answers to your questions:
How did I make my move into consulting?
I applied for the job. : )
What should I look for in a consulting company?
-- Look for a company that either focuses on or has a division the specializes in what skills you have or the skills you want to build.
-- Check Glassdoor. Some of consulting firms are not great places to work (too much work, being assigned to projects that you have no reason being assigned too, staff being treated like another brick in a wall), and Glassdoor can be your friend.
What advice to have I?
-- As I said above, working for a consulting company isn't for me but I learned a lot, so my advice it to try it. If you love what you are doing, great! If you don't like the work or the company, you can always leave. No matter what, you'll learn a lot.
-- Many consulting firms offer training, and career growth paths. Use every resource that the consulting company has.
-- Connect with everyone you meet. Consulting gigs are great ways to meet new people and grow your network.
-- Offer to speak at or work at the company's annual meetings or conference. If you are working for a large consulting firm, getting face time at the company's annual conference will only grow your profile.
kate wadeMarch 2,2023 at 6:23PM UTC
Of course it will be scary at first. That's normal - we get to learn and grow. You won't be perfect on Day 1 and I doubt they expect you to be. You sound very competent and capable. Have fun!
Jerri WalkerMarch 3,2023 at 2:04PM UTC
Having 30+ years in consulting and hired many with limited or no consulting experience, I would recommend a couple of things.
1) Be a sponge. Ask questions, listen more than you talk and observe actions and words.
2) Look to shadow multiple people. There is no one way to be a successful consultant. I had my new hires, especially the less experienced ones, shadow as many employees as possible. Even if it's just sitting on a call to observe, take notes for the other employee, etc. Everyone needs to find their authentic way to connect with clients and offer their best to each one.
3) Remember, your job is to give your client the tools to be successful. Try to focus on that when it gets tough.
I truly believe it is a calling and I hope you find it as rewarding as I did.