Here are insights and guidance for those considering a career in consulting, as well as for current consultants. What should you consider when you’re out on a consulting assignment? Is it a smart move to start your career as a consultant right after graduation? And what does it really mean to go “the extra mile”?
This is my second blog post out of two. In the first, I shared insights about the consultant role today and in the future.
Absolutely! I believe it’s the best career path for a recent graduate. Why? Because you get to try out a variety of assignments, perform different tasks, familiarize yourself with various workplaces and corporate cultures, and meet many people. Plus, you get to network. This way, you can find your niche and what suits you best.
When you’re on assignment, it’s a good idea to take the opportunity to study the company’s operations and see what the different departments do. For example, what does procurement work on? What does the after-sales department do? What tasks do those working in quality management have? And the next time you arrive at a new company, you can get acquainted with the new operation as well. This gives you a better understanding of the different departments and makes it easier to find your niche and discover what you find interesting and enjoyable!
While it’s essential to be yourself, there are several important considerations to keep in mind during an assignment. Here are 11 key points to remember as a consultant on the job.
1. Personal Qualities/Behaviors
It’s beneficial to be self-driven, proactive, flexible, curious, a relationship builder, a problem solver, goal-oriented, eager to learn, attentive, and inquisitive.
2. The Willingness to Go the Extra Mile
One principle I’ve always embraced in my consulting assignments is to go “the extra mile.” But what does this mean, and how can you implement it?
When you’re settled in with your team and familiar with your environment, consider doing something extra, like organizing a breakfast or a coffee break. Or why not hold a seminar or a lecture on a specific area where you feel the team could benefit from more expertise?
However, going the extra mile doesn’t always have to involve organizing a breakfast or seminar. It could also mean taking on additional responsibilities that fall outside your original scope. This might include tackling tasks that others in the team haven’t had time for or addressing observed inefficiencies.
You might be thinking, “Why should I take on extra tasks? I’m not getting paid for that.” While you might not receive immediate payment for these extra efforts, you gain valuable learning experiences and the opportunity to interact with new people. Additionally, there’s significant potential for the client to want to work with you again in the future.
3. Leverage the Expertise Within Your Consulting Firm
If you encounter a challenging issue at work or come across a software you’re unfamiliar with, seek help from your colleagues within the consulting firm. There’s likely someone who can assist you with your challenge.
Additionally, I want to highlight the importance of being a mentor, coach, or sounding board for others within the consulting firm. It’s a rewarding experience for both parties involved.
4. Be Eager to Learn and Stay Updated
As a consultant, it’s important to stay current with the latest technology and software, and to be one step ahead of the client.
5. Keep a Journal – In Case the Project Leader is Absent
If you’re on assignment and notice that the client is not sufficiently present, it’s a good idea to keep a journal on a weekly or monthly basis and send it to the client. Document what you’ve done, observed, learned, and contributed, among other things. With many people working remotely today, updating the client on your activities can be very helpful.
6. Promote Yourself and Your Consulting Firm
Another important aspect to keep in mind is that you represent not only yourself but also your consulting firm. For example, if you and your consulting company organize a breakfast in the break room, employees from other departments might notice and think, “How exciting that this company is hosting something. Who are they?” This way, you are also promoting your consulting firm.
7. Ask for Feedback Regularly
Continuously seek feedback and provide it to the client as needed.
8. Own Your Professional Development
As a consultant, you are responsible for your own professional growth. Take initiative to learn and stay updated on new technologies and software. Consider enrolling in an evening course or an online course to enhance your skills.
9. Plan for the future
As a consultant, it’s important to plan ahead for the next three to five months in terms of your assignments. Where do you want to be in five months? It’s easy to become focused on your current assignment, but always keep looking forward and strive for new goals. Consider what you want your next assignment to be like.
10. Evaluate After Each Assignment
Assess your performance after each assignment. What did you do well? What could you have done better? What lessons can you carry forward to your next assignment?
11. Keep Up with Industry Trends
Pay close attention to the client’s challenges. You might have ideas on how to assist them. By listening closely and staying attuned to the latest developments you can uncover new business opportunities.
As a consultant, you’re on-site and interacting with the client daily. Since you have the best understanding of the situation, consider helping the consulting manager with insights and information you gather.
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Guest blogger: Lezan Rashid, consulting manager at Alten
Guest blogger: Lezan Rashid, consulting manager at Alten
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