You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• business studies
• finance
• maths
• science
• management

A postgraduate qualification, like a master's in business administration (MBA), may also be helpful.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You could apply for a place on a Junior Management Consultant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, and work your way up as your experience grows.

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You can apply directly to become a management consultant or set up your own business, if you've got relevant work experience in:

• business management or finance
• human resources
• project management
• IT

You may be able to join a graduate training scheme straight from university. Competition for places is strong, so it may help if you have:

• a good degree pass in a subject like business studies or business management
• evidence of analytical, planning and communication skills
• relevant work experience from placements, internships or temporary jobs

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• business management skills
• analytical thinking skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to work well with others
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

As a management consultant, you could:

• speak to staff, managers and customers to understand issues
• collect and analyse data to pinpoint areas for improvement
• create computer models to test possible business solutions
• prepare reports and present recommendations to the client
• support businesses as they put plans into action

You'll travel often and may spend nights away from home.

You could work in an office or at a client's business.