7 Key Lessons for Those Starting Out in Consulting

I just had a lovely mentor session with someone early in their consulting career as part of the The 93% Club. When you are starting out in consulting it can be daunting to talk to your peers and co-workers about things you don't know yet, which is why it's great to build a network of support outside of your organisation too!

I really recommend graduate/ early careers in consulting, you work hard, you learn fast and build up a great network of friends for life! There's a lot to learn and a lot of smart people to learn from.

Juggling many factors at the same time can feel overwhelming though. You've got to handle a lot, from building relationships with clients and colleagues to managing projects and delivering in a fast-paced environment.

Here are some practical lessons for anyone beginning their consulting journey, which I have learnt on my journey ....the hard way and some I'm still learning!

1. Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Get You Down

Feeling like you don’t belong or that you’re not “qualified enough” is super common, especially when you're just starting out. The key is to focus on what you’re good at and ask questions—lots of them. No question is too small or “stupid”—sometimes asking the obvious can open up new ideas and reveal insights others may have missed.

Takeaway: Confidence is about being curious and always learning. You don’t have to know it all; you just need to know how to ask the right questions!

2. Relationships Matter—A Lot

Consulting is all about people. Whether it's clients or colleagues, building strong, genuine relationships is key. Being approachable and down-to-earth helps people open up and builds trust, which leads to better insights and more successful projects.

Takeaway: Be friendly and approachable with everyone—from the CEO to the office staff. You never know who might help you gather important insights or open doors for new opportunities.

3. Shift from Doing to Leading

As you grow in your consulting career, you’ll move from doing tasks yourself to managing teams and projects. This can be a tough transition if you’re used to being hands-on. The key is to shift into a coaching mindset—guide your team with questions and support, rather than taking over and doing everything yourself, otherwise you will just become overwhelmed

Takeaway: Trust your team and lead them by asking the right questions. This helps them grow and gives you the space to focus on the bigger picture.

4. Expand Your Horizons

Early in your career is the perfect time to explore new places and opportunities. Taking on projects in different locations, or even internationally, can be a game-changer. Experiencing new cultures and industries can help you grow both personally and professionally, broadening your skills and expanding your network.

Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to move! Whether it’s relocating to a new city or taking on a project in another country, these experiences will enrich your career and set you apart from others who are too afraid to step out of their comfort zone!

5. Be Adaptable

Consulting is unpredictable—no two projects are the same, and you’re often thrown into unfamiliar situations. Adaptability is key. Being open to learning on the fly and taking on new challenges with confidence will help you thrive in this dynamic environment.

Takeaway: Embrace the unknown! Being adaptable and willing to learn will set you apart as a consultant who can handle anything that comes their way.

6. Network Within Your Company

It’s easy to get stuck in one department or one type of work, especially at large consulting firms. To avoid being pigeonholed, make an effort to network within your company. Building internal connections can open up opportunities to explore different areas of consulting or work with new teams.

Takeaway: Don’t just focus on external clients—get to know people in different departments and teams within your firm. This will give you more flexibility and help shape your career path.

7. Trust Your Gut and Take Action

In consulting, there’s often no perfect solution to a problem, and that’s okay. Trusting your instincts is important. You don’t always need all the answers right away. It’s more about making a decision, learning from it, and adjusting as needed.

Takeaway: Follow your instincts and don’t overthink things. If something doesn’t work out, you can always adjust course and learn from the experience.

In summary....

Starting a consulting career can feel like a whirlwind, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can thrive. Focus on building relationships, stay curious, and be open to new experiences. Trust your instincts, empower your team, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Consulting is a journey of growth and learning, so embrace the adventure and always keep asking questions!

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