Consultants analyze and propose ways to improve an organization’s structure, efficiency, or profits. Some consultants specialize in a specific industry while others specialize by type of business function, such as human resources or information technology. In government, consultants tend to specialize by type of agency. The work of consultants varies with each client or employer, and from project to project.

Employment of consultants is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2008, as industry and government increasingly rely on outside expertise to improve the performance of their organizations.

Consultants often work with minimal supervision, so they should be self-motivated and disciplined. They also should be able to get along with a wide variety of people and be willing to work in teams.

Analytical skills, strong oral and written communication skills, good judgment, time management skills, and creativity are required.

Employers generally seek consultants with a master’s degree in business administration or a related discipline and at least 5 years of experience in the field in which they plan to consult.

Much of a consultant’s time is spent indoors in clean, well-lit offices. Since they must spend a significant portion of their time with clients, consultants travel frequently. Consultants generally work at least 40 hours a week. Consultants may experience a great deal of stress as a result of trying to meet a client’s demands, often on a tight schedule.