As a consultant, one has to concentrate on various areas of practices as well as different industries. Though at a macro level, consultants have different kinds of responsibilities. For example, supply chain consultants inform a client regarding the lead time in the production facility. Other consultants help in developing the training procedure for the software package. However if seen in a broader way, skill sets of consultants are very similar.
Following are the skill sets for consultants:
Able to work in teams:
Consultants do not perform single-handedly. They have to work with other consultants, and also with employees of the client company. Sometimes, they also work with consultants of other companies. Most often consultants have to make a presentation at meetings and conduct interviews for potential information sources. Hence, you should be able to work well in teams, if you want to be in the consulting field.
Able to multitask well:
In the consulting field, one has deal with multiple assignments at a time. Consulting assignments are hectic. Consultants need to have excellent organizational skills along with sense prioritization.
Able to communicate effectively:
If you love to speak and consider yourself as an extrovert then you will find it easy to work in the consulting field. If you really enjoy meetings, discussion with experts, and can explain your perspective then you have some valuable consulting skill set.
Other skills:
If you love going to school then you will enjoy your consulting career. Also as a consultant, you should be good at maths. You should know how to use programs like Access, Excel and PowerPoint. Consultants must work in order to accomplish the expectations of clients. You should be ready to work for 70 to 80 hours per week. And lastly you should enjoy traveling, as consultants need to travel frequently.