[Date: 6 February 2025]
Break into Consulting - Case Cracking Workshop
Consulting is a dynamic and fast-growing career path that offers opportunities for problem-solving, strategic thinking, and leadership development. For early career researchers, transitioning into consulting can be an exciting yet challenging process that requires an understanding of industry expectations and the skills needed to thrive in the field.
To provide insights into this career pathway, CCR organised a consulting career guidance workshop, by Gaurav Bhosle, Career Coach & Founder of Being Consultant, who shared his knowledge on career strategies, consulting skills, and the evolving landscape of healthcare and life sciences consulting.
The workshop highlighted the different types of consulting firms, the roles available for PhDs and postdocs, and how candidates can leverage their analytical skills and subject matter expertise to break into the industry. The discussion also covered independent consulting, networking strategies, and the importance of branding for career growth.
Key takeaways:
- Consulting offers diverse career tracks.
- Researchers can leverage their expertise.
- Networking is essential.
- Opportunities exist beyond traditional consulting firms.
- Adapting to the consulting environment is key.
Key skills for consulting include:
- Problem-solving: Consulting is about tackling complex challenges using structured thinking and first-principles reasoning.
- Communication: Effective storytelling, top-down communication, and logical persuasion are critical to influencing clients.
- Analytical mindset: Experience with data interpretation, research, and analysis is highly valued in consulting roles.
- Entrepreneurial thinking: Consultants must be proactive, take initiative, and drive solutions forward in a fast-paced environment.
The session provided participants with practical guidance on making a successful transition into consulting, equipping them with the knowledge to explore opportunities, enhance their skill sets, and position themselves effectively for consulting careers.