When people hear the word “consulting,” they often think of Harvard MBAs advising enterprise businesses on corporate strategy.
They think that being a consultant means obtaining difficult degrees and certifications from prestigious universities in order to land a competitive job at a top consulting firm.
They envision a fancy office with thousands of impeccably dressed staff members, each with a packed suitcase ready for yet another international flight.
But in reality, this isn’t an accurate picture of consulting.
The true picture of modern consulting is a lot closer to home, and you probably know someone right now making great money as a consultant. 36% of the US workforce is currently engaged in some form of independent consulting and contract work, and out of this group, nearly 20% of those working full-time are earning north of six figures.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the definition of consulting, explore its true meaning, evaluate why people hire consultants, and show you how to get into the field of consulting.
