The era of liberalisation and privatisation has diversified the role of management that is not only responsible for the growth of the organisation but has to take care of other aspects too like employees, position and image of the company, competitors etc. Though there are specialised departments dealing with different facets of managing a business, yet the role of management is most important. Realising this, firms are nowadays employing the services of business consultants or firms that offer advice to the management on a host of issues.

Organizations take into service management consultants for different purposes like assistance for organizational change or improvement, training of staff, implementation of new technology etc. Business advisors are also employed who are instrumental in providing the necessary advice needed for expansion in business, augmenting the performance of the company and for developing strategies required to survive in the cut throat competition.

The field of consulting is multi-dimensional and quite challenging. A consultant can either specialise in type of consulting like IT consulting, HR consulting, management and strategic consulting, sales, sourcing consulting etc. or focus on a particular field such as IT, retail, automotive. The need for business consultants is also being felt in non-business related fields like education, health care, NGOs etc. to name a few. The demand for management consultants in government as well as voluntary organisations has also increased significantly in recent times.

The scope in the field of consulting is immense and the prospects lucrative. As the field is growing fast, a professional can join as a  business analyst jobs in a firm or become a part of a big organisation that has its own internal consulting department. One can even start his own consulting form if he has the right insight and is aware of the current trends and practices in the field. Working part time for firms is also a good option. The remuneration is also quite decent for management consultants and for independent consultants even more attractive.

To become a business consultant no specialised degree or training is required, yet MBAs are preferred as they have knowledge and exposure of the business world. For those who want to get into the profession right out of college can take guidance from good career counsellors before diving into the field. Besides that the individual must be aware of the best business practices & trends; have a good communication network and the zest to think out of the box to become a good business advisor. The corporate field is very wide and the competition tough, but one who can survive will sure emerge a winner.