Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
Significant Points
Nature of the Industry
About this section
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Industry segment | Employment | Establishments |
|---|---|---|
Total |
100.0 |
100.0 |
Administrative management and general management consulting |
36.9 |
39.7 |
Marketing consulting |
15.1 |
15.5 |
Other scientific and technical consulting |
14.4 |
18.8 |
Other management consulting |
9.2 |
9.4 |
Process, physical distribution, and logistics consulting |
9.1 |
6.0 |
Human resources and executive search consulting |
7.7 |
5.3 |
Environmental consulting |
7.6 |
5.3 |
| SOURCE: BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2008. | ||
The vast majority of establishments in the industry were fairly small, employing fewer than five workers. Self-employed individuals operated many of these small firms. Despite the prevalence of small firms and self-employed workers, large firms tend to dominate the industry. Approximately 41 percent of jobs are found in establishments with 50 or more employees, and some of the largest firms in the industry employ several thousand people.
Many individuals move into consulting after gaining experience in their field by working in an industry in that field. As a result, the average age in the consulting industry is higher than in all industries. Table 2 shows that the consulting industry has higher proportions of older workers and lower proportions of younger workers than are present across all industries.
Age group | Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | All industries |
|---|---|---|
Total |
100.0% |
100.0% |
0.3 |
3.8 |
|
5.5 |
9.4 |
|
20.9 |
21.6 |
|
23.5 |
23.0 |
|
23.4 |
23.8 |
|
20.0 |
14.3 |
|
65 and older |
6.6 |
4.1 |
| SOURCE: BLS Current Population Survey, 2008. | ||
Although employees in this industry work in all parts of the country, many workers are concentrated near large urban centers.
Most management, scientific, and technical consulting services are fairly specialized; still, the industry comprises a variety of occupations (table 3). Some, such as environmental engineers, are specific to only one segment of the industry, whereas others, such as secretaries and administrative assistants, can be found throughout the industry.
Compared with other industries, the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry has a relatively high proportion of highly educated workers. About 73 percent have a bachelor's degree, compared with 32 percent of workers throughout the economy. Around 32 percent have a master's or higher degree, compared with 11 percent of workers throughout the economy. Certain jobs may have stringent entry requirements. For example, some management consulting firms prefer to hire only workers who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA). Other positions can be attained only after many years of related experience.
In management, scientific, and technical consulting services, 62 percent of employment consists of workers in management, business, and financial operations occupations and in professional and related occupations. These same occupational groups account for about 31 percent of workers across the entire economy. These groups of workers comprise a disproportionate share of jobs in the industry because workers with education and experience in business management and workers with scientific, engineering, and other technical backgrounds conduct most of the consulting work in this industry.
Management, business, and financial operations occupations. Top executives, the largest managerial occupation in the industry, includes both the highest level managers—such as chief executive officers and vice presidents—and many top managers with diverse duties. In consulting firms, top executives with partial ownership and profit-sharing privileges might be referred to as partners. Top-level managers or partners shape company policy, often with the help of other executives or a board of directors. They oversee all activities of the firm, coordinate the duties of subordinate executives and managers, and often bear ultimate responsibility for a firm's performance. Mid-level managers or partners may oversee all the activities of one department or all the activities of one or more clients.
Management analysts, also called management consultants, make up the largest occupation in the management consulting industry. Their work is quite varied, depending on the nature of the project and the client's needs. In general, management consultants study and analyze business-related problems, synthesizing information from many sources, and recommend solutions. The solutions can include overhauling a client's computer systems, offering early retirement incentives to middle managers, recommending a switch in health plans, improving just-in-time inventory systems, hiring public relations firms, or selling troublesome parts of businesses. Because of the varied nature of these jobs, firms hire workers with diverse backgrounds, such as backgrounds in engineering, finance, actuarial science, chemistry, or business. Many firms require consultants to have an MBA, whereas others hire workers who have no more than a bachelor's degree. Many workers have experience in other industries prior to entering management consulting work.
Other management and business and financial operations occupations include administrative services managers, who typically administer a consulting firm's support services. These managers oversee secretaries, data entry keyers, bookkeepers, and other clerical staff. In the management consulting services industry, they also often supervise a client's clerical and support staff and do consulting work in that area. Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers oversee the consulting firm's marketing and sales departments, researching and targeting new clients and also helping out with consulting projects having to do with marketing. Computer and information systems managers ensure that the consulting firm's computer and network systems are fully operational and oversee other computer and technical workers, such as computer support specialists. These managers also might also supervise certain consulting projects involving computer and information technology. Financial managers prepare financial statements and assess the financial health of firms. Often, they must have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists supervise the activities of a consulting firm's human resources department, managing personnel records, payroll, benefits, and employee recruitment and training. These managers also might also supervise projects for clients in the human resources consulting industry. In scientific and technical consulting firms, engineering and natural sciences managers oversee the engineers and scientists working for their consulting firms. Accountants and auditors monitor firms' financial transactions and often report to financial managers. More recently, accountants and auditors have been involved in consulting projects having to do with the preparation of financial statements, tax strategy, budget or retirement planning, and the implementation of accounting software.
Professional and related occupations. Workers in professional and related occupations are employed mainly in the scientific and technical consulting portion of the industry. Many of these workers are engineers and scientists who use their expertise in consulting. For example, environmental engineers and environmental scientists and geoscientists are employed by environmental consulting firms to evaluate environmental damage or assess compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Other engineers, such as agricultural, biomedical, chemical, mining and geological, nuclear, and petroleum engineers; and physical and life scientists, such as agricultural and food scientists, biological scientists, chemists, materials scientists, and physicists and astronomers, are employed by consulting firms specializing in their scientific disciplines. Architects and civil and industrial engineers are sometimes employed by safety and security consulting firms to assess the construction of structures such as buildings and bridges and to make recommendations regarding reinforcing these structures against damage.
The rapid spread of computers and information technology has generated a need for highly trained computer specialists to design and develop new hardware and software systems and to incorporate new technologies. Systems analysts design new computer systems or redesign old systems for new applications. They solve computer problems and enable computer technology to meet their organization's particular needs. For example, a systems analyst from a management consulting firm might be hired by a wholesale firm to implement an online inventory database. Computer software engineers, by contrast, can be involved in the design and development of software systems for the control and automation of manufacturing, business, and management processes. Other computer specialists include computer support specialists, who provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and users, and database administrators, who work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. Computer specialists such as systems analysts, computer scientists, and computer engineers sometimes are referred to simply as "consultants."
Technical workers also include computer programmers, who write programs and create software, often in close conjunction with systems analysts. Like systems analysts, computer programmers are found primarily in the business and management consulting segments of the industry.
Designers in this industry are mostly graphic designers who utilize a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create designs that meet clients' commercial needs. Using computer software, these workers develop the overall layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also may produce promotional displays and marketing brochures for products and services and may design distinctive company logos for products and businesses. An increasing number of graphic designers develop material to appear on Internet homepages.
Other professional and related workers include economists, market and survey researchers, lawyers, and engineering technicians. Economists are employed by economic consulting firms to conduct economic research and advise clients on economic trends. Market and survey researchers are employed mainly by marketing consulting firms to conduct surveys and research on various topics. Lawyers are employed in virtually all management, scientific, and technical consulting industries to represent their consulting firms in case of a lawsuit and to advise the firms, as well as clients, on changes in laws and regulations pertaining to their areas of expertise. Engineering technicians aid engineers in research and development. Like engineers, these workers are found primarily in the business and management consulting segments of the industry.
Office and administrative support occupations. Office and administrative support positions in management, scientific, and technical consulting services resemble those in other industries, and account for 26 percent of industry employment. Particularly numerous are secretaries and administrative assistants, as well as bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, who record and classify financial data. The industry also employs many supervisors and managers of office and administrative support workers, who oversee the support staff, often reporting to administrative services managers.
Other occupations. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services firms do not produce any goods. As a result, they employ relatively few services, sales, and production workers, who, together with the remaining occupational groups, make up only about 14 percent of industry employment.
Occupation |
Employment, 2008 |
Percent Change, |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Number |
Percent |
||
All Occupations |
1008.9 |
100.0 |
82.8 |
Management, business, and financial occupations |
361.5 |
35.8 |
84.7 |
General and operations managers |
31.6 |
3.1 |
65.6 |
Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists |
17.2 |
1.7 |
46.9 |
Management analysts |
146.8 |
14.6 |
85.5 |
Accountants and auditors |
21.3 |
2.1 |
92.6 |
Professional and related occupations |
264.0 |
26.2 |
86.8 |
Computer software engineers |
23.1 |
2.3 |
102.4 |
Computer systems analysts |
15.8 |
1.6 |
85.5 |
Engineers |
34.7 |
3.4 |
91.0 |
Environmental scientists and geoscientists |
25.1 |
2.5 |
78.4 |
Market research analysts |
23.2 |
2.3 |
84.0 |
Sales and related occupations |
70.0 |
6.9 |
76.9 |
Office and administrative support occupations |
242.7 |
24.1 |
77.6 |
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks |
21.6 |
2.1 |
85.5 |
Customer service representatives |
28.0 |
2.8 |
104.0 |
Secretaries and administrative assistants |
68.5 |
6.8 |
77.5 |
Office clerks, general |
41.5 |
4.1 |
65.6 |
| NOTE: Columns may not add to totals due to omission of occupations with small employment. SOURCE: BLS National Employment Matrix, 2008-18. |
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Training and advancement opportunities vary widely within management, scientific, and technical consulting services firms, but most jobs in the industry are similar in three respects. First, clients usually hire consulting firms on the basis of the expertise of their staffs, so proper training of employees is vital to the success of the firms. Second, although employers generally prefer a bachelor's or higher degree, most jobs also require extensive on-the-job training or related experience. Third, advancement opportunities are best for workers with the highest levels of education.
Most consulting specialties provide a variety of different ways to enter the profession. Whereas very few universities or colleges offer formal programs of study in management consulting, many fields provide a suitable background. These fields include most areas of business and management, such as marketing and accounting, as well as economics, computer and information sciences, and engineering. Also, many business schools have consulting clubs that offer exposure to consulting firms or opportunities to provide consulting services to businesses. Some schools offer programs in logistics and safety that relate directly to consulting jobs in those areas. Some college graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree and no previous work experience are hired right out of school by consulting firms and go through extensive on-the-job training. The method and extent of training can vary with the type of consulting involved and the nature of the firm. Some college students might have an advantage over other candidates if they complete an internship with a consulting firm during their studies. Other workers with related experience are hired as consultants later in their careers. For example, former military or law enforcement workers often work for security consulting firms. Similarly, some government workers with experience in enforcing regulations might join an environmental or safety consulting firm. Consultants in scientific fields often have a master's or doctoral degree, and some previously have taught at colleges and universities.
Most consulting firms require their employees to possess a variety of skills in addition to technical skills or industry knowledge. To a large extent, a college degree is only one desired qualification; workers also must possess proven analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent written and verbal communications skills, experience in a particular specialty, assertiveness and motivation, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to work long hours if necessary. Many consultants undergo training to learn these and related skills, such as project management and building relationships with clients. Consultants also must possess high ethical standards, because most consulting firms and clients will contact references and former clients to make sure that the quality of their work was of the highest standard.
Management and leadership classes and seminars are available throughout the United States. Some classes and seminars are hosted by volunteer senior executives and management experts representing a variety of businesses and industries. A number of large firms invest a great deal of time and money in training programs, educating new hires in formal classroom settings over several weeks or months, and some even have separate training facilities. Small firms often combine formal and on-the-job training.
The Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. (IMC USA), offers a wide range of professional development programs and resources, such as meetings, workshops, interest groups, and national conferences that can be helpful for management consultants. The IMC USA also offers the certified management consultant (CMC) designation to those who meet education and experience requirements, as well as pass an interview and oral and written examinations. Management consultants with a CMC designation must be recertified every 3 years.
Other areas of specialization, such as logistics and safety, also offer certification programs for professionals, but these programs are not necessarily designed for consultants. Still, consultants might find it beneficial to receive designations from such programs as well. Although certification is not mandatory for management consultants, it may give a jobseeker a competitive advantage.
Without consulting experience, it can be difficult to sustain a business as an independent management consultant firm. As a result, most entry-level positions are in relatively large firms and often involve very little responsibility at the beginning. Striving for and displaying quality work results in more responsibility. Most management consulting firms have two entry-level positions: workers who hold bachelor's degrees usually start as research associates; those with graduate degrees generally begin as consultants. Successful workers progress through the ranks from research associate to consultant, management consultant, senior consultant, junior partner, and, after many years, senior partner. In some firms, however, it is very difficult for research associates to progress to the next level without further education or certification. As a result, many management consulting firms offer tuition assistance, grants, or reimbursement plans so that workers can attain an MBA or some other degree.
Almost all workers in management consulting services receive on-the-job training; some have prior work experience in a related field. Most managerial and supervisory workers gain experience informally, overseeing a few workers or part of a project under the close supervision of a senior manager. Workers who advance to high-level managerial or supervisory jobs in management services firms usually have an extensive educational background. Less commonly, some large firms offer formal management training.
The management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry offers excellent opportunities for self-employment. Because capital requirements are low, highly experienced workers can start their own businesses fairly easily and cheaply; indeed, every year, thousands of workers in this industry go into business for themselves. Some of these workers come from established management, scientific, and technical consulting services firms, whereas others leave industry, government, or academic jobs to start their own businesses. Still others remain employed in their primary organizations, but have their own consulting jobs on the side.
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services is projected to be the fastest growing industry over the next decade. However, because of the number of people looking to work in this industry, competition for jobs is expected to remain keen.
Employment change. Wage and salary employment in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry is expected to grow by 83 percent between 2008 and 2018. All areas of consulting should experience strong growth.
Projected job growth can be attributed primarily to economic growth and to the continuing complexity of business. A growing number of businesses means increased demand for advice in all areas of business planning. Firms will look to management consultants to draft business plans and budgets, develop strategy, and determine appropriate salaries and benefits for employees. The expansion of franchised restaurants and retail stores will spur demand for marketing consultants to determine the best locations and develop marketing plans. The expansion of business also will create opportunities for logistics consulting firms in order to link new suppliers with producers and to get the finished goods to consumers. Finally, businesses will continue to need advice on compliance with government workplace safety and environmental laws. Clients need consultants to keep them up to date on the latest changes in legislation affecting their businesses, including changes to tax laws, to environmental regulations, and to policies affecting employee benefits and healthcare and workplace safety. As a result, firms specializing in human resources, environmental, and safety consulting should be in strong demand.
The increasing use of new technology and computer software is another major factor contributing to growth in all areas of consulting. Management consulting firms help clients implement new accounting and payroll software, whereas environmental and safety consulting firms advise clients on the use of computer technology in monitoring harmful substances in the environment or workplace. Consulting firms also might help design new computer systems or online distribution systems. One of the biggest areas upon which technology has had an impact is logistics consulting. The Internet has greatly increased the ability of businesses to link to and communicate with their suppliers and customers, increasing productivity and decreasing costs. Technology-related consulting projects have become so important that many traditional consulting firms are now merging with or setting up joint ventures with technology companies so that each firm has access to the other's resources in order to serve clients better.
The trend toward outsourcing and mergers also will create opportunities for consulting firms. In order to cut costs, many firms are outsourcing administrative and human resources functions to consultants specializing in these services. This business strategy should provide opportunities in human resources consulting for firms that manage their clients' payroll systems and benefits programs. At the same time, increasing competition has led to more business mergers, providing opportunities for consulting firms to assist in the process. Also, as increasing numbers of older business owners retire, consultants will be used to assist in the liquidation, acquisition, or restructuring of those businesses.
Globalization, too, will continue to provide numerous opportunities for consulting firms wishing to expand their services, or help their clients expand, into foreign markets. Consulting firms can advise clients on strategy, as well as foreign laws, regarding taxes, employment, worker safety, and the environment. The growth of international businesses will create numerous opportunities for logistics consulting firms as businesses seek to improve coordination in the expanding network of suppliers and consumers.
An increasing emphasis on protecting a firm's employees, facilities, and information against deliberate acts of sabotage will continue to create numerous opportunities for security consultants. These consultants provide assistance on every aspect of security, from protecting against computer viruses to reinforcing buildings against bomb blasts. Logistics consulting firms are finding opportunities helping clients secure their supply chain against interruptions that might arise from terrorist acts, such as the disruption of shipping or railroad facilities. Growing security concerns, rising insurance costs, and the increasing threat of lawsuits provide added incentives for businesses to protect the welfare of their employees.
Growth in management, scientific, and technical consulting services might be hampered by increasing competition from nontraditional consulting firms, such as investment banks, accounting firms, technology firms, and law firms. As consulting firms continue to expand their services, they will be forced to compete with a more diverse group of firms that provide similar services.
Economic downturns also can have an adverse effect on employment growth in consulting. As businesses are forced to cut costs, consultants may be among the first expenses that businesses eliminate. Furthermore, growth in some consulting specialties, such as executive search consulting, is directly tied to the health of the industries in which they operate. However, some consulting firms might experience growth during recessions: as firms look to cut costs and remain competitive, they might seek the advice of consultants on the best way to do so.
Job prospects. Despite the projected growth in the industry, there will be keen competition for jobs because the prestigious and independent nature of the work and the generous salary and benefits generally attract more jobseekers than openings every year. Individuals with the most education and job experience will likely have the best job prospects.
Industry earnings. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services is one of the highest paying industries. Nonsupervisory wage and salary workers in the industry averaged $913 a week in 2008, compared with $608 for workers throughout private industry. Median hourly wages in the largest occupations in management, scientific, and technical consulting appear in table 4.
Occupation | Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | All industries |
|---|---|---|
General and operations managers |
$62.69 |
$44.02 |
Management analysts |
39.26 |
35.37 |
Business operations specialists, all other |
27.99 |
28.81 |
Sales representatives, services, all other |
27.05 |
23.77 |
Market research analysts |
26.72 |
29.36 |
Executive secretaries and administrative assistants |
21.10 |
19.24 |
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks |
16.61 |
15.63 |
Customer service representatives |
14.75 |
14.36 |
Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive |
14.50 |
13.96 |
Office clerks, general |
11.64 |
12.17 |
| SOURCE: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2008. | ||
The data in the table do not reflect earnings for self-employed workers, which often are high.
Benefits and union membership. Besides earning a straight salary, many workers receive additional compensation, such as profit sharing, stock ownership, or performance-based bonuses. In some firms, bonuses can constitute one-third or more of annual pay.
Only about 1 percent of workers in management, scientific, and technical consulting services belong to unions or are covered by union contracts, compared with 14 percent of workers in all industries combined.
For more information about career opportunities in general management consulting, contact:
For more information about career opportunities in executive search consulting, contact:
For more information about career opportunities in safety consulting, contact:
For more information about the Certified Management Consultant designation, contact:
For more information about the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation, contact:
In addition, information on the following occupations found in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry appears in the 2010–11 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook:
NAICS 5416
Last Modified Date: December 17, 2009
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