The most popular career paths after consulting
Consultants often leave due to "up or out" models, lifestyle, and desire to own impact; find out what career paths are the most well-trodden.
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Leaving consulting for other industries is more common than staying. Many consultants move on after a few years, whether for career progression, better work-life balance, or the opportunity to take on ownership roles. If you're wondering about jobs after consulting, here’s what you need to know.
Looking for expert coaching to support your career transition? Visit OnUpBeyond for tailored career advice and coaching resources.
Why Do Consultants Leave?
From our discussions with Movemeon users and insights from our jobs board, these are the key reasons consultants transition to new roles:
- Up or out model: The traditional consulting pyramid structure pushes many professionals to leave after a few years.
- Career stepping stone: Many enter consulting with the intention of leaving once they’ve gained skills and built a network.
- Work-life balance: Long hours and frequent travel can make consulting unsustainable in the long run.
- Transferable skills: Consultants develop highly sought-after skills that are valuable across industries, from startups to private equity.
- Desire to execute: Many consultants want to move beyond advising and start executing strategies themselves.
Related Reading
- Post-Consulting Opportunities: What Pays Best?
- How to write a consulting resume - tips from an ex-consultant
Best Jobs After Consulting
Based on over 20,000 applications on Movemeon, here are the top industries for ex-consultants:
1. Corporate & Enterprise
Large companies actively recruit former consultants, often placing them in higher-level roles than their non-consulting peers. The most common functions include:
- Strategy & Transformation (Internal Strategy, Corporate Development)
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Growth and Business Development
- Corporate Finance
- Technology & Digital Transformation
Why consultants are a good fit:
- Experience in market research, competitor analysis, and operational improvements translates well into strategy roles.
- Consultants are skilled at navigating cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives.
- These roles offer a better work-life balance while still leveraging a consulting background.
Find out more about how to thrive in the corporate environment in our interviews with leaders.
2. Startups & Growth Companies
Startups offer a fast-paced, dynamic environment for consultants looking to apply problem-solving skills in a hands-on way. Ex-consultants often join startups as:
- Founders or Co-Founders
- COOs or Strategy Leads
- Chief of Staff
- Product or Growth Managers
Why consultants are a good fit:
- Consultants thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments with shifting priorities.
- Experience in scaling operations, business development, and fundraising is highly valuable.
- Ability to identify growth opportunities and operational efficiencies makes them strong startup leaders.
- Exposure to digital transformation projects provides a foundation for tech-driven environments.
Find out what it's like to be a Chief of Staff in our interview with Penfold CoS, Aidan Curran.
3. Freelance & Boutique Consulting
For those who enjoy consulting but want more flexibility, freelancing or starting a boutique firm can be a great path. Benefits include:
- Autonomy over projects
- Higher earning potential per engagement
- Ability to specialise in a niche industry
Why consultants are a good fit:
- Broad expertise across industries makes consultants versatile for short-term strategic projects.
- Companies seek independent consultants for executive-level advisory and transformation work.
- Freelancing provides a flexible career path with strong earning potential.
4. Private Equity & Venture Capital
Many ex-consultants transition into private equity (PE) or venture capital (VC) due to their strong financial and strategic skills. Typical roles include:
- Investment Associate or Principal
- Portfolio Operations Manager
- Strategy or Due Diligence Lead
Why consultants are a good fit:
- Consultants excel at financial modeling, due diligence, and market analysis, all essential in investment decisions.
- Strong experience working with C-suite executives makes them well-suited for portfolio company strategy.
- Ability to structure ambiguous problems and make data-driven recommendations aligns with PE/VC deal-making.
Common Challenges When Leaving Consulting
1. Adapting to Corporate Hierarchies
Consultants used to flat structures may find corporate bureaucracy challenging. To navigate this, they should focus on building internal relationships, understanding decision-making processes, and adapting to longer project timelines. Seeking mentors within the organisation and leveraging their problem-solving skills to improve efficiency can also help ease the transition.
2. Adjusting to Execution-Oriented Roles
Unlike consulting, where advising is the focus, industry roles require direct ownership and execution. Former consultants can ease this transition by:
- Prioritising hands-on experience early
- Learning operational intricacies of their new industry
- Collaborating closely with teams to drive outcomes
3. Managing Work-Life Balance
Some industries, like startups and PE, can be as demanding as consulting, requiring careful career planning. Former consultants should set clear work boundaries and seek roles that align with their lifestyle goals.
FAQs
What functions within big corporates attract ex-consultants the most?
- Internal strategy, corporate development, operations, product management, and digital transformation teams commonly hire consultants.
- The choice depends on personal interests, industry trends, and networking.
What’s the biggest difference between consulting and startups?
- Consulting firms are structured and process-driven, while startups are dynamic and fast-moving.
- Consultants transitioning to startups should develop technical skills, embrace ambiguity, and be prepared for hands-on work.
How do I choose the right career path?
- What energises you? Do you prefer structured environments (corporate strategy) or high-risk, high-reward roles (startups/VC)?
- Do you want financial stability or flexibility? PE and corporate roles offer strong salaries, while freelancing provides greater independence.
- What industries excite you? Consider which sectors align with your interests and skill set.
Check out Movemeon member, Jonny's story of leaving consulting, joining a startup and going through IPO.
Find Your Next Role
Looking for your next step after consulting? Explore current opportunities on Movemeon.com.
Build Your Career with Movemeon:
- Solve a business challenge – Hire a Movemeon professional
- Advance your career – Coaching and courses for ex-consultants
- Join 40,000+ followers – Get insights on careers after consulting from our Co-Founder, Rich
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