What Is General Consulting? Job Responsibilities, Salary, and Career Paths Explained [With a List of Major Firms]

The challenges modern society faces are wide-ranging — realizing a sustainable society, promoting digitalization, and more. General consultants work in partnership with companies and organizations to tackle these challenges.

This article explains in detail the work content of general consulting, salary benchmarks, career paths, and specific points for succeeding in a career change. Please make use of it as a first step toward building a new career.

What Is General Consulting?

General consulting refers to consultants who respond to the diverse management challenges companies face — covering a wide range of domains including strategy planning, business improvement, IT implementation, and organizational reform. A characteristic is that they provide comprehensive support without specializing in a specific field.

What general consultants undertake is the role of providing consistent support for diverse challenges and supporting the sustained growth and transformation of clients. In addition to specialized knowledge, flexible thinking, high adaptability, and an attitude of tackling challenge resolution while always incorporating the latest information are required.

Since members with diverse expertise gather for projects, high communication ability and teamwork are necessary. For international projects, language ability and cross-cultural understanding are also required.

The Difference Between General Consulting and Strategy Consulting

General consulting and strategy consulting share the common ground of supporting corporate challenge resolution, but there are clear differences in approach and scope of work.

Strategy consulting works in close coordination with management, tackling challenges related to the core of the company — such as management strategy planning and new business conception — and supports decision-making in upstream processes. Projects tend to be composed of small teams and results are often sought within a short period.

General consulting, on the other hand, responds to diverse corporate challenges — from strategy planning to business improvement, IT implementation, and concrete organizational reform. It involves broad coordination from management through to front-line personnel and engages in supporting the execution of proposals.

For those who want to know more about these differences, please see the column below.

The Work Content of General Consultants

In general consulting work, members with specialized expertise for each project work together to tackle client challenge resolution.

General consulting firms have organizations divided into departments by specialized domain, with each department specializing in a specific field. This enables optimal specialists to be assigned according to project content, providing high-quality support.

Specific business domains and work content are introduced below.

Formulating Management Strategy

Formulating management strategy is an indispensable undertaking for companies to secure sustained growth and competitive advantage. General consultants clarify client company visions and goals and then construct concrete strategies for realizing them.

First, the company’s internal resources and external environment are evaluated. This includes financial status, market trends, and competitive analysis.

Next, long-term goals based on the company’s mission and vision are set and strategies for achieving them are formulated. In strategy planning, approaches to leverage the company’s strengths and overcome weaknesses — such as entry into new markets, development of new products, and improvement of business processes — are important.

In addition, to enhance the feasibility of strategies, specific action plans and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are set.

Management strategy requires regular review. To respond to changes in market environment and internal factors, securing the flexibility and adaptability of strategy is required.

Through these processes, general consultants provide support for companies to have a clear direction and realize sustained growth.

Improving Business Processes

Improving business processes is an indispensable strategic means for companies to maintain and strengthen competitiveness.

General consultants view the client’s entire business from a bird’s-eye perspective and propose improvement measures and support their execution with the goal of improving efficiency and productivity and reducing costs. Through general consultant support, companies can flexibly respond to changing market environments.

One approach to business improvement is BPR (Business Process Reengineering). This is a method of fundamentally reviewing existing business processes and carrying out radical reform.

In implementing BPR, the current business processes are analyzed in detail and challenges and inefficient parts are identified. Then, through IT tool introduction and organizational structure review, the purposes and goals of work are clarified and optimal processes are designed.

Supporting IT System Implementation

In accordance with client management strategies and business processes, general consultants provide consistent support from selection of optimal IT solutions through to implementation and establishment.

This is not merely technical work — it is an undertaking indispensable for improving company business efficiency and strengthening competitiveness, closely linked with management strategy. By leveraging general consultants’ specialized knowledge and experience, companies can flexibly respond to changing market environments and realize sustained growth.

The first action taken is a detailed analysis of current business flows and system configuration, and clarification of challenges and points for improvement. Based on this, an IT strategy aligned with management goals is formulated and specific system requirements are defined.

Next, from among multiple IT vendors and solutions, the product matching client needs is selected. At this point, general consultants conduct evaluation from a neutral standpoint and make proposals taking cost-effectiveness and post-implementation operability into account.

After selection, smooth system implementation is supported through formulating implementation plans and project management. Even after implementation, to permeate the new system throughout the entire organization, ongoing support is provided — such as operational establishment, user training, and operational support.

Organizational Structure of General Consulting Firms

The organizational structure of general consulting firms is typically a matrix-type organization composed of two axes: industry-based (industry) divisions and function-based (solution) divisions. This structure enables each consultant to leverage specialized knowledge of specific industries and functions to respond to the diverse needs of clients.

Industry-based divisions are composed of teams specializing in specific industries such as automotive, finance, telecommunications, and energy.

These divisions leverage knowledge of industry-specific operations and business practices to provide specialized advice to client managers. A strength is the ability to grasp industry-specific management challenges and provide advice with high feasibility, based on deep insights rooted in the industry.

Function-based divisions, on the other hand, have specialists in specific functions such as strategy, organization and human resources, and system implementation providing support tailored to client challenges. A strength is the ability to leverage advanced knowledge related to specific functions to provide advice that crosses industry boundaries.

This matrix-type organization combines industry-specific knowledge with functional domain expertise, enabling highly effective support for complex client challenges.

Latest Trends in the General Consulting Industry

In the general consulting industry, new initiatives are progressing to respond to rapid changes in society and technology. The following four areas in particular are attracting attention.

In particular, business application support for generative AI is a rapidly growing field. How to incorporate generative AI into client business processes and how to leverage it for new value creation have become important challenges.

As the introduction of generative AI advances the automation of conventionally labor-intensive tasks, a skill set that is well versed in both technology and business and can bridge them is strongly required of general consultants.

On the other hand, the introduction of generative AI also requires risk management and governance development, and general consultants provide support not only in technical assistance but also from ethical and legal perspectives. This enables client companies to safely leverage generative AI while strengthening competitiveness.

General Consultant Salaries and Career Paths

Career paths in general consulting are based on a clear hierarchical structure, with the skills required and scope of responsibilities expanding with each rank advancement. In addition, compensation structures are organized according to performance, enabling the combination of self-growth and high income.

Below, we explain an overview of each position, career path, and salary benchmarks.

Analyst

The starting point of a career in the consulting industry, primarily responsible for data collection and analysis and document creation. It is the stage of polishing consulting fundamentals with the aim of promotion to higher positions. Analytical ability for problem-solving, logical thinking ability, high communication ability, and progress management skills are required.

Salary benchmark: 5 to 7 million yen.

Consultant

Consultants take on more practical work, such as negotiations with clients and proposals for challenge resolution. Basically a position that analysts are promoted to, though mid-career hires with work experience may also be placed here. Specialized knowledge and execution ability are required in charge of specific areas of projects.

Salary benchmark: 7 to 9 million yen.

Senior Consultant

Takes on the core role of projects as team leader, leading team guidance and proposals to clients. In addition to advanced specialized knowledge and logical proposal ability, leadership and team-building ability are also required, and the ability to build trust relationships with clients is indispensable.

Salary benchmark: 9 to 12 million yen.

Manager

A position responsible for overall project management and relationship building with clients, also involved in project acquisition and new business development. Strategic thinking, team management ability, and judgment from a management perspective are required.

Salary benchmark: 12 to 17 million yen.

Partner

As management, leads firm-wide policy decision-making and revenue management while conducting new business development and overall strategy planning. Exceptional business acumen and leadership are required, and results leveraging personal networks and customer bases are expected. Responsible for talent development and organizational operations as well.

Salary benchmark: 20 million yen or more, with cases at major foreign-affiliated firms reaching 30 to 50 million yen.

A List of Representative General Consulting Firms

General consulting firms can primarily be classified into foreign-affiliated and Japanese.

Foreign-affiliated general consulting firms are strong at international projects and support for multinational companies, leveraging their global networks and abundant resources.

The four firms called “BIG4” belong to global audit firm groups and provide a wide range of consulting based on specialized knowledge in accounting, tax, and risk management.

Japanese general consulting firms, on the other hand, develop services centered on the domestic market, backed by deep understanding of Japanese corporate culture and business practices. Strengths include detailed responsiveness and flexible service provision with emphasis on long-term relationship building with clients.

In recent years, companies providing international services are also increasing — such as support for Japanese companies advancing overseas and support for entry into Asian markets.

Specific characteristics and service development at each general consulting firm are introduced below.

[Foreign-Affiliated] Deloitte Tohmatsu

As the Japanese entity of Deloitte, one of the “BIG4,” the current structure was launched in 1993. Services are provided broadly across strategy planning, M&A, human resources, risk management, and IT implementation support.

In recent years, the innovative approach utilizing “Deloitte Greenhouse” has attracted attention. Deloitte Greenhouse is an innovation creation facility where client companies and Deloitte experts team up in an extraordinary space and aim for breakthroughs through intensive discussion. Effects such as breaking through internal conflicts and stagnation and accelerating innovation can be expected.

Leveraging global networks, it is a firm that provides high-quality services to domestic and international clients. It also focuses on talent development, with abundant global training and specialized skill development opportunities prepared.

[Foreign-Affiliated] PwC Consulting

The Japanese entity of PwC, one of the “BIG4.” Comprehensive consulting services are provided for client management challenges, centered on three domains: strategy, management, and technology.

The “X-Value&Strategy” division provides consistent support from the upstream of management through to execution — including corporate transformation design, growth strategy planning, and new business development. Leveraging global networks, the ability to flexibly respond to diverse domestic and international industries is also a strength.

[Foreign-Affiliated] KPMG Consulting

A member firm of KPMG, counted among the “BIG4,” in Japan. Broad consulting services are provided across management strategy planning, organizational design, advancement of business processes, and IT utilization.

As an “orchestrator of offensive and defensive transformation,” it has strengths in management strategy planning combining industry foresight, digital technology, and data, and in building new business models.

In addition, since the Japanese entity has high independence, it has strong decision-making authority within Japan, and the ability to respond to the Japanese market and client needs quickly and flexibly is also a characteristic.

[Foreign-Affiliated] EY Strategy and Consulting

A member firm of Ernst & Young (EY), operating in over 150 countries, and one of the global firms listed among the “BIG4.”

It provides consistent support from strategy planning through to execution support, and under the “EY-Parthenon” brand has strengths in formulating actionable strategies for management challenges facing CEOs.

In addition, through collaboration with IBM, it has developed “Work Agent One” — a business automation solution leveraging generative AI — supporting DX promotion for clients.

[Foreign-Affiliated] IBM Japan

A technology company supporting corporate digital transformation with AI and hybrid cloud at its core. For example, it focuses on business automation utilizing the AI platform “IBM watsonx” and innovation creation through collaboration with customers at the co-creation facility “IBM Innovation Studio.”

It is also a characteristic that the company aims for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and actively engages in activities fulfilling social responsibility.

[Japanese] Nomura Research Institute (NRI)

Established in 1965 as Japan’s first private comprehensive think tank, it currently deploys a unique business model fusing consulting and IT solutions.

It consistently provides everything from management challenge identification and strategy planning through to system design, development, and operation. A strength is being able to provide one-stop support from conception through implementation and operation.

Under the long-term management vision “NRI Group Vision 2030,” it aims to build digital social infrastructure and realize a sustainable future society through the fusion of management and technology.

[Japanese] Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI)

A comprehensive think tank established in 1970 as the Mitsubishi centennial commemorative project. Characterized by an approach that consistently handles everything from research and proposals through to social implementation, it demonstrates expertise across a wide range of fields including healthcare, environment and energy, disaster prevention and safety, and information and communications.

In addition, through collaboration with group companies with IT as a strength, comprehensive services aimed at resolving social challenges are provided — such as DX and cloud utilization, and community building in the public sector.

[Japanese] NTT DATA Institute of Management Consulting

A consulting firm established in 1991. With “Social and Business Design Cycle” as its business concept, it tackles challenge resolution from both aspects of proposals regarding social policy and corporate business development support.

In addition, the construction of a collaborative structure that transcends the boundaries of industry and specialized fields is one of its strengths. It creates value for clients through collaborative project management between public and private sectors and challenge resolution from a consumer-centered perspective.

The Appeal and Fulfillment of General Consultants

By building a career as a general consultant and responding to diverse industries and challenges, various appeals and sources of fulfillment can be experienced — including acquisition of specialized knowledge, deepening of management perspective, and participation in large-scale projects. Specific aspects are detailed below.

Acquiring Broad Industry Knowledge

Since there are opportunities to engage with clients across a wide range of industries — including manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and the public sector — industry-specific challenges and business models can be grasped and deep knowledge of each industry can be gained.

Highly versatile knowledge not only improves consulting specialization but also forms the foundation for broadening the scope of future career options.

Acquiring a Management Perspective

Through the process of directly dialoguing with corporate management and being involved in important decision-making for strategy planning and organizational reform, a perspective that surveys management as a whole and the ability to grasp the essence of business are cultivated.

In addition, since the ability to approach complex challenges logically and strategically is required, it also connects to improvement of problem-solving ability, decision-making ability, and leadership.

Contributing to Large-Scale Projects

In a career as a general consultant, there are abundant opportunities to be involved in large-scale and influential projects — such as corporate transformation, launching new businesses, and supporting global expansion.

Being involved in important decision-making at critical junctures that determine the future of a company, there are not a few situations where professional responsibility is required. Within this, a great sense of achievement can be experienced when witnessing the moment one’s own proposals and measures actually produce results.

Collaborating with Diverse Talent

Various experts gather in project teams — engineers responsible for IT system implementation and development, analysts specializing in business process improvement, specialists well versed in human resource management, and others.

There are also many situations of coordinating with client company personnel and external vendor staff. In international projects, there may also be opportunities to collaborate with overseas members.

Collaboration with diverse talent cultivates flexible thinking and adaptability, improving comprehensive consulting skills.

Direct Involvement in Resolving Social Challenges

Beyond business efficiency improvement and cost reduction, there are abundant opportunities to be directly involved in resolving social challenges — such as new value creation utilizing digital technology and promotion of environmentally conscious business.

Examples include support for introducing renewable energy and projects aimed at realizing a circular economy.

It is easy to feel a sense of playing a part in social transformation, and there are many situations where one can feel pride in their work.

Points for Succeeding in a Career Change to General Consulting

The skills and aptitude required for a career change to general consulting are wide-ranging, and advance preparation is indispensable. Below, we explain specific points for succeeding in a career change.

After acquiring necessary skills and knowledge and clarifying your own strengths and orientations, realize the ideal career path.

Think About What Kind of Consultant You Want to Become

Before starting career change activities, the consultant image you are aiming for must be clarified. In general consulting, there are diverse career paths — such as consultants with strengths in IT strategy and DX promotion, strategists who lead corporate transformation through dialogue with top management, and organizational development specialists.

A vague feeling of just “wanting to become a consultant” cannot be conveyed to a company with persuasiveness. Look back at your own experience and strengths, and connect them with visions such as domains where you want to deepen specialization and value you want to provide.

Building on this, by giving consistency to the statement of motivation and career plan, persuasive self-PR in interviews also becomes possible.

Acquire Logical Thinking and Frameworks

In consulting work, the ability to structure complex challenges and logically derive solutions is required. The foundations of this are logical thinking and various frameworks.

For example, by utilizing frameworks such as MECE, pyramid structure, 3C analysis, and SWOT analysis, information can be organized and client problem-solving can be conducted accurately and efficiently.

These skills and knowledge can be learned through books and online courses, and can also be acquired through practical training such as case interview preparation.

Thoroughly Prepare for Case Interviews

In general consulting selection processes, case interviews for evaluating logical thinking ability and problem-solving ability in response to given business challenges occupy an important position.

What is particularly emphasized is not the final answer but the thinking process and explanatory ability leading up to it. How the structure of the problem is grasped, how the approach is set, and in what order examination is advanced — the way thinking is organized itself is evaluated.

As preparation, study past examples to be able to handle various formats of problems such as Fermi estimation and business cases. Repeated training on anticipated questions, and practicing putting into words the series of processes from organizing discussion points through hypothesis construction, quantitative backing, and presenting conclusions is effective.

In addition to solo training, mock interviews with a third party are also effective.

Conduct Thorough Industry Research

There are major differences in work content, project approaches, corporate culture, and the type of people sought depending on the firm. For this reason, deeply understand the characteristics of each firm you are interested in and identify the degree of match with yourself.

In addition to the firm’s official website, industry-specific journals, and news articles, primary information obtained from people actually working in the field holds great value as decision-making material.

By hearing stories from acquaintances working in the industry, and obtaining information through career events and career change agents, understanding of the actual work environment and expected roles at each company deepens.

Based on this information, grasp the latest industry trends and differences from competitors, and create specific and persuasive statements of motivation and self-PR.

Strengthen Business English Ability

As global projects and interactions with overseas clients increase, the need for business English ability is growing.

In particular, at foreign-affiliated consulting firms, communication in English is routinely required.

Through practice with presentations and discussions in English, practical skills can be acquired. The scope of projects and promotion opportunities can be broadened.

Obtain Qualifications and Deepen Specialized Knowledge

Qualifications related to project management and management strategy are effective for broadening the scope of work and gaining trust from clients. Examples include the internationally recognized PMP (Project Management Professional) and the SME Management Consultant (Chusho Kigyo Shindanshi), which proves specialization as a management consultant.

In addition, obtaining qualifications that back possession of specialized knowledge in specific fields is also effective. For example, when aiming to become a consultant with strengths in the IT field, qualifications such as the IT Strategist Examination and IT Coordinator are useful.

Utilize Career Change Agents Specialized in the Consulting Industry

Rather than searching for job listings and applying on your own, advance career change activities using an agent. If aiming for a career change to consultant, career change agents specialized in the consulting industry are particularly recommended.

For example, at “ConsulNext.jp,” personnel well versed in the consulting industry provide resume and work history document proofreading and conduct mock interviews. Being introduced to job listings that match your preferences is also an appeal, as it reduces the time spent searching for listings on your own.

“ConsulNext.jp” accepts career change consultations free of charge. Those with doubts or concerns about career changing to consultant are encouraged to register.

Summary

The flexibility to respond to diverse industries and functions, and the ability to contribute to results creation at the practical level, are the major differences between general consulting and other consulting types.

Being involved in the entire process from strategy planning through to execution support, engaging in diverse projects that cross industries and functions, and providing value as a partner working together with clients on challenge resolution is possible.

A career change to general consulting is not a mere change in job type — it is an excellent opportunity for realizing self-growth and improving market value. Particularly for those with logical thinking ability and high problem-solving ability combined with communication ability and dialogue ability, general consulting is an attractive career path option.