Consulting is a high-pressure profession often described as “grueling” or one that people are warned to “stay away from.” At the same time, working as a consultant allows you to develop advanced business skills and find great fulfillment in your work.
So what kinds of rewards can you expect from working as a consultant?
In this article, we explain the rewards and job responsibilities of consulting, the characteristics of people who tend to find it fulfilling, and the skills needed to succeed as a consultant.
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6 Rewarding and Exciting Aspects of Being a Consultant
Let’s start by looking at the rewards of being a consultant.
1. You Are Always Exposed to New Challenges
Consultants work on a wide variety of projects. Not only do they engage with diverse industries, but business challenges also differ from client to client, making it a constantly changing work environment.
Consultants are also required to continuously acquire new knowledge for each project.
As a result, consulting is particularly rewarding for people who “enjoy change,” have “high intellectual curiosity,” or “dislike routine work.”
2. You Can Work on Large-Scale Projects
Consultants are often involved in large-scale projects.
For example, even new employees may contribute to corporate strategy at a major company, be assigned to a foreign government project, or take on work that has a significant impact on society.
Being involved in such large-scale work from the very start of your career allows you to develop your business skills rapidly.
3. You Can Acquire Knowledge and Skills Essential to Business
Compared to other professions, consulting is said to be one where “advanced business skills can be developed quickly.”
Consulting work is client-facing, which means fundamental skills such as communication, presentation, and documentation are required.
Furthermore, consultants deal daily with complex problems that clients cannot solve on their own. This allows you to sharpen not only industry-specific expertise but also logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
4. High Salary and Good Benefits
One of the rewards of being a consultant is the high salary and favorable benefits. In general, consultants tend to earn above-average salaries.
While this varies by the size and type of consulting firm, the approximate salary ranges by position are as follows:
| Position | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Analyst | Approx. 5–6 million yen |
| Consultant | Approx. 6–10 million yen |
| Senior Consultant | Approx. 8–12 million yen |
| Manager | Approx. 10–15 million yen |
| Senior Manager | Approx. 15–20 million yen |
| Director / Principal | Approx. 20 million yen |
| Partner | Approx. 20–30 million yen |
Analyst is the entry-level position for new employees joining a consulting firm.
However, even at the analyst level, the average salary exceeds the national average of “4.78 million yen※,” reflecting the high salary standards in the consulting industry.
For more details on the job responsibilities at each position, please refer to the article below.
Reference: National Tax Agency “Survey on Private Sector Salary Statistics for FY2024”
5. You Can Work with Talented Professionals
The consulting industry attracts many driven individuals with high ambition and advanced business skills, as these qualities are essential for the work.
Consultants advance projects as a team, and working alongside talented colleagues contributes to your own professional growth.
If you want to “be inspired by those around you” or “continue growing yourself,” consulting may be the right career for you.
6. You Experience the Satisfaction of Solving Problems
Many consultants find great fulfillment in the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a project. The projects consultants handle are often large in scale and come with significant pressure, making the sense of achievement all the greater.
Some projects span more than a year, and bringing such a long-term engagement to a successful conclusion can provide a deep sense of satisfaction.
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What Consultants Do
The day-to-day responsibilities of a consultant vary greatly depending on the type of consulting, the division, and the area of focus. In practice, there are many different types of consultants, including:
- Strategy consultants
- General management consultants
- Accounting consultants
- Financial consultants
- HR consultants
- IT consultants
- Business restructuring consultants
- Think tank consultants
The responsibilities of each type are explained in detail in the article below.
Here, we introduce the job responsibilities common to all consultants.
Analyzing Client Business Challenges
The role of a consultant is to “support clients in solving their challenges.”
In order to make effective proposals toward resolving those challenges, it is essential to first gain a proper understanding of what those challenges are.
For example, when the theme is operational improvement, simply introducing a new tool is not enough.
Consultants are expected to investigate deeply — including identifying where in the workflow problems exist, and whether there are any gaps between the issues the client perceives and the reality on the ground.
In some cases, this involves interviewing frontline staff or observing operations for a period of time. Consultants may also conduct interviews with members at different levels of the organization to identify bottlenecks.
Developing Solutions to Address the Challenges
Once the challenges have been defined, the next step is to develop solutions to address them.
An essential part of this process is “information gathering.” Consultants collect a wide range of information from multiple angles, including market trends, competitive dynamics, and success stories.
Based on this information and data, they then work to identify effective solutions. Frameworks such as logic trees, SWOT analysis, and PEST analysis are commonly used to develop solutions efficiently.
After developing the solution, consultants also consider what impact implementing it will have, and how best to present it to the client.
Defining a vision — the ideal state following implementation — is also an important part of the process.
Supporting and Executing the Solution
Once the proposed solution has been presented to the client and given the green light, implementation begins.
To foster a sense of ownership in problem-solving, consultants articulate a clear vision and work to cultivate the right mindset. From there, they establish a project team and drive progress collaboratively.
This involves setting detailed schedules, team assignments, and tasks, as well as monitoring the project’s progress.
Rather than simply delegating tasks, consultants maintain close communication with team members, providing ongoing support all the way to the finish line.
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Types of People Who Tend to Find Consulting Rewarding
Consulting has its share of people it suits — and people it doesn’t. Those who are well-suited to consulting tend to find it more rewarding. Below are the characteristics of people who tend to thrive in consulting.
Naturally Curious People
People with strong intellectual curiosity tend to be well-suited to consulting.
This is because consultants work on projects and themes across a wide range of areas. Supporting clients across diverse industries requires continuously building a broad base of knowledge.
For this reason, those who enjoy learning about a wide variety of topics are better suited than those who find ongoing self-study difficult.
Additionally, since project durations typically range from six months to a year, with new projects following in succession, people who “prefer change over routine” are also likely to find consulting especially rewarding.
People Who Are Good at Driving Things Forward
People with strong drive are said to be well-suited to consulting. Drive here refers to the ability to take initiative and push things forward.
Projects have deadlines, and a large number of tasks must be completed on schedule. Even when team members need to be rallied or unexpected problems arise, progress must continue.
This is why drive is so important in consulting. Those who lack initiative and find it difficult to take the lead may find consulting a poor fit.
Hard Workers and Lifelong Learners
The consulting world is full of hardworking, dedicated learners.
Because consulting demands broad knowledge, continuous learning is a must. Consultants objectively assess what skills and knowledge they lack, and constantly strive to improve.
Furthermore, advancing from consultant to manager requires considerable ability. In practice, it is said that only about 30% of consultants make it to the manager level.
Those aiming for promotion must therefore put in exceptional effort to sharpen their skills.
For more on what managers do and what skills they need, see the article below.
Having Specialized Knowledge Is a Distinct Advantage
Many people find their work most fulfilling when they can apply their strengths to it.
In addition to the core skills required of consultants, those who have established a strong area of expertise tend to find greater satisfaction in their work.
For example, there are consultants who developed strong English skills through studying abroad and now excel in global projects.
If you are considering transitioning into consulting from a different field, it is worth thinking about how the skills and expertise you have built in your current role could be applied.
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Qualifications and Skills Needed to Become a Consultant
So what skills and qualifications do you need to become a consultant?
Useful Qualifications When Pursuing a Career in Consulting
In principle, no specific qualifications are required to become a consultant. That said, holding relevant credentials makes it easier to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
If you are considering transitioning into consulting from another field, obtaining relevant qualifications can give you an advantage. Some qualifications related to consulting work include:
| Qualification | Issuing Body | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Career Consultant | Japan Career Development Association / Career Consulting Council | A national qualification for providing guidance on career choices and skills development |
| Social Insurance Labor Consultant (SR) | National Federation of SR Associations – Examination Center | A national qualification for handling HR and labor management matters for organizations |
| Small Business Management Consultant (SME Consultant) | Japan SME Diagnostic Association | A national qualification for advising small and medium-sized enterprises on management challenges |
| Administrative Scrivener | Administrative Scrivener Examination Research Center | A national qualification for preparing and filing documents with government agencies |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants | A national qualification for auditing and accounting work |
| Financial Planner (FP) | Japan FP Association | A national qualification for providing advice on taxes, insurance, pensions, and related topics |
| MBA | Business schools and graduate schools | Master of Business Administration |
| Securities Analyst | The Securities Analysts Association of Japan | A private-sector credential useful for researching and analyzing the financial status of companies and industries |
| Judicial Scrivener | Japan Federation of Shiho-Shoshi Lawyer’s Associations | A national qualification for handling legal procedures |
How each of these qualifications can be applied to consulting work is explained in the article below.
Skills Required to Pursue a Career in Consulting
The skills required of consultants vary depending on the consulting firm, area of focus, and the projects they work on.
The following are skills commonly required across all types of consulting:
- Communication skills: Frequent interaction with clients and team members
- Project management skills: Managing tasks and schedules effectively
- Analytical ability: Accurately identifying root causes
- Problem-solving ability: Developing optimal solutions for each challenge
- Flexibility: Responding to unexpected issues as they arise
- Logical thinking: Applying rigorous logic when developing solutions
- Presentation skills: Delivering clear and compelling presentations to clients
- Information-gathering ability: Collecting data needed to develop solutions
If you are aiming to enter consulting from a different background, developing the skills above will be essential.
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3 Reasons Why the Consulting Industry Is So Popular
In addition to the rewards of consulting, let’s take a look at why the consulting industry continues to attract so much interest.
1. A Flexible Way of Working
Many people picture consulting as a grueling profession. It’s true that consultants must work against project deadlines, and the work can be demanding at times.
At the same time, consulting is a field where flexible working arrangements are relatively achievable. Once an intense project phase wraps up, consultants can often take extended time off.
Furthermore, as long as your own tasks are managed, you have considerable freedom over when you work. It is possible to accommodate your lifestyle — for example, adjusting your start time around school drop-off.
There is also a growing trend of consultants who, after gaining experience at a firm, go independent as freelance consultants to enjoy an even greater degree of freedom.
2. A Strong Foundation for Career Transitions Across Industries
Consulting experience opens up a wide range of career options. Because consulting is a field where business skills develop faster than average, consultants are highly regarded in the job market.
Some move to a different type of consulting firm, while others take on corporate planning roles at operating companies. Some are even drawn to an industry they encountered through a project and transition into it.
As job-changing becomes more common, the growing number of professionals who pursue consulting specifically for the skill-building opportunities has contributed to the industry’s popularity.
3. You Can Develop the Skills Needed to Start Your Own Business
Another appeal of the consulting industry is that it builds the kind of skills that can eventually support entrepreneurship. Consultants advise clients on management challenges and communicate directly with senior leadership.
Beyond developing management expertise, consultants also sharpen their judgment and problem-solving capabilities — all qualities essential for running a business.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of consultants who gain experience at major firms and then launch their own specialized consulting boutiques (boutique consulting firms).
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The Scale of the Consulting Job Market
The consulting market in Japan was estimated at approximately 2.3 trillion yen in fiscal year 2024. The market is expected to continue expanding going forward.
According to projections by “Consul no Anna Koto, Konna Koto,” a media outlet run by Kodawari Business Consulting Co., Ltd., the outlook is as follows:
【Market Size in 2030】
- Standard case: Approximately 3.2 trillion yen (growth rate of 39%)
- Positive case: Approximately 4.17 trillion yen (growth rate of 78.8%)
- Negative case: Approximately 2.9 trillion yen (growth rate of 28%)
All scenarios project continued market expansion, suggesting that demand for consultants will remain strong going forward.
Management Consulting in Particular Is in High Demand
While there are many types of consultants, “management consultants” are in particularly high demand.
Management consultants diagnose clients’ business operations and provide advice aimed at improvement.
In recent years, we are said to have entered a “VUCA era,” characterized by the following:
- Volatility
- Uncertainty
- Complexity
- Ambiguity
With the emergence of new technologies such as AI making the future increasingly uncertain, more and more companies are turning to management experts for guidance.
As a result, management consulting may be one of the most future-proof career paths available today.
Two Challenges Facing the Consulting Industry
What challenges is the consulting industry currently facing?
1. An Oversaturated Consulting Market
No special qualifications are needed to call yourself a consultant. As a result, in recent years the number of people using the title “[X] consultant” has grown considerably.
In a crowded market, demonstrating your value as a business professional requires increasingly advanced consulting skills and specialized expertise.
If you are considering a career in consulting, it is worth thinking about “which areas of consulting are seeing growing demand” and “what kind of specialization is most valued.”
2. Rising Expectations from Client Companies
As the number of consulting providers has grown, so too have the expectations that client companies place on them.
Without delivering consulting that clients genuinely consider worth paying for, securing long-term contracts becomes difficult.
For instance, clients are increasingly requesting not just the development of solutions, but also hands-on support to embed those solutions within their organization — demands are becoming more complex.
To become a high-value consultant, developing the flexibility and skill set to meet a wide range of client demands will be key.
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Career Paths for Consultants
Consultants can pursue a variety of career paths. Let’s take a look at some of the most common options.
Becoming a Subject-Matter Expert
By deepening your expertise through consulting work, you can position yourself as a recognized specialist in a given field.
For example, many consultants transition into areas such as corporate planning, IT and digital, HR, accounting, audit firms, or M&A — moving into a domain that aligns with their strengths or interests.
The project themes a consultant has worked on can also shape their career direction (e.g., developing an interest in the IT sector after working on IT-related projects).
Advancing to Manager
After gaining experience as a consultant, many pursue advancement to the manager level.
Becoming a manager opens up responsibilities such as project management, and creates a path toward director, principal, or partner roles. It also typically brings a salary of over 10 million yen.
That said, since only around 30% of consultants are said to reach the manager level, many reassess their career direction around that milestone.
Moving to Another Consulting Firm
Some consultants choose to move to a different consulting firm. Since their experience translates directly, they can hit the ground running as an immediate contributor.
A career move can also help fulfill ambitions such as “working on new project themes,” “advancing further as a consultant,” or “increasing salary.”
Summary
In this article, we have covered the rewards and future prospects of a consulting career, as well as how to pursue it — all aimed at those considering a move into consulting.
From high salaries to involvement in large-scale, impactful projects, consulting offers many compelling rewards. Of course, whether you find it fulfilling depends on the individual, so it is important to understand both your own strengths and the realities of the role before making the leap.
ConsulNext.jp provides job listings for people considering a move into the consulting industry.
We also share practical advice on career transitions, so be sure to check out the site.
