How Difficult Is It to Transition to a Consultant Role as a Second New Graduate? What Are the BIG4’s Hiring Practices?

“Is it possible to aim for a consultant career from second-new-graduate status without experience?” “How can I find consultant job openings for second new graduates?” Do you have these kinds of questions?

This article covers the following topics to help answer those questions:

• The possibility of becoming a consultant as a second new graduate
• Why second new graduates have high market value and why many people aim for this path
• The difficulty of transitioning to a consultant role as a second new graduate and the skills required
• Methods, steps, and points to note when aiming to become a consultant as a second new graduate

We will explain these in order.

Second new graduates interested in consulting are encouraged to use this as a reference.

※Information about companies and job openings mentioned in this article is as of 2025.

Can You Aim to Become a Consultant as a Second New Graduate?

Is it possible for a second new graduate to aim for a consultant career? Let’s explore that possibility below.

What Is a Second New Graduate?

With the collapse of lifetime employment and the normalization of job changes, many people are encountering the term “second new graduate” more frequently.

While “new graduate” refers to someone graduating from school in or after March of the current academic year, a “second new graduate” refers to someone who left their first company within three years of joining and is seeking a new position.

However, it’s important to note that there is no strict definition of “second new graduate.” The interpretation varies by company, and some may consider anyone who has changed jobs within five years—not just three—as a second new graduate.

The typical image of a second new graduate is someone aged “25–26” for four-year university graduates, or “27–28” for graduate school graduates. However, some companies allow applications under the second new graduate category even for candidates in their early 30s.

Is It Possible to Transition to a Consultant Role as a Second New Graduate?

So, is it actually possible for an inexperienced second new graduate to successfully transition into a consultant role?

To put it simply, there are many people who have successfully transitioned into consulting from a second new graduate background without prior experience.

Since second new graduates are often hired based on potential, there is a chance of being hired even without a track record, and they are likely to receive the same training as new graduates.

There are many benefits for companies in hiring second new graduates, and in recent years, an increasing number of consulting firms have been focusing on recruiting them. Let’s look at the reasons why demand for second new graduates is growing in the consulting industry.

\ Supporting consulting career transitions for second new graduates! /

Why Second New Graduates Have High Market Value at Consulting Firms

Here we explain why second new graduates have high market value in the consulting industry.

Because Many Companies See Talent Shortage as a Challenge

In recent years, talent shortages have been a concern across many industries due to the declining birthrate and aging population. The consulting industry is no exception.

Furthermore, as business models continue to diversify, many consulting firms are actively seeking talent from other industries. Having people with different backgrounds enables firms to offer a wider range of proposals to their clients.

Second new graduates have accumulated a few years of career experience in the industry where they started. As a result, consulting firms hope that second new graduates will leverage the knowledge gained from their previous jobs as consultants.

Because Competition in New Graduate Recruitment Has Intensified

The intensification of competition in new graduate recruitment is another reason why second new graduates have high market value in the consulting industry.

The consulting industry is growing remarkably, and competition among firms to acquire talent is accelerating. With many cases where firms fail to hire as many candidates as planned, attention toward second new graduates is increasing.

Because They Possess a Certain Level of Business Skills

One reason consulting firms recruit second new graduates is that second new graduate job seekers already possess a certain level of business skills.

Unlike new graduates, second new graduates have accumulated experience as business professionals. Although their tenure is shorter compared to veteran employees, many have already acquired basic professional etiquette, which saves time and costs associated with training.

Since consulting requires a wide range of skills and knowledge, being able to skip basic professional training and focus directly on consultant-specific development is also considered an advantage.

Why Many People Aim to Become Consultants as Second New Graduates

So why is the number of second new graduates aiming to become consultants increasing?

You Can Develop Skills That Are Transferable to Other Industries

One reason many people aim to become consultants as second new graduates is that you can develop skills that are transferable to other industries.

The phrase “consulting first” is often seen online, reflecting the strong perception that gaining experience at a consulting firm helps you build business skills useful in other industries as well.

After building a career as a consultant, you can aim to become a project leader within a consulting firm, or transition to a different industry.

You Can Grow Rapidly

The ability to grow rapidly is also one of the benefits of aiming to become a consultant as a second new graduate.

Second new graduates, who already have a certain level of professional experience, have the potential to grow quickly as consultants. Many people are promoted to manager in their 20s, allowing them to take on high-responsibility roles at a young age while also pursuing higher salaries.

If you want to develop advanced business skills and grow significantly while still in your 20s, aiming to become a consultant may be a great option.

You Can Achieve a Higher Salary

Another reason many people aim to become consultants as second new graduates is the potential to achieve a higher salary.

Consultant salaries vary depending on skills, experience, and the size of the company, but consultant average salaries tend to be high.

For example, joining a major foreign consulting firm or a comprehensive consulting firm may offer the possibility of earning over 10 million yen per year.

Furthermore, by eventually going independent as a freelancer and securing high-value projects, you may be able to aim for even higher earnings.

You Can Receive Training

One of the benefits of applying through the second new graduate category is that you can receive training.

When applying through mid-career hiring, consulting experience and skills are often required. However, since second new graduates are often hired based on potential, there is a possibility of receiving training to become a consultant after joining.

Some companies even hire second new graduates and new graduates under the same category, so it’s important to check the company’s recruitment page.

The Difficulty of Transitioning to a Consultant Role as a Second New Graduate

We’ve explained that demand for second new graduates is growing in the consulting industry. However, aiming to become a consultant as a second new graduate is by no means easy. Let’s look at the reasons why the transition is considered difficult.

High Competition

We’ve introduced the benefits of becoming a consultant, such as higher salaries and rapid growth.

However, because of these benefits, the number of second new graduates aiming to become consultants is increasing, driving up competition.

To differentiate yourself from other candidates, you need to be able to explain how you can apply your previous experience and why you are well-suited for a consulting role.

If you are currently working at the company you joined as a new graduate, make an effort to proactively take on tasks that can be leveraged in a consulting role, and build a track record you can include in your resume.

A Certain Level of Skills Is Required

Another reason transitioning to a consultant role is considered difficult is that a certain level of skills is required.

Consultants are expected to have a variety of skills, including communication skills, proposal ability, presentation skills, and logical thinking.

While second new graduates are generally hired based on potential, candidates who lack these strengths may not be able to make a strong impression during the selection process.

Skills Required of Consultants

Here we explain in detail the skills required of consultants.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are an indispensable skill for consultants.

Without sufficient communication skills, it becomes difficult to view situations from the client’s perspective or explain complex matters in an easy-to-understand way.

Furthermore, consultants work not only with clients but also alongside project team members.

Therefore, those who struggle to communicate with many different people may not be well-suited for a consultant role.

Logical Thinking

Logical thinking (logical thinking ability) is the ability to understand complex matters clearly and think through them in a structured, step-by-step manner.

Consultants are required to make data-driven proposals in response to challenges, which is why logical thinking is often called for.

It is also common to think logically using frameworks such as logic trees, 3C analysis, 4P analysis, 4C analysis, SWOT analysis, Five Forces analysis, PEST analysis, and MECE.

Language Skills

Proficiency in languages such as English can increase your market value as a consultant.

In recent years, the globalization of business has accelerated, with Japanese companies expanding overseas and foreign companies looking to do business in Japan.

The need to communicate with overseas clients or gather information in foreign languages makes language skills an advantage.

Those with experience living or studying abroad, or those with high TOEIC scores, should highlight this on their resume and in interviews.

Presentation Skills

Presentation skills refer to the ability to clearly convey proposals that align with the needs of the audience (client).

Consultants need to make appropriate proposals in response to challenges faced by their clients. However, if the approach is not right, clients may not be convinced.

Presentation skills can be broken down into “structural ability” (explaining with a clear narrative), “expressive ability” (conveying complex matters clearly), and “persuasiveness” (convincing the client).

By understanding your own weaknesses and working to improve them, you increase your chances of succeeding as a consultant.

Professional Mindset

A professional mindset is essential to succeed as a consultant.

A professional mindset means being committed to your work and taking responsibility to see it through to the end.

Consultants may handle management issues for companies, and their support can have a significant impact on the client company and its employees.

Therefore, it is necessary to approach work with a strong sense of responsibility while staying attuned to the client’s needs.

Listening Skills

Listening skills refer to the ability to understand what the other person intends from what they say.

Not all clients communicate logically. Therefore, consultants need to understand what the client intends and what their needs are.

Listening skills include not only the ability to listen attentively, but also the ability to clarify unclear points and organize what the other person has said.

Second New Graduate Recruitment at the BIG4 and Major Consulting Firms

Here we introduce examples of second new graduate recruitment at the BIG4 and major consulting firms.

Deloitte Tohmatsu

Deloitte Tohmatsu is a consulting firm headquartered in London, UK, and is one of the BIG4.

In addition to standard hiring, Deloitte Tohmatsu sometimes conducts “OP Pool (Second New Graduate)” recruitment specifically for second new graduates. This hiring process evaluates potential rather than track record, making it possible to aim for a business analyst role without prior experience.

Furthermore, since experience is gained through project-based work, you can grow rapidly as a consultant.

EY Strategy & Consulting

EY Strategy & Consulting is a consulting firm headquartered in London, UK. Like Deloitte Tohmatsu, it is classified as one of the BIG4.

The company publishes second new graduate recruitment information on its official website, seeking candidates from non-consulting backgrounds with no prior consulting experience.

The eligibility requirement is less than three years of professional experience at the time of application. Since applicants can participate in the same training and development programs as new graduates, it is relatively accessible even for those without experience.

PwC Consulting

PwC Consulting, one of the BIG4, is a consulting firm headquartered in London, UK.

PwC Consulting does not have a dedicated second new graduate category, so applicants must apply through mid-career hiring. One-day selection events are held irregularly, making it a good option for those who don’t want to spend too much time on the job-hunting process.

Some departments actively recruit younger candidates, so it is recommended to use a recruitment agency to gather information.

KPMG Consulting

The last of the BIG4, KPMG Consulting is a consulting firm headquartered in the Netherlands.

The company’s recruitment page publishes information specifically for second new graduates, indicating that they are actively focusing on second new graduate hiring. Eligibility is for those with less than three years of professional experience and no more than two previous employers. Participants can intensively learn foundational consulting skills, just like new graduates.

Accenture

Accenture is a consulting firm headquartered in Ireland, with central offices in cities such as Chicago and New York.

The company is proactive in recruiting second new graduates and is hiring for business consultant and solution engineer positions.

The target applicants are those with six months to less than four years of professional experience. Since applicants can receive the same training as those hired as new graduates, it is an accessible option even for those without industry experience.

Points to Note When Aiming to Become a Consultant as a Second New Graduate

There are several key points to be aware of when aiming to become a consultant as a second new graduate.

Think About Your Career Plan

First and foremost, it’s important to think about your own career plan.

Compared to when they were new graduates, second new graduates who have real work experience find it easier to envision “what kind of role they want to take on” and “what kind of work style they want to achieve.”

Furthermore, the second new graduate stage is an important turning point in shaping your future career, as there is a possibility of being hired based on potential rather than track record or skills.

Therefore, carefully consider whether consulting is truly the field you want to pursue, and what career path you envision after becoming a consultant.

Consider Whether You Can Handle a Hard-Working Style

Those considering a consultant career should assess whether they can handle the demanding work style.

As client-facing work, consulting may require you to be available to clients even outside of business hours.

For example, depending on the time of year, you may need to work until the last train or come in on weekends.

Compared to new graduates, second new graduates are more likely to experience changes in life stages, such as caregiving or having children, so it is recommended to consider whether you can maintain a work-life balance.

Consider Whether the Firm’s Area of Expertise Suits You

Even within consulting, there are many different types of consultants.

Specific examples include strategy consultants, comprehensive consultants, accounting consultants, financial consultants, HR consultants, and IT consultants.

Since the types of consultants you can pursue and the areas of expertise vary by consulting firm, it is important to consider whether the firm’s area of expertise matches your own interests and background.

In addition to understanding the firm through their website and informational interviews with employees, be sure to also look into the industries of their clients.

The following article explains the types of consulting firms by industry.

Steps to Becoming a Consultant as a Second New Graduate

Here we introduce the steps to becoming a consultant as a second new graduate.

Deepen Your Understanding of the Consulting Industry

Before aiming to become a consultant, start by deepening your understanding of the consulting industry.

Gather information from a broad perspective, including which consulting firm sectors are seeing growth in performance and what the current hiring trends in the consulting industry look like.

Gathering this kind of information allows you to confirm your level of interest and understand what skills are in demand.

ConsulNext.jp introduces information useful for transitioning to a consulting career, so please use it as a reference.

Find a Role and Company That Suits You

Once you have a deeper understanding of the consulting industry, consider which role and company are right for you.

There are many types of consultant roles, including financial consultants, HR consultants, and IT consultants.

Furthermore, since consulting firms look for different types of talent, it is important to check the recruitment information of each company.

The main types of consultants are explained in detail in the following article.

Prepare Your Resume and Work History

Once you’ve found a consulting firm you want to apply to, it’s time to start applying.

Applying requires preparing a resume and work history document. Your resume covers your career history, while your work history document allows you to highlight what kind of work you have been involved in and what results you have achieved.

If you’re a second new graduate who lacks confidence in your track record, obtain a resume format designed for second new graduates and use it to prepare your documents. By including your strengths and motivation for applying—not just your track record—you can showcase your potential.

Prepare for Case Interviews

Those considering a transition to consulting should also prepare for case interviews.

A case interview is a type of interview in which the interviewer presents a client’s challenge and the candidate devises a solution on the spot.

In case interviews, your ability to respond as a consultant and your logical thinking skills are evaluated. There are two types of case interviews—”business cases” and “Fermi estimation”—so prepare for each type accordingly.

How to Successfully Transition to a Consultant Role as a Second New Graduate

Here we introduce ways to successfully transition to a consultant role as a second new graduate.

Use a Recruitment Agency

For those who want to efficiently search for consultant job openings or would like support during their job search, using a recruitment agency is recommended.
A recruitment agency is a service where a career advisor introduces job openings that match the job seeker’s profile.

There are also recruitment agencies that specialize in the consulting industry, so if you want to search for opportunities efficiently or feel uncertain due to lack of experience, give one a try.

For example, ConsulNext.jp handles a wide range of job listings, including human resources matching consultants, management consultants, business consultants, and business development consultants.

The service also publishes columns useful for those considering a transition to consulting, so those interested should check it out.

Summary

In this article, we explained the possibility of becoming a consultant as a second new graduate, the reasons why second new graduates have high market value and why many people aim for this path, the difficulty of the transition and the skills required, the methods and steps for aiming to become a consultant as a second new graduate, and the points to watch out for.

The consulting industry is one of the most popular career destinations among second new graduates. Looking at the moves made by consulting firms, it is clear that demand for second new graduates is growing.

However, since consultants are required to have a wide range of skills, transitioning to a consultant role is not an easy task.

If you feel uncertain, we recommend gathering information about consulting and reviewing job listings that might be a good fit for you.

ConsulNext.jp publishes columns useful for those considering a transition to consulting. Operated by Mirai Works Co., Ltd., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market, the site also handles job listings, so those interested are encouraged to consider registering.