Career in Consulting for Freshers: Skills, Salary and Growth
Career in Consulting for Freshers: Skills, Salary & Growth
Starting a career in consulting is a rewarding choice for fresh graduates who enjoy solving business challenges. It involves working with diverse teams and making strategic contributions across industries. According to reports by consulting firms, India’s consulting sector is growing steadily, with strong demand for fresh talent. Organisations increasingly seek experts in digital transformation, risk, finance, and strategy. This creates many opportunities for new graduates.
For freshers, consulting offers fast skill development, competitive salaries, and good career growth. Leading firms provide structured training that builds analytical, communication, and project management skills early on. A 2023 survey showed that over 70% of consulting firms in India expect to hire more fresh graduates this year. This makes consulting a promising career path for ambitious graduates.
Why Risk Professionals Are In Demand
Risk professionals help organisations identify challenges before they become crises. This skill is vital across sectors, from finance to manufacturing.
Specialised courses like the Post Graduate Diploma in Risk Management (PGDRM), offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI), prepare freshers for career in consulting and risk advisory.
What Is a Career in Consulting?
Consulting involves helping organisations solve business issues, improve performance, manage risk, and implement change.
Consultants are trusted advisors who use analytical techniques and industry knowledge to support decision-making.
Entry-level roles for freshers include:
- Business Analyst
- Associate Consultant
- Risk Consulting Associate
- Operations Consultant
- Digital or Technology Consultant
With experience, consultants take on project leadership, client management, or specialised roles.
Essential Skills for Freshers in Consulting
To succeed, freshers need analytical, interpersonal, and technical skills:
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Consultants analyse complex data, break down problems, and find solutions. Tools include spreadsheets and data visualisation software. - Communication Skills
Clear and concise verbal and written communication is essential for interacting with clients and teams. - Business Acumen
Understanding financial and market dynamics helps consultants make informed recommendations. - Teamwork and Adaptability
Consultants work in cross-functional teams and must adapt to changing project needs and client requests. - Technology Awareness Knowledge of analytics platforms and business intelligence software is a competitive advantage.
Salary and Growth Prospects for Freshers
Entry-Level (0-2 years):
Salaries vary based on industry and role, typically between â‚ą5 lakh and â‚ą9 lakh per annum in risk consulting.
Mid-Level (3-6 years):
Consultants move into project management or advisory roles, earning â‚ą8 lakh to â‚ą15 lakh annually.
Senior-Level (7+ years):
Senior consultants and engagement managers can earn â‚ą15 lakh to â‚ą30 lakh or more, depending on expertise.
Why Should Freshers Consider Consulting?
- Fast Skill Development:
Exposure to varied industries accelerates learning. - Growth in Strategic Thinking:
Consulting nurtures leadership and decision-making skills. - Network Expansion:
Working with diverse clients broadens professional connections. - Pathway to Specialisation:
Early consulting experience helps identify interests, such as risk management or IT consulting.
GRMI and the PGDRM: Preparing Aspiring Consultants
GRMI focuses on risk management education, a key consulting specialisation. Its Post Graduate Diploma in Risk Management (PGDRM) is a one-year full-time course.
PGDRM blends theory and practical exposure, preparing graduates to analyse risk and support decisions in advisory roles.
PGDRM Eligibility and Placement
- Â Open to any graduate with at least 50% marks.
- Suitable for undergraduates and early-career professionals (0-4 years experience).
Benefits of PGDRM for Consulting Careers
- Industry-focused Curriculum: Sharpens analytical skills essential for consulting.
- Internship Opportunities: Provides practical business experience.
- Networking and Placement Support: Bridges academic learning and workplace demands.
Many alumni have secured their dream roles at top-tier firms, including the Big 4 consultancies and leading financial institutions, thanks to the strong foundation and industry connections provided by the PGDRM programme.
Watch a GRMI alumnus share their experience transitioning from GRMI to a role at EY.
Conclusion
Consulting offers freshers an intellectually stimulating career with excellent growth opportunities. Analytical skills, communication, and business awareness are key to success.
Institutions like GRMI, through courses such as PGDRM, fast-track graduates into consulting roles by combining knowledge with practical experience.
FAQ's
- What is the best way for freshers to enter consulting?
Build strong analytical and communication skills, gain project experience through internships, and consider specialisation programs like PGDRM. - Is consulting a well-paying field for freshers?
Yes, entry-level salaries in consulting vary but typically range from â‚ą5 lakh to â‚ą9 lakh annually in risk consulting. - Is PGDRM worth pursuing for consulting?
Yes, PGDRM develops analytical and domain expertise highly relevant for consulting and advisory careers.
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