The most popular career paths after consulting

Careers After Consulting: What to Do Next?

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.

Why Do Consultants Leave?

From our discussions with Movemeon users and insights from our platform, 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.

Best Jobs After Consulting

Based on over 20,000 applications on Movemeon, here are the top industries for ex-consultants:

1. Big Corporates

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
• Product Management
• Corporate Finance
• Technology & Digital Transformation

2. Startups

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
• Product or Growth Managers

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 specialize in a niche industry

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

Common Challenges When Leaving Consulting

1. Adapting to Corporate Hierarchies

Consultants used to flat structures may find corporate bureaucracy challenging.

2. Adjusting to Execution-Oriented Roles

Unlike consulting, where advising is the focus, industry roles require direct ownership and execution.

3. Managing Work-Life Balance

Some industries, like startups and PE, can be as demanding as consulting, requiring careful career planning.

FAQs

What industries 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.

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

Related Reading

• Which pays better: Staying in consulting or leaving?