Management Analysts and Consultants

A new consultant in a large firm may be referred to as an associate for the first couple of years (although consulting titles often vary by firm). The next progression is to senior associate, a title that indicates three to five years' experience and the ability to supervise others and do more complex and independent work. After about five years, the analyst who is progressing well may become an engagement manager with the responsibility to lead a consulting team on a particular client project. The best managers become senior engagement managers, leading several study teams or a very large project team. After about seven years, those who excel will be considered for appointment as junior partners or principals. Partnership involves responsibility for marketing the firm and leading client projects. Some may be promoted to senior partnership or director, but few people successfully run this full course. Management analysts and consultants with entrepreneurial ambition may open their own firms.