Becoming Organisational consultant

An organisational consultant must provide an external and objective perspective on the issues faced by an organization to propose the best possible solutions. Here are the main missions:

• Analysis and Diagnosis: The first step of an organisational consultant’s mission is to analyze the client's business situation. This immersion phase allows understanding the internal workings of the organization, identifying weaknesses, and assessing improvement opportunities. The consultant uses analysis methods such as interviews, process studies, and internal audits to make a precise diagnosis of the issues encountered.
• Proposing Recommendations: Once the diagnosis is established, the organisational consultant develops recommendations tailored to the company’s needs and strategic goals. These recommendations may include reorganizing internal processes, adopting new technologies, or implementing new information management systems. The goal is to maximize the company's efficiency and profitability while minimizing costs and risks.
• Implementation of Solutions: After the recommendations are validated by the company, the consultant assists in implementing the proposed solutions. This may involve project management, team training, and adjusting operational processes.
• Change Management: Leading change is another key mission of the organisational consultant. They must help the company adopt new practices and adapt to necessary transformations to remain competitive. This involves effective communication, managing resistance, and supporting teams throughout the transition process.

To excel as an organisational consultant, it is essential to possess a range of skills and qualities that enable one to successfully carry out specific missions.

• Analytical and Diagnostic Skills
• Mastery of Process Management Techniques
• Innovative Problem-Solving Ability
• Personal Qualities: Rigor and Attention to Detail

• Communication and Sensitization Skills
• Change Management Techniques
• Leadership and Influence Skills
• Personal Qualities: Empathy and Resilience

Becoming an organisational consultant requires solid academic background, often complemented by relevant professional experience. A degree at the Bac+4 or Bac+5 level is generally necessary, typically from a business school, engineering school, or in political studies. A dual diploma, such as a combination of engineering and social sciences, is an asset for developing multidisciplinary expertise. Professional certifications, such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or audit certifications, also enhance employability. Finally, given the evolving nature of businesses and technologies, it is crucial for an organisational consultant to regularly pursue continuing education.

The organisational consultant works in a diverse and dynamic environment. Their role requires working closely with various types of clients. With the consulting sector growing, management and organisational consultants benefit from a growing market with high demand for specialized consulting services.

The organisational consultant can work in various types of structures, such as:

• Consulting Firms: Working in a firm often allows the consultant to manage multiple projects simultaneously for varied clients. This requires strong adaptability and excellent organization. Consulting firms offer a stimulating environment, with opportunities for rapid professional development, but also demand high availability and strong resilience to stress.
• Internal Consultant: As an in-house consultant, the professional focuses on internal issues. This status allows working on long-term projects and gaining an in-depth understanding of the company's culture and needs. However, this position may limit the diversity of experiences compared to a role in a firm.
• Independent Consultant: Freelancing offers great freedom in choosing projects and clients but also requires solid business management skills, particularly for managing one’s own structure and developing a client portfolio.

The clients of strategy and organization consultant can be very diverse. They include:

• Large corporations and multinationals
• SMEs and startups
• Public sector and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Finance and insurance
• Industry and production
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
• Health and education

In France, an organisational consultant’s salary can vary significantly depending on experience and status:

• At the beginning of their career, a junior consultant typically earns between 2,500 and 3,000 euros gross per month. This salary can rise to up to 3,500 euros gross per month with a few years of experience.
• With experience, senior consultants can earn a gross annual salary ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 euros. Expert consultants or partners in consulting firms may earn even higher salaries, sometimes exceeding 100,000 euros annually.

Internationally, salaries can be higher, particularly in major cities like London, New York, or Singapore, where there is strong demand for specialized consultants. Consultants working in emerging countries may also receive attractive compensation, though the cost of living or local conditions may be more challenging.

Career prospects for organisational consultants are numerous and varied. They can quickly advance to positions such as senior manager, project director, or managing director within consulting firms or companies. With experience, they may specialize in specific areas, becoming sought-after experts. They also have the option to move into general or functional management roles within client companies. Additionally, many consultants choose to become independent or start their own consulting firm, expanding their client base while enjoying greater autonomy.

Work organization is essential for an organisational development consultant, who frequently juggles multiple projects with diverse objectives and deadlines. Effective management requires rigorous task planning and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes. Consultants must employ systems thinking and strategic thinking to manage their workload efficiently and avoid burnout. Prioritizing emergencies and adjusting plans are crucial skills to maintain employee engagement and enhance performance. The consultant must adeptly delegate tasks, ensuring high-quality outcomes and optimizing the business operations to meet the current state and desired vision of the client organization.

Dialogue with customers and teams is essential for an organisational consultant, as these interactions help to assess needs, develop tailored solutions and ensure effective implementation of strategies. They must be able to communicate clearly and problem-solve to clarify expectations, analyze issues and foster a positive working environment.

He builds strong relationships with different teams within the company to foster organisational change management, innovation and the development of solutions in line with the organization's strategy. The consultant also organizes follow-up meetings to ensure that actions are carried out correctly, enabling adjustments to be made on the basis of data and feedback to optimize the structure and increase productivity.

Becoming an organisational consultant can be an extremely rewarding career choice for several reasons:

• Diversity of Projects and Challenges
• Impact and Contribution to Business Performance
• Personal and Professional Development
• Flexibility and Autonomy
• Numerous Career Advancement Opportunities