How to become a Strategy and change management consultant

In response to the recent upheavals and challenges of today's world, the Strategy and Change Management Consultant plays a pivotal role in helping organizations navigate through change. They analyze the situation of the company they serve, identifying key areas that need transformation, and propose suitable solutions to achieve the objectives set by the management team. By understanding the dynamics of people within the organization, these consultants craft strategies that ensure alignment with organizational goals.

The consultant’s work does not end with the proposal; they actively support the company until the effective implementation of the methods. This may involve building a comprehensive change program that considers time-sensitive factors and communication channels. They may also return for an assessment a few months later, gathering data and feedback from employees and leaders to propose updates and improvements based on concrete insights they have analyzed. This continuous involvement ensures that the change is sustained and that the organization remains agile and resilient.

The main activities of a Strategy and Change Management Consultant include:

• Analyzing the company's situation and defining the objectives to be achieved, in agreement with the management team, ensuring that all strategic goals are aligned with the broader organizational vision;
• Proposing an action plan that considers multiple parameters such as recruitment, processes, legal standards, finances, and organizational culture, to ensure a holistic approach to managing change;
• Training teams and partners to implement new methods, which includes guiding the director and other key stakeholders to embrace the change and lead by example;
• Monitoring concrete results following the application of methods, diagnosing changes, and proposing improvements to enhance employee engagement and organizational performance.

Agile, bold, and rigorous, the Strategy and Change Management Consultant possesses a unique blend of skills essential for success in this role:

• Technical knowledge: The consultant masters the practices and legal standards applicable to the sector in which they operate, ensuring that all changes comply with regulatory requirements and contribute to the organization’s competitive advantage;
• Analytical ability: The consultant must analyze the situation and be able to make diagnoses, especially regarding potential obstacles and resistance to change. Understanding individual behaviors within the organization is key to crafting effective solutions;
• Interpersonal skills: The consultant must implement their methods pedagogically, fostering a culture of collaboration and communication, which is vital in ensuring the successful adoption of new practices.

This profession is new and particularly aligned with contemporary challenges, so recruiters prefer graduates from reputable schools known for developing talents who can act in an agile and innovative manner.

The MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations at emlyon business school combines academic excellence with practical experience to prepare you to lead sustainable transformation projects in companies. This program is ideal for those aiming to activate their leadership potential and embrace change as a driver for sustainability.

An outstanding academic pursuit, supported by innovative pedagogy including immersive courses at The London Interdisciplinary School, visits, and practical experiences, will equip you with the tools and capabilities sought after by companies. You will develop essential skills in managing change, strategic thinking, and engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that change initiatives deliver the desired outcomes.

This program will allow you to develop your leadership and soft skills to become a change agent. You can aim for positions such as CSR project manager, sustainable development consultant, ESG analyst, auditor, or transformation director, roles that require a deep understanding of both human and organizational behavior.

The Specialized Master's Degree in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management(taught only in French) ranked first in the Eduniversal 2023 ranking of the best Masters, MS, and MBA in entrepreneurship offered by emlyon business school, is one of the best programs to become a Strategy and Change Management Consultant. This program builds on a strong foundation of strategic thinking and equips students with the skills to design and implement effective change initiatives within businesses.

Accessible to students with a Master’s degree, this program can be pursued alternately on the Lyon or Paris campus. It prepares future consultants to manage the complexities of change, from understanding the behavioral science behind it to developing strategies that ensure alignment between organizational goals and employee readiness for change.

On average, the salary of a Strategy and Change Management Consultant evolves as follows:

• Junior: €54,000 per year;
• Experienced: €65,000 per year;
• Senior: €78,000 per year.

These figures reflect the consultant’s ability to deliver value through successful change management, which significantly impacts the organization's growth rate and market share.

Generally, a first experience in a company is required for future consultants. Over the years, they may lead a team in a consulting firm, specialize in a niche area, or become an expert in a specific sector, depending on their personal aspirations. This career path allows consultants to gain a deeper understanding of various industries and refine their expertise in managing complex change processes.

In summary, the Strategy and Change Management Consultant assists companies in their transformation processes. As all companies face the need to increase profitability while adapting to the legal, technological, and social standards relevant to their sector, the consultant can work in an area that particularly interests them. Whether it's business transformation, corporate culture shifts, or enterprise change initiatives, consultants play a crucial role in guiding organizations through change.

emlyon business school is one of the best French and European business schools, according to various reference organizations. Its pedagogical projects such as Transforming Early Markers and New Biz Maker immerse students in a concrete and motivating business approach, allowing them to thrive in their professional careers from the moment they graduate. By focusing on real-world application and continuous improvement, emlyon ensures that its graduates are not only ready to face the challenges of the modern business environment but are also equipped to drive change and innovation in any organization they join.