Becoming Strategy and Organization Consultant

The role of a strategy and organization consultant is multifaceted and requires deep expertise in various strategic and organizational domains. In an era where companies must navigate complex environments, the need for strategic thinking and organizational design becomes critical. Whether it's aligning a company’s operations with its long-term vision or guiding it through a digital transformation, consultants must offer a blend of analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.

Strategy and organization consultants help companies perfect their business model. By identifying areas for growth and competitiveness while eliminating operational bottlenecks, they propose innovative solutions and implement an effective global strategy. They may work in a consulting firm or directly within a client organization.

Operating models and strategic goals :

In their pursuit of organizational success, consultants must understand the intricacies of various operating models. Whether they are working on restructuring a business, improving its operational efficiency, or driving innovation, their work directly impacts the company’s ability to meet its strategic goals. They must engage with people at all levels of the organization, from frontline employees to senior leaders, to ensure that the strategic plan is not only well-designed but also effectively implemented.

On a day-to-day basis, the main activities of a strategy and organization consultant include:

• Analysis of the client's situation and definition of development priorities: This involves a deep dive into the organization's current state, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential opportunities.
• Assessing potential bottlenecks and business risks: Consultants must understand and mitigate risks that could derail the strategic plan.
• Conducting interviews with management and other stakeholders: By gathering insights from various stakeholders, consultants ensure that all perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
• Identifying opportunities and conducting audits and benchmarks: This process allows consultants to compare the organization’s performance with industry standards, providing a roadmap for improvement.
• Searching for operational solutions: Consultants provide tailored solutions that address specific organizational challenges.
• Providing diagnostics and business proposals: These documents guide the organization in implementing recommended changes.
• Offering recommendations for implementation: Practical, actionable steps are critical for achieving the desired strategic outcomes.
• Monitoring the implementation phase and evaluating the results: Ensuring that the strategic plan is effectively executed and delivers the expected results.

Enhancing organizational capabilities:

One of the consultant’s key roles is to enhance the organization's capabilities. This might involve designing training programs to build employee skills, fostering a culture of innovation, or redesigning organizational processes to be more efficient. The goal is to create a sustainable impact that drives long-term growth.

A strategy and organization consultant should possess the following skills:

• Organizational, negotiation, and observation skills: These are crucial for understanding and influencing the internal dynamics of the organization.
• Tact and diplomacy: These soft skills help in navigating complex interpersonal relationships within the client organization.
• Methods of risk, systemic, and functional analysis, especially: These are vital for identifying potential challenges and designing effective mitigation strategies.
• Knowledge of office automation tools and database management software: In today’s digital age, data analysis is an essential part of the consulting process.
• Understanding of commercial and employment law: A sound understanding of the legal landscape helps consultants provide advice that is not only effective but also compliant.
• Comprehensive understanding of the client's business: This deep knowledge is essential for offering tailored advice that addresses the specific needs of the organization.

Leveraging industry knowledge:

To be effective, consultants must possess a deep understanding of the industry they operate in. This includes not only knowledge of market trends but also insights into competitive dynamics and the external environment. Such knowledge allows consultants to offer advisory services that are both relevant and impactful.

Strategy and organization consultants who work for large corporations or well-known consulting firms are usually graduates of prestigious business schools.

The Master of Science in Strategy & Consulting offered by emlyon business school is open to students with a validated master's degree or a bachelor's degree equivalent to Bac +4. The program is designed to train students with an outstanding academic record to become key players in the consulting industry.

In this program, students not only learn the fundamentals of strategic management but also gain practical experience through internships and case studies. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from corporate strategy and competitive analysis to digital transformation and risk management. Students also have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, gaining insights into the latest trends in the field.

You will study on the Paris campus for two periods, then join HEC Montréal in Canada to develop your intercultural skills during a third period. Finally, you'll apply what you've learned during an internship, which can take place in the country of your choice.

The Master in Management - Grande École program is a path of excellence to join the best consulting firms. Accessible to students with a non-French degree, it enables them to acquire the fundamentals of management. Various tracks and electives in the Master in Management - Grande École program allow students to specialize progressively in consulting careers. The Career Center also organizes various recruitment events, such as the Finance & Consulting Forum, which helps students find their first internship or job in auditing and consulting firms.

During these programs, students are encouraged to build a professional network that will support their career growth. Whether through internships, networking events, or mentorship opportunities, these experiences are invaluable for those aspiring to become successful consultants.

The average salary of a strategy and organization consultant is as follows:

• Junior: €45,000 per year
• Confirmed: €56,000 per year
• Senior: €78,000 per year

Long-Term Career Growth :

As consultants gain experience, they can expect their responsibilities and compensation to grow. Over time, they may move into executive roles, offering strategic guidance at the highest levels of the organization.

After three or four years of experience, a Junior Consultant can become a Senior Consultant. They may then be offered a management position to lead a team of consultants. With solid experience, the consultant can even open their own consulting firm.

Expanding into new fields:

As they advance in their careers, consultants may choose to specialize in specific fields such as digital transformation, risk management, or public sector consulting. This specialization allows them to offer more targeted advice and services, which can be a significant competitive advantage in the consulting industry.

In short, the strategy and organization consultant plays a key role in helping a company develop its global strategy. They guide, advise, and help implement sustainable solutions aimed at improving performance while respecting ethical and environmental objectives.

The role of continuous learning:

To remain competitive, consultants must commit to continuous learning. This involves staying updated on the latest industry trends, learning new tools and methodologies, and refining their strategic thinking abilities. By doing so, they can continue to provide high-value services to their clients.

By choosing emlyon business school to complete your academic career, you are choosing excellence and unanimous recognition in the marketplace. Thanks to constant challenges, exclusive internship opportunities, and privileged industry contacts, emlyon, ranked second in the world for employability (Global University Employability Ranking 2024 - Times Higher Education), trains its students to become operational quickly and efficiently.

The Value of a strong educational foundation:

The programs at emlyon are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in strategic and organizational consulting. This includes not only the theoretical knowledge needed to succeed but also the practical skills that are essential for real-world success. Whether you aim to work in strategy consulting firms, take on a role in corporate strategy, or lead organizational transformation projects, an education from emlyon will provide the tools and network necessary to achieve your goals.