What makes a good consultant?

Because consulting is about communicating and problem solving, people from many different areas of expertise and industry backgrounds can make good consultants. Common to all successful consultants, however, are high levels of energy, confidence and intelligence, passion, specialized expertise, solid analytical skills and deep-rooted professionalism. A strong team spirit and the ability to effectively collaborate with other are also extremely important for consultants.
How our Consulting group is structured Most of the people in our Consulting group are aligned to a Operating Group and Service Line (within one of our capability groups). Our Service Lines cover areas of professional expertise and provide a path for the development of deep specialist skills. Our Operating Groups provide experience with clients in a particular industry leading ro robust, real-world expertise. When people with previous work experience join our Consulting group, they will generally be aligned to the Service Line or Operating Group that best fits their individual skills, experience and interests, as well as our business needs. These determine the type of clients they consult to and the type of consulting services they offer. New graduates who join our Consulting group are assigned to a Operating Group (or industry segment) that forms their “base” within the company. Which Operating Group they join depends on their skills, interests and Accenture’s business need. At the same time, they begin with our Professional Development Program (PDP) where they will have opportunities to develop business skills, leadership and personal development, systems delivery fundamentals, and client service skills. As well as significant training, everyone on the PDP also gets wide “real” experience doing clients project work with clients in their Operating Group. During the 18-24 months on the PDP, our new consulting people begin to develop specialized skills and based on these, they will usually become affiliated with a Service Line.