Consulting firms provide feedback and actionable strategies to companies to improve their efficiency or solve complex problems in a specific area, such as advertising and technology. Company executives are often the ones who hire consultants to give them advice specific to their industry and organizational needs.

Typically, consulting roles can fit into one of five main categories: strategy consulting, operations consulting, financial consulting, information technology consulting and human resources consulting.

Consultants help their clients achieve their business goals by providing expert advice in their field of proficiency. They work with their clients and advise them on matters such as business development, finance, marketing, sales, operations, customer service, accounting and financial planning, among others.

Because consultants work on a contract basis, there are no set qualifications to be a consultant. It comes down to what the organization needs and how well you can sell your offer. However, businesses expect consultants to give expert-level advice, and consulting jobs are competitive.