Specialists who help corporations evolve and grow while maintaining efficiency are called organizational management consultants, organizational development consultants or management analysts. They apply principles of psychology to a broad array of workplace issues, such as personnel, sales and marketing. An organizational management consultant career can begin with enrolling in an applied psychology bachelor’s degree program.
What Does an Organizational Management Consultant Do?
Consultants often tailor their work to each client’s needs. Job duties for organizational management consultants can range from coaching C-level officers to conducting training for board members and employees. Some organizational management consultants assist with strategic planning. They may collect, review and analyze information to make recommendations. In addition, they might examine a business’s productivity, turnover and employee morale – then use their findings to devise action plans and advise the organization on recommended changes.
It’s important that organizational management consultants clearly define goals and each staff member’s role in achieving them. Communicating effectively with management and staff across departments is a big part of the job.
Organizational management consultants may work independently or for private consulting firms, large private companies or government agencies. They often specialize in certain industries, such as healthcare or manufacturing, or in specific areas such as human resources.
How Do I Become an Organizational Management Consultant?
The first step to an organizational management consultant position can be a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology with a concentration in organizational psychology. Coursework typically includes an introduction to psychology, research methods in applied psychology, organizational psychology and behavior, and program development and evaluation.
Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. Eligible employees may be able to gain an entry-level job with a bachelor’s degree and use an employer’s tuition assistance program to pay for a graduate program such as a organizational leadership.
Organizational management consultants may start their own firms after gaining work experience. Employer requirements vary, but most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Are Organizational Management Consultants in Demand?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all organizational leadership and management positions are projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.*
For management analysts/consultants, employment growth is projected at 14% nationwide from 2018-2028, double the growth rate for all organizational leadership and management. Job growth will occur as industry and government increasingly rely on consultants to provide guidance on regulatory changes, wages, healthcare and litigation.**
Career Outlook and Salary
This job growth potential may also lead to salary growth potential. According to the BLS, the 2019 median annual wage for management analysts/consultants nationwide was $85,260, with salaries for the top 10% of earners exceeding $154,310.**
Organizational management consultants with experience and advanced educational qualifications should have stronger career and salary opportunities. Generally, recent bachelor’s degree program graduates will start out at the lower end of the scale and can increase their earning potential experience and advanced education. Regional market conditions and industry type are among the other factors that determine potential salary ranges.
Is an Organizational Management Consultant Role a Good Career Choice?
Organizational management consultants must be self-motivated, responsible and disciplined. They must also possess analytical, communication and time-management skills. Creativity and critical thinking are important attributes for individuals considering a career as an organizational management consultant.
Looking to advance into organizational management? Earning an MA in Organizational Leadership could be your next step!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Management Occupations. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (accessed May 1, 2020).
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Management Analysts. https://www.bls.gov/OOH/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm#tab-1 (accessed June 1, 2020).
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and degree program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research on specific employment information.
