Employment for management consultants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Industry and government agencies are expected to rely more and more on the expertise of these professionals to improve and streamline the performance of their organizations. Many job openings will result from the need to replace consultants who transfer to other fields or leave the labor force.

Competition for management consulting jobs will be strong. Employers can choose from a large pool of applicants who have a wide variety of educational backgrounds and experience. The challenging nature of this job, coupled with high salary potential, attracts many. A graduate degree, experience and expertise in the industry, as well as a knack for public relations, are needed to stay competitive.

Trends that have increased the growth of employment in this field include advancements in information technology and e-commerce, the growth of international business, and fluctuations in the economy that have forced businesses to streamline and downsize.

The DOL predicts that opportunities will be best at very large consulting firms that have expertise in international business and in smaller firms that focus on providing consulting services in specific areas such as biotechnology, engineering, information technology, health care, marketing, and human resources. Employment for management analysts and consultants who specialize in "green" consulting services that help companies improve energy efficiency and implement "green" initiatives will also be strong.

While strong overall, the employment outlook for management consultants varies by industry. Employment growth is expected to be much faster than the average for management consultants in the following industries:

colleges, universities, and professional schools-private
computer systems design and related services
educational support services
home health care services
management, scientific, and technical consulting services
nursing and residential care facilities
social-assistance organizations
software publishers

Employment for management consultants is expected to decline in the following industries:

air transportation
apparel manufacturing
chemical manufacturing
computer and electronic product manufacturing
federal government
newspaper and book publishers
postal service
utilities

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