By: Kevin Hillman, Urban Education Studies PhD Candidate, Founder & Owner of P.A.S.S. Consulting, LLC
As a current consultant, I often reflect on the seamless link between academia and consulting. Consulting, a profession revered for its challenging yet rewarding nature, aligns closely with the rigorous and analytical journey of graduate studies. However, I did not always see the connection or believe that I had the skill to launch and maintain a successful consulting business. Throughout this blog, I intend to share with you some of my motivations for choosing consulting, present challenges, and how my graduate school experience laid a foundation for my current success.
Motivations in Consulting
My journey into consulting was driven by two core desires: to apply my problem-solving skills to a diverse array of industries and issues and to engage with the community in a more meaningful way. For context, I have spent most of my adult years working in several areas of the public sector. Though I worked in areas such as education, government, and non-profit, I never once had a role that allowed me to use the majority if not all my skill set. Often, this gave way to friction between me and the confines of the role, leaving me with the desire to impact the community differently. This desire for a different type of impact was strengthened while in graduate school. During coursework, I found that I was captivated by the intricate challenges and complexities in my field of study and how those directly linked to current and past social problems facing our overall society. Consulting offered just that – a platform where each project brought a new puzzle, demanding a unique blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and the freedom to bring my whole self and all my skills to my work.
Moreover, the impact of consulting resonated with my desire to influence real-world outcomes. Whether it’s driving organizational change, shaping strategic decisions, or improving operational efficiencies, the tangible results of my work as a consultant are both immediate and significant. This aligns well with the goal-oriented mindset cultivated during my graduate studies.
A Grad Student’s Perspective
For graduate students contemplating their future paths, consulting emerges as a career that not only values but thrives on the skills developed in graduate programs. The critical thinking, research capabilities, and specialized knowledge developed in graduate school are assets in the consulting world. These skills enable consultants to approach problems with a depth of understanding and analytical rigor that clients value immensely.
Consulting also offers a dynamic and ever-evolving career path. Just as in graduate school, where learning and growth are constant, consulting demands continuous adaptation and learning. This allows for the opportunity to make a sustainable career choice for those who relish intellectual growth and variety.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
The transition from academia to consulting isn’t without its challenges. The pace and client-driven nature of consulting were very different from working for an organization as an internal employee and as a doctoral student. In graduate school, projects often span months or years, while consulting projects might require solutions in a matter of weeks or even days. Adapting to this fast-paced environment required a significant shift in my approach to work and time management.
Another challenge was learning the art of client communication. Unlike the academic focus on detail and depth, consulting requires the ability to convey complex ideas succinctly and compellingly. This skill was honed over time, through experience and feedback.
Future Goals and the Foundation of Graduate School
Looking ahead, my goals in consulting are to further specialize in my field, lead larger projects, and create employment opportunities for new consultants. Graduate school played a pivotal role in preparing me for this journey. It taught me not just the technical skills, but also the resilience, patience, and dedication needed to excel in a demanding and fast-paced environment like consulting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for graduate students eyeing a future in consulting, know that your time in academia is a powerful preparation for this career. The skills, mindset, and endurance you develop can set you up for success in a field that is as challenging as it is rewarding. As someone who made this transition, I can attest to the fulfillment and growth it brings, both professionally and personally. Consulting, much like graduate school, is not just a job – it’s a journey of continuous learning and impact.
Learn more on how to be a consultant here