Q. Do I have to work for a big consultancy to be a consultant on my own later?

Q. Do I have to work for a big consultancy to be a consultant on my own later?

A. Not at all. There are no rules for what you have to know, do or be to become a consultant. In fact some of the “issues” that people in general have about consultants arise from this fact.

It’s essential to have some expertise, but you don’t have to have worked for a consultancy to be a consultant. In fact sometimes it’s useful to bring your own ethics, customer service paradigm and professionalism, rather than trying to imitate another consulting firm’s way of doing business.

Having worked for a consultancy can help, on the other hand, because it exposes you to managing projects and billing clients. It also gives you a network of colleagues and a clearer idea of what you can charge clients.

So it’s useful but not essential to have worked for a big consulting firm before striking out as an independent consultant.