By Andrew Knutson, AssiStant Director, Employer and Alumni Relations

As an industry, consulting has continued to evolve over the last few months.

Changes with clients have led to uncertainty in the field, as certain sectors have been heavily impacted by the coronavirus and face revenue loss. 

Emerging Trends

  • Redefining the Work and the Client Relationship —  Many consulting firms find themselves needing to redefine both their work and their relationships with their clients. Part of that process is finding ways to help their clients pivot effectively during this time of change. 
  • Strategic Planning —  Now, more than ever, consultancies are being hired to help with strategic planning. Their clients need assistance in streamlining business processes, rethinking brand strategy, or reconsidering the customer experience. 
  • Digital Strategy and Delivery —  In recent months, there’s an additional emphasis on digital strategy and delivery. Since many companies have pivoted to working from home, consultancies are planning to help their clients continue to adjust virtual work and services. This can mean both evaluating current processes and technology and evaluating, adapting, or creating new ones. 

How Is This Affecting Recruitment?

Firms are planning to move forward with the 2020-2021 cycle. However, they are already adjusting for virtual engagements including interviews and info sessions at least for Summer and Fall 2020.

Applications for internships and full-time roles are anticipated to open throughout the summer (starting around July), but there may be some delays as teams finalize their recruiting initiatives.

Who Should You Connect With?

If you’re looking for suggestions of great consulting organizations to connect with, check out some of our highlighted consulting employers below:

CBPartners is a global consultancy focused on providing strategic support to pharmaceutical companies, biopharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and government health authorities. CBPartners regularly participates in CCE events including career fairs, on-campus interviews, Networking from Home virtual sessions, and industry showcases. 

Capco is a technology and business consultancy that works in the financial services sector.  Specifically, they focus on Banking & Payments, Capital Markets, Insurance, Wealth & Asset Management, and Energy Solutions.

Gemic is a global growth strategy firm with offices in Helsinki and New York. Gemic utilizes methodologies ranging from Anthropology to Political Science to help their clients translate emerging shifts into transformative new directions. 

Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. Their company combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organization transformation.

ZS Associates is a professional services firm that works side by side with companies to help develop and deliver products that drive customer value and company results. In addition to offering solutions for their diverse client list, ZS manages three proprietary products: Javelin (sales performance), REVO (integrated analytics platform), and VERSO (life sciences-focused branding and insights).

Just Can’t Get Enough?

Visit our Consulting industry page to learn more or schedule an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your next steps.