How to become a strategic consultant with an MBA

They act as a compass in a sea that often quickly shifts from calm to storm. Strategic consultants are one of the most highly valued management profiles in the job market, especially within large companies and multinational corporations. To perform this role successfully and build a solid professional career, proper training is essential—education that matches the demands of the profession. This is where the MBA comes into play… let the game begin!

What is a strategic consultant?

This is one of the most in-demand postgraduate degrees in today’s job market, both from companies seeking highly qualified profiles and from students—whether they are just starting their careers or are experienced professionals looking to advance. We are referring to the MBA, Master of Business Administration, a comprehensive program that is key to becoming a strategic consultant, a profession with a promising future.

The key reason why this is such a highly sought-after professional profile lies in the functions they perform and how these impact the evolution of a company, whether small or medium-sized businesses or large corporations. It could even be said to both types of companies: ‘bring a strategic consultant into your team’, given the great potential of the knowledge and skills these professionals possess.

Functions of a strategic consultant

Strategic consultants have several career paths. On one hand, they may work as part of a team as employees within a company. On the other, they may work as freelancers, offering their expertise to one or several companies. Both options have interesting advantages, so it depends on what suits each professional best.

However, the functions carried out by a strategic consultant remain fairly consistent in general terms. Their main responsibilities include:

• Deep understanding of the organizations they work for, including internal structure, financial data, vulnerabilities, strengths, etc.
• Identifying business weaknesses in order to propose solutions that strengthen those areas or aspects requiring improvement.
• Recognizing the company’s key strengths and potential, as well as its products or services, in order to enhance and maximize their visibility.
• Evaluating short-, medium-, and long-term strategies in alignment with the company’s business plan.
• Acting as a coordinator across departments and professionals, especially with managers responsible for each area. Teamwork is essential.
• Preparing reports and executive summaries that consolidate actions taken and results achieved, ensuring strategies are on the right track.

How to become a strategy consultant

To work in this profession, proper training is essential—having the education and skills required to meet the demands of the role. It is advisable to build a strong foundation. Since this activity is closely related to business management and strategic leadership, most professionals who pursue this career typically have a background in a Business Administration and Management degree (ADE).

As an essential additional step, a postgraduate degree helps deepen knowledge and provides real professional experience. This is where the MBA comes into play, as mentioned at the beginning of this article—a highly comprehensive master’s degree that is among the most sought-after both nationally and internationally.

In summary, to become a strategy consultant:

• Foundational studies related to business management and administration, marketing, commercial management, etc.
• A postgraduate specialization, with MBAs being one of the best options.

At EAE Business School Barcelona, several programs are available. One of the most comprehensive options related to this strategic consulting career is the Executive MBA, which is a strong guarantee for boosting professional development.

This program focuses, among other aspects, on developing essential skills for working in strategic consulting:

1. Analytical skills.
2. Communication skills.
3. Critical thinking.
4. Flexibility.
5. Teamwork.
6. Ability to manage high-stress situations.
7. Productivity.

And, of course, another key factor: absolute knowledge of the industry in which the consultant operates or works with client companies.

This provides a clear understanding of what a strategic consultant is. The MBA can be a decisive boost for those who want to pursue this career with strong future prospects and attractive working conditions and salaries.

Strategic consultant salary

Given their high demand, these professionals tend to earn above-average salaries in most cases. According to Glassdoor, strategic consultants in Spain earn a base salary of up to €53,000 per year. This depends on several factors:

1. Experience of the professional.
2. Type of contract (employee or freelancer).
3. Whether they work within a company or as an external advisor.
4. Location, since salaries vary between large cities and smaller towns.
5. Performance-based bonuses tied to achieving objectives.

These are the key elements behind a strategic consultant’s salary. As mentioned, it can reach up to €53,000 gross per year, with entry-level positions starting around €25,000 annually. Additionally, bonus compensation can range between €2,000 and €7,000 per year.