Three Occupations in the Federal Consulting Services Arena - Part I

Choosing an industry in which to work is often as important as choosing an occupation. And over the next several years, the best advice for some workers may be to choose an industry that sells advice: consulting.

The management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry comprises businesses that offer specialized advice to other businesses. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this industry is expected to grow by 83 percent—representing a gain of more than 800,000 jobs—over the 2008–18 decade. This represents both the fastest projected rate of growth and the largest expected job gain of all detailed industries. And even during the recent recession, this industry has proven resilient, recovering nearly all of the jobs it lost in the downturn.
This three-part blog highlights three occupations in the consulting services industry: management analyst, market research analyst, and environmental scientist and specialist. Keep reading to learn more about these workers. The occupational profiles describe what they do, how much they earn, and how they prepare for the work. You'll also find sources of additional information at the end of the article.

Three occupations in consulting services

Workers in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry provide advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations. Some offer advice about general business management on topics such as finances, personnel, marketing, distribution, and other business operations. Others provide advice about environmental, scientific, and technical issues.
For each occupation, the median wage was higher than the $33,190 median for all occupations in May 2009. Strong job growth is expected to continue as businesses seek advice about planning and logistics, implementing new technologies, and complying with regulations on workplace safety and the environment. Other trends, such as continued globalization and increased security, are also expected to spur demand for workers in this industry.

Management analysts

Organizations seek the advice of management analysts to develop ways to enter and stay competitive in the marketplace. These workers, often called management consultants, analyze an organization's structure, efficiency, or profits and then suggest improvements.

With most assignments, management analysts first define the type and scope of the project being evaluated. For the permanent shutdown of a hospital, for example, management analysts might be consulted about the most efficient way to shift patients and equipment to a new facility. During this phase,analysts observe business operations and interview managers and employees. They also analyze relevant information, including data on revenues, expenditures, or employment.
Next, analysts develop ideas based on their review and try to solve existing or potential problems. Problem-solving can take many forms. For example, to determine how low inventory affects product delivery times, an analyst might build and solve mathematical models. The solutions often take into account the nature of the client's organization and its relationship with others in the industry.

After they have identified solutions, consultants report their findings and make suggestions to the organization. Their suggestions usually are submitted in writing, but oral presentations are also common. For some projects, management analysts may be asked to help implement their suggestions.
Some management analysts work on a team; others operate independently. Workers might specialize in certain business functions— such as mergers and acquisitions—or in a particular industry, such as financial services.

Employment, outlook, and wages. BLS data show that there were about 552,770 management analysts overall in May 2009. About 144,920, or 26 percent, of them worked in the management, scientific, and technical consulting industry.

In addition to working in management, scientific, and technical consulting firms, management analysts also worked for computer systems design and related services firms; Federal, State, and local governments; and in management of companies and enterprises. Management analysts worked throughout the country, but employment was concentrated in large metropolitan areas.

BLS projects that, over the 2008–18 decade, employment of management analysts Occupation Employment Median annual wage Management analysts Across industries 552,770 $75,250 Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 144,920 82,100 Market research analysts Across industries 226,410 61,580 Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 24,870 56,850 Environmental scientists and specialists, including health Across industries 83,530 61,010 Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 17,250 61,880 Employment and wages of selected occupations in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, May 2009 will grow 24 percent, much faster than the 10-percent average for all occupations. Despite this projected rapid growth, keen competition is expected because of the independent and challenging nature of the work and the occupation's high earnings potential.

Wages for management analysts vary widely by workers' geographic location, level of education, and other factors. Generally, management analysts employed in large firms or in metropolitan areas earn the most money. The median annual wage of management analysts in management, scientific, and technical consulting services was $82,100 in May 2009, according to BLS. The lowest earning 10 percent in this industry made $38,100 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $166,400 or more.

Skills and training. Management analysts in consulting services work with minimal supervision, so they need to be self-motivated and disciplined. Creativity is a desirable quality for management analysts, who also need good analytical, communication, and time-management skills. As consulting teams become more common, the ability to work well with a wide range of people also becomes more important.

Educational requirements for entry-level jobs vary. Many employers seek individuals who have a master's degree in business administration or a related discipline. Some employers also require additional experience in the field in which the analyst plans to consult. Other firms hire analysts who have a bachelor's degree to work as research analysts or associates, promoting them after several years to work as consultants.

Few colleges and universities offer formal programs in management consulting. However, many disciplines are suitable because of the diverse fields that management analysts encounter in their work. Among the common fields of study are business, management, marketing, economics, and engineering. Most analysts also have experience in management, information technology, or other specialties.