Lest you think consultant careers are hurting because of the economic downturn, think again. Because investment banking, as one example, has taken such a big hit, those with MBA degrees are talking about going back to consulting jobs instead of working in other more traditional sectors.

There are some trends with consultant careers, though, and this article will give an overview of those trends.

Back to basics

Although recent trends have been that a consultant job has been centered on trends, it's ''back to business'' on a more basic level these days. That is, building businesses from the ground up, making sure businesses are profitable and have as much potential for growth as possible, and on defining customers and analyzing competitive dynamics.

Smaller firms often beat out bigger firms

There's also an explosion of smaller firms or businesses in favor of larger and less agile firms, when it comes to consulting jobs. These days, small firms can navigate the marketplace as or more easily than their larger competitors, because the technology is available to make smaller firms just as ''on the ball'' as larger ones that used to have more resources. That is, relevant data sets and better electronic tools give smaller firms the same competitive edge as the larger firms, without the disadvantage of the bureaucratic ''grind'' that can be found in larger firms. This can be very attractive to those looking for consultant job opportunities.

Autonomy in smaller firms is generally much more valued and present for those looking for consultant job, too, versus a larger firm's way of doing business.

Technology makes things more efficient

Sales force automation, for example, is becoming increasingly important as a way for consulting firms to make things much more efficient and effective in terms of marketing. Content management systems, e-mail systems, and support databases that are easily accessible, as well as integrated wireless PDAs, make things much easier for those in sales as compared to previous years.

Foreign business

As developing countries jump on board in an ever-expanding global market, consulting jobs, too, are going global. That means, although consulting has actually slowed in the US, it's becoming in greater demand across the globe. Speaking two or more languages fluently can give those looking to establish consultant careers a significant leg up over competitors. In addition, changing your own focus from simply developing one economic framework (namely, the US') to working in those of developing economies will also give you an advantage. As part of your educational background, development economics, international finance and trade should also be focused on because of this.

Client firms participate, too

These days, consulting jobs just don't have the consulting firm recommending changes to the client. Instead, members of clients' management teams are an integral part of the process and part of the consulting team itself, so that recommendation implementation and new idea strategies go much more smoothly.

Reputation and referrals count

Even for those who begin consultant careers at one firm, almost every job is gotten via referral. That means, you perform all at one company and get recruited by another -- and so on. In other words, good performance leads to business, which leads to more business. Therefore, a ''take charge attitude'' and continuing enthusiasm and excitement for what you do will draw people to you, which will in turn keep you employed.

''No'' to self-employment, at least for now

Finally, self-employment is tough with the economy as it is right now. Because so much is focused on making shifts in the way consulting firms are doing business, it's quite easy to find consulting jobs with firms right now and maybe an easier and better way to go than becoming self-employed. If you do want more autonomy, perhaps going with a smaller firm, as discussed, is preferable to hanging out your own shingle at least for the present.

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