What degree do I need to become a management consultant?

There's no single required degree for this career. A Bachelor of Business is the most common route, but qualifications ranging from Bachelor of Banking, Finance and Technology through to postgraduate options like a Master of Business or Master of Management can all lead here. What matters more than the degree name is building strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Which major suits future consultants best?

Economics , Finance , and Strategic Management are all popular choices at Waikato, and adding a Business Analytics minor builds valuable data skills on top. The right combination depends on which part of the industry appeals to you, whether that's financial modelling, strategy work, or data-driven advisory.

I already have a degree. Can I move into management consulting faster?

Yes. Depending on your background, a postgraduate qualification can build on your existing degree. Options include the Master of Business , Master of Management , Master of Digital Business and the MBA , which suits people with work experience.

How long does it take to become a management consultant?

A Bachelor of Business takes three years of full-time study. Most graduates then build consulting experience on the job. Many go on to a postgraduate qualification later in their career, such as a Master of Business or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Can a communications background lead to management consulting?

Yes. A Bachelor of Communication builds strong strategic thinking and client-facing communication skills, valuable for consultants who work closely with organisations to understand and solve business problems.

Management consultant career

Kaitohutohu whakahaere

Management consultants work with organisations to solve problems and recommend improvements to strengthen business performance.

$57,000 – $200,000 per year

Business consultant, business analyst, business adviser, business development adviser, business development consultant, management adviser, performance adviser

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Management consultant?

Management consultants

usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
usually work in offices and may travel locally to visit clients
need to be organised, identify and solve problems and communicate well

Tasks

advise organisations about improving business performance
analyse business and financial information
research and write reports on businesses
review jobs by watching and asking questions
collect information on business performance
plan training for staff and managers
train staff in compliance processes
discuss business plans and policies
help teams to work together
develop business or financial data systems

How can you become a Management consultant?

You usually need experience and a qualification to become a management consultant.

You may need

experience in similar work
a bachelor's degree in management and business studies, law or similar area
a Master of Business Administration or similar
to be certified by the Institute of Management Consultants New Zealand

If you're in school

You usually need University Entrance to do the study or training for this job.

A Bachelor of Business is the most common starting point. Choose a major in Economics, Finance or Strategic Management, and add a Business Analytics minor to build your data skills. Like all our undergraduate degrees, it includes work-integrated learning.

Most people build industry experience or complete a postgraduate qualification before moving into consulting. Your options include our Master of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Digital Business and Master of Management.

BBus

Where these qualifications can take you

Management consultants work with organisations to analyse challenges, improve efficiency, develop strategies, manage change and support growth. Employers value strong problem-solving, communication, leadership and analytical skills in this field.

Career opportunities include:

Business analyst
Strategy consultant
Operations manager
Project manager
Change management adviser
Principal consultant
Corporate adviser

Management consultant FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying business and management at Waikato. Use the scholarship finder to search current opportunities by subject area and level of study.

QS rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

QS Ranking - Business & Management Studies

Waikato is ranked among the top 350 universities worldwide for Business & Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings.

Waikato Management School Accreditations

Waikato Management School holds Triple Crown accreditation, the highest recognition available in business education. We are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Only around 1% of business schools worldwide have met the rigorous standards of all three bodies.

AACSB accredited

Recognises Waikato Business School’s faculty expertise, research quality, and commitment to high academic standards.

Learn more

AMBA accredited

Recognises the quality of Waikato Management School’s MBA and Master’s programmes, including cohort experience, curriculum, and career outcomes.

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EQUIS accredited

Recognises Waikato Management School’s international reach, industry engagement, and commitment to diversity.

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Student Centre

0800 WAIKATO

07 838 4176

info@waikato.ac.nz

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International Enquiries

Monday – Friday NZT 1pm – 2am

+64 7788 0688

info@international.waikato.ac.nz

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Management Student Centre

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

MSB.1.50, Waikato Management School, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton

+64 7 838 4303

msc@waikato.ac.nz

Management Student Centre (MSC)

Management consultant career