A principal consultant is responsible for leading a team of consultants when executing a client's project. Very often, principal consultants will have some administrative and managerial duties, such as scheduling the project, creating progress reports, ensuring that the team of consultants is following all company policies, guidelines and best practices, as well as providing oversight of daily tasks during the entire life cycle of the project.
Skillset: A principal consultant will need to have technical skills that are relevant to their firm's specialty. For example, principal IT consultants will need to have knowledge and skills associated with the information technology sector. As the principal consultant will lead a team, they need to have good managerial and human resources skills as well.
Education: A bachelor's degree in a field that is related to the consulting firm's main sector of activity is usually required. Studies in business management, as well as project management certification are strong assets for those who wish to become principal consultants.
Career Path: Principal consultants often start out their careers as consultants who have been promoted to a leadership position due to their experience, job performance and demonstrated leadership ability. Pursue a bachelor's degree in a field related to the type of consulting work you want to do, gain some consulting plus project management or general business management experience.
Update your browser to have a more positive job search experience.
Upgrade My Browser