Q: What if I don't want a consulting job?

That's perfectly fine. These are general skills that are useful in any industry or any function (IT, manufacturing, sales, marketing).

Question 1

How long does it take to complete the Specialization?

Accepted Answer

This specialization is meant to give you a thorough understanding of the consulting business, key frameworks and methodologies. It will give you the foundation for a great career in consulting. There are approximately 20 hours of videos and numerous readings.

However, don't think of this like a race. We want you to become a better business executive and that takes some thinking and reflection.

Question 2

What background knowledge is necessary?

Accepted Answer

Curiosity.  Do you want to think, act, talk more like a management consultant?  Consulting firms only hire the smartest and motivated people because the work is difficult. You need to be a "quick study" and love learning. If you love learning, you have what you need.

Question 3

Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend that you watch the first two in order. 
#1 - Introduction to management consulting - this covers the basics. This explains the WHY of consulting.
#2 - Getting a consulting job - this explains why the recruiting process is so difficult and what firms are looking for
The other 3 courses can be taken in any order. . . but we did sequence them #3 (problems solving)  #4 (tools) #5 (storytelling) for a reason.

Question 4

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

Accepted Answer

No.  This specialization is really focused on professional who want to learn the consulting practices. We don&#x27;t spend too much time on theory. Instead, we want you to learn super-practical tools that help you to do BETTER work, FASTER, with LESS EFFORT.

Question 5

What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

Accepted Answer

You will be able to break-down problems into buckets.  You will learn how to research new topics, new industries, and business problems faster. You will know what management consulting firms are looking for. You will be able to structure a simple process-improvement project. You will be able to conduct client interviews. You will create more effective surveys and benchmarking.   You will be starting on the road to being a management consultant.

Question 6

How can I learn more about management consulting?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot to learn about management consulting.  A few tips could include: 1) do informational interviews with current consultants 2) do consulting-type work (within your company, or for a client) 3) stay in touch with the instructor, John Kim, at www.ConsultantsMind.com

Question 7

What if I don&#x27;t want a consulting job?

Accepted Answer

That&#x27;s perfectly fine. These are general skills that are useful in any industry or any function (IT, manufacturing, sales, marketing).

Question 8

Isn&#x27;t IT consulting different from management consulting?

Accepted Answer

There are dozens of different kinds of consulting. It can vary by industry, by function, by size of firm.  However, the core skills apply across all types of consulting: a) getting smart quickly on a topic b) breaking problems down into buckets c) scoping projects well d) working well with paying clients e) organizing teams to do quality work, cheaply f) developing recommendations g) persuading clients to take action

Question 9

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

Accepted Answer

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Question 10

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Accepted Answer

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Question 11

Is financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Question 12

Can I take the course for free?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.