What's it like to work in consulting?

Consulting careers offer varied, challenging, and well-paid work. This work also provides exposure to different businesses and organizational issues.

While it is a demanding career path with long hours and frequent travel, it gives new graduates valuable opportunities to work on critical issues at all organizational levels. The three main types of consulting are:

  1. Management Consulting (Economics, Business,&Math)
  2. Implementation Consulting (Business, Change Management)
  3. Technology (Computer Science, Management Info Systems)

Often, implementation consulting overlaps with both management and tech consulting.

Consulting positions are in demand by students and new grads, and the recruiting process is competitive. Most Canadian opportunities are in Toronto, with fewer roles available in Calgary and Vancouver.

Skill & qualities employers look for

  • Break complex problems into components
  • Generate a creative range of solutions
  • Identify the most attractive solution through logical reasoning
  • Translate analysis into actionable recommendations
  • Relationship building & networking
  • Effectively communicate solutions
  • Critical thinking
  • Presentation skills
  • Grades/GMAT scores are important (particularly in Big 4 & MBB firms)

Working in Consulting

Check out the Working in Consulting guide on COOL to explore the differences between MBB, the "Big 4", and boutique firms, salary info & much more!

Curious if a climate-focused career is right for you?

You don’t have to be a STEM grad to have a career focused on tackling climate change. Explore the Working in Climate & Environmental Impact guide to learn about different career opportunities in this emerging sector.

How do I find jobs in Consulting?

You can find opportunities in many places, including:
  • UBC faculty leads
  • Business Career Centre staff leads
  • Self-networking

Consulting Co-op

Get paid consulting experience during your degree with the UBC Sauder Co-op Program! Complete three 4-month work terms to learn new skills, and expand your professional network. 

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Management Consulted 

Master your consulting applications and case interviewing skills with Management Consulted – a comprehensive platform to help you:  

  • Land a consulting interview  

  • Prepare for a case interview   

  • Sharpen your skills to thrive in a consulting role in any industry   

  • Build your knowledge of consulting and the industry's recruitment process 

 Sharpen your skills, build confidence and land offers at top consulting firms!  

*Please note Management Consulted also offers premium, paid services to individual clients. As a UBC Sauder student, you already have full access to practice cases, drills, industry drills, and other services. Extra services, such as individual coaching, are completely optional and would be an additional cost to you if you choose to use them. 

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(CWL login required) 

CaseCoach

Ace your case interviews with CaseCoach, an online tool job-seekers can use to help prepare for applications and case interviews in various industries.

Get access to CaseCoach's Resume and comprehensive Interview Prep Course to enhance your probability of landing an offer.

Please note: Access to CaseCoach will end on February 13, 2026. For case interview prep support and consulting career resources, check out UBC Sauder's newest resource, Management Consulted.

Learn more

Thinking about doing a Business Analytics concentration?

Read the Working in Business Analytics guide on COOL to explore different business analytics opportunities, salary info & more!


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