1. Creating a Competitive Advantage

2. Why do companies hire consultants?
Questions
Why do companies hire consultants?
What is it like to be in consulting?
What does it take to be a consultant?
How to determine a career fit?

3. Why do Companies Hire Consultants?
Represent a non-political, unbiased vision
Bridge gaps between internal departments/divisions
Have specific business/technology expertise
Leverage many different experiences
Can understand specific business problems and can provide/facilitate solutions to solve.

4. What is it like to be in consulting?
Fast Paced
Work evolves around clients and providing value
Do what it takes to get the job done
Travel
Variety
Latest Technology
Typically more responsibility early in career
Each type of consulting company has its own traits that you need to match to your lifestyle

5. What does it take to be a consultant?
Enjoys learning new technologies and industries.
Passion for helping people.
Enjoys leadership responsibilities.
Concern for the quality and the results.

6. How to determine a career fit?
Start with understanding your goals
Then understand the career and company
Continuing education
Career planning
Mentoring
Project size and length
Typical team makeup
What will you really be doing?
Finally, determine the best fit for you.
MLH - What will it take to be successful?
Ability to change
Reinvent yourself
Willingness to constantly improve
Set yourself apart
Intellectual curiosity
Continuous learning
Self-motivation
Seek to maximize your contribution
Ability to be a team player/facilitator
Work in harmony with others
Enjoy seeing other people succeed
High tech -- high touch
Keep commitments despite obstacles
Trust and commitment

7. Creating a Competitive Advantage