Consulting Graduate Schemes

What is a consulting graduate scheme?

A graduate scheme is a structured programme for university graduates that usually lasts between two and three years, where you’ll develop your consulting skills through training, mentoring and a whole load of work experience.

You’ll work on actual client projects from day one. Most schemes rotate you through different areas of consulting, so you can get a feel for each one and find what works for you. Some schemes will let you pick an area right away (great if you already know which one you want).

During your grad scheme, you’ll build a whole host of skills. These include:

• Strategic thinking

• Problem solving

• Client management

• Business understanding

• Commercial awareness.

What types of consulting schemes can you do?

Consulting is huge, and you can work in absolutely any industry that you’re interested in, whether it’s fashion, business or technology. Here are some of the different types of consulting graduate schemes you’ll find:

• Management Consulting. You’ll help businesses improve their overall performance and strategy

• Actuarial Consulting. You’ll use maths and statistics to help organisations manage financial risk, typically around pensions and insurance

• Financial Consulting. You’ll focus on deals, valuations and restructuring

• Sustainability Consulting. You’ll help organisations meet environmental and social goals through carbon reduction and ESG strategies

• Risk & Compliance Consulting You’ll advise businesses on managing business risks and meeting regulatory requirements.

What are the five c’s of consulting?

As a consultant, you’ll come across the five c’s. These are essential qualities that’ll help you solve problems and deliver results for your clients.

Can you become a chartered management consultant?

Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) is the highest professional status in management consulting. It's a great way of showing clients you meet industry standards.

You need at least four years of experience to apply, but many graduate schemes will support you in working towards it later in your career.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to work at CGI? Here’s what one graduate thought about their time there as a junior business consultant:

Overall, my experience at CGI has been both professionally rewarding and intellectually stimulating. The environment encourages ownership, innovation, and collaboration, which has helped me grow not only in technical competence but also in business awareness and stakeholder management. I’ve had the chance to work on impactful projects and be part of a team that values continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving. Junior Business Consultant, CGI

Who can actually apply?

Here's what most consultancy firms are looking for in their graduates:

• Graduated within the last 2-3 years (age doesn't matter, either)

• Any degree subject is accepted for most roles (technical consulting may prefer STEM subjects)

• 2:1 or equivalent (or predicted if you haven’t graduated yet).

You can apply after graduating. You don't have to be in your final year. If you graduated a year or two ago and want to move into consulting, graduate schemes are still open to you.

The main thing firms look for? People who can solve problems, work well in teams and learn quickly. If you've got that, you’re already on the way.

How much do you get paid?

Your salary depends on your employer and where you’re based, but as a consulting graduate, you can expect to earn anywhere between £24,000 and £30,000 per year. 

Outside of your salary, most firms offer bonuses, pension contributions, private healthcare, gym memberships and will pay for professional qualifications.

The more experience you gain in your career, the more your salary increases. In fact, salaries can reach as much as £100,000+ per year.

How competitive are consulting graduate schemes?

Consultancy jobs are super competitive in general, with the Big Four getting thousands of applications for their graduate schemes. But that shouldn’t put you off getting your dream consultancy job.

Here’s how you can set yourself apart from other candidates:

Get work experience before you graduate 

Many consultancy firms offer placements, internships and insight days. They’re great as they give you all the skills and experience you need before you finish university. Employers often look within their student pools and reach out to students who’ve recently worked for them.

Create a LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking opportunities, finding out about the latest vacancies, and just getting to know the industry. If you don’t have an account yet or aren’t using it regularly, it’s time to get on it. Read our guide to creating the ultimate LinkedIn profile.

Level-up your skillset

Some schemes might take on students from certain degree backgrounds, but loads of employers employ students from all sorts of degrees. However, you need to make sure that your analytical skills are top-tier. Taking free online courses in data analytics is a great starting point.

How to apply for consulting graduate schemes

Applications open in September and close between November and January. The most popular schemes fill up quickly, so it’s worth getting your application in as soon as possible. 

You’ll start with an online application where you’ll attach your graduate CV and cover letter.

PRO TIP: Tailor every application to every firm you apply for. Recruiters will spot generic applications, which will get rejected fast. Research what makes each one different and explain why you want to work there.

If your application impresses, you’ll be invited to an assessment centre where you’ll take part in group tasks, complete tests (which could include case interviews where you solve business problems out loud), and have your final interview.

Need a little application inspo? We’ve got you covered. Check out our FREE application toolkit. It’s got everything you need, including CV and cover letter prep, how to ace psychometric tests and more.