What are the most effective ways to develop your Consulting career in a new city?

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and challenging, especially if you are a Consultant looking to advance your career. You may face unfamiliar markets, clients, competitors, and cultures, as well as the need to build a strong network and reputation. How can you make the most of this opportunity and achieve your professional goals? Here are some tips to help you develop your Consulting career in a new city.

1 Research the local landscape

Before you relocate, do some homework on the local Consulting industry and its trends, opportunities, and challenges. Find out who are the key players, what are the most in-demand skills and services, and how competitive the market is. This will help you identify your niche, tailor your resume and portfolio, and target your potential clients and partners. You can use online platforms, industry reports, local media, and your existing contacts to gather this information.

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Vik Bahl

Partner at Korn Ferry | Value Creation via Leadership Interventions | ex-Big4 Consulting Partner | Sectors: Industrials (incl. Automotive, High-tech), Energy & Natural Resources
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Very different question but extremely important one. Note down everything that will change with the change in city - language, clients, Business cycles, sectoral focus, team composition. Then assess your current state with this projected future state to identify gaps. This gap analysis scorecard will make you fully aware of the effort it will take to reach "peak performance".

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Sourav Adhikari

Deputy General Manager, Sustainability Reporting @ Blue Planet | Sustainability Strategy
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Curate an Unforgettable Online Presence: Your LinkedIn profile is your digital Mona Lisa; ensure it captivates with a narrative of your skills, experiences, and triumphs. Establish an online sanctuary, a website that echoes your virtuosity – showcase your consulting prowess through resonant case studies and client ovations.

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Achint Atri

Lead- Technology Service Delivery at EY I Consulting I Data Analytics I Project Management I ESG I Educator I CSR Expert
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Developing your consulting career in a new city requires a strategic approach to networking, building relationships, and showcasing your expertise. Here are effective ways to navigate and advance your consulting career in a new city: 1. Conduct Market Research: Understand the Local Landscape: Research the local business environment, industry trends, and competition. Identify key players, potential clients, and consulting opportunities specific to the new city. 2. Build a Local Network: Attend Networking Events: Attend industry events, conferences, and local business meet-ups. Networking provides opportunities to connect with professionals, potential clients, and other consultants in the area.

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2 Join relevant communities

One of the best ways to grow your Consulting career in a new city is to join and participate in relevant communities, both online and offline. These can include professional associations, industry events, meetups, workshops, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and social media groups. By engaging with these communities, you can learn from other Consultants, showcase your expertise, expand your network, and discover new opportunities. You can also contribute to the local Consulting scene by sharing your insights, feedback, and referrals.

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3 Seek mentorship and feedback

Another effective way to develop your Consulting career in a new city is to seek mentorship and feedback from more experienced and successful Consultants in your field. A mentor can offer you guidance, support, advice, and access to valuable resources and contacts. You can find a mentor through your existing network, your employer, or your professional association. You can also ask for feedback from your clients, peers, and supervisors on your performance, strengths, and areas for improvement.

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4 Embrace diversity and culture

Moving to a new city can expose you to a diverse and rich culture that can enhance your Consulting career. You can learn from different perspectives, approaches, and practices that can broaden your horizons and inspire you to innovate and adapt. You can also build rapport and trust with your clients and colleagues by showing respect and curiosity for their culture, values, and customs. You can do this by learning the local language, etiquette, and norms, as well as by exploring the city's history, art, and cuisine.

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Matthias Schirrmacher

Change & Transformation Manager | Coach | Organizational Development | Merck Internal Coach Pool (Co-Founder)
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In my experience, moving towards a new ecosystem while trying to implement your own new business model comes with high risks, unnecessary complexity and, therefore has a low probability for success. An excellent baker or carpenter can even move to a different country and might be successful whereas a marketing specialist should not start as a carpenter in a new country. Sometime, one step at a time is sufficient and appropriate to be successful.

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5 Invest in your skills and knowledge

Finally, one of the most effective ways to develop your Consulting career in a new city is to invest in your skills and knowledge. You can do this by pursuing further education, certification, or training that can enhance your credentials and competencies. You can also keep up with the latest trends, developments, and best practices in your field by reading books, articles, newsletters, and case studies. By investing in your skills and knowledge, you can demonstrate your value, credibility, and professionalism to your clients and employers.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective ways to develop your Consulting career in a new city?

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2

3

4

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1 Research the local landscape

2 Join relevant communities

3 Seek mentorship and feedback

4 Embrace diversity and culture

5 Invest in your skills and knowledge

6 Here’s what else to consider

Consulting

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What are the most effective ways to develop your Consulting career in a new city?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Research the local landscape

2 Join relevant communities

3 Seek mentorship and feedback

4 Embrace diversity and culture

5 Invest in your skills and knowledge

6 Here’s what else to consider

Consulting

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