Life After Consulting: Exploring the Path Ahead
If you're a consultant wondering what's next in your career, this article is for you. Time to explore the top consulting exit opportunities, from corporate strategy, private equity, tech, to finance!
Posted April 2, 2025
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Are you leaving the consulting world? That is a big decision. Many management consultants eventually look for roles that offer better work-life balance, more stability, or new challenges. The consulting experience is not always a green pasture. But here’s the silver lining: consulting provides a strong foundation, making former consultants highly sought after in various industries.
This guide covers five common consulting exit opportunities, their pros and cons, and tips on choosing the best path for your career.
Why Do People Exit Consulting?
Many consultants quit after a few years for different reasons. The most common ones include:
- Long Hours and Burnout – Top consulting firms are known for their demanding schedules. Constant travel and high-pressure deadlines lead many to seek better work-life balance.
- Desire for Ownership – Consulting involves solving problems for clients, but some professionals want to own and execute strategies rather than just advise.
- Industry Specialization – Many former consultants transition into specific industries like tech, finance, or healthcare, where they can apply their expertise in a focused way.
- Entrepreneurial Goals – Some ex-consultants leave to start their own businesses, leveraging their experience in problem-solving and business strategy.
- Stability and Long-Term Growth – Unlike consulting, where projects change frequently, corporate roles offer long-term stability and deeper involvement in a single company’s success.
1. Corporate Strategy & Internal Consulting
Many management consultants transition into corporate strategy, where they work on long-term planning and business transformation within a single organization.
Common Job Titles:
- Corporate Strategy Manager
- Internal Consultant
- Chief of Staff
- Business Transformation Lead
Pros of Corporate Strategy
- Better work-life balance compared to consulting firms.
- Exposure to high-level decision-making in a stable environment.
- Opportunities for executive leadership as professionals move up the corporate ladder.
Cons of Corporate Strategy
- Less variety compared to the fast-paced consulting world.
- Slower career progression in some companies.
- Internal politics can impact project execution and promotions.
2. Private Equity & Venture Capital
Many former consultants move into private equity firms and venture capital, where they analyze investments, optimize operations in portfolio companies, and support growth strategies.
Common Job Titles:
- Investment Associate (Private Equity)
- Venture Capital Associate
- Operating Partner (in a PE or VC-backed company)
Pros of Private Equity & VC
- High earning potential, including bonuses and equity.
- Exposure to multiple industries through investment opportunities.
- Hands-on involvement in business growth rather than just advising.
Cons of Private Equity & VC
- Long hours and demanding deal cycles.
- Highly competitive industry with a steep learning curve.
- Market fluctuations can impact job security and success.
3. Product Management & Tech Leadership
Some ex-consultants transition into tech leadership or product management, working on digital products, growth strategies, and innovation.
Common Job Titles:
- Product Manager
- Head of Strategy (Tech Company)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO) at a Startup
Pros of Product Management & Tech
- Creative problem-solving with a mix of strategy and execution.
- Rapid career growth in fast-moving industries.
- Less travel and better work-life balance compared to consulting.
Cons of Product Management & Tech
- Need to learn technical skills like software development or UX design.
- High-pressure environment in fast-scaling tech startups.
- Job stability can vary, especially in early-stage companies.
4. Entrepreneurship & Startups
Some consultants quit to start their own businesses or take leadership roles in startups.
Common Job Titles:
- Founder / CEO
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Head of Growth / Strategy
Pros of Entrepreneurship & Startups
- Full control over business decisions and strategy.
- Potential for high financial rewards if the business succeeds.
- Exciting and dynamic environment, often with high personal fulfillment.
Cons of Entrepreneurship & Startups
- High risk – many startups fail within the first few years.
- Financial instability, especially in the early stages.
- Heavy workload with no guaranteed success.
5. Investment Banking & Finance
Some former consultants transition into roles in investment banking, asset management, and hedge funds, where they leverage their analytical and financial skills.
Common Job Titles:
- Investment Banking Associate
- Equity Research Analyst
- Corporate Finance Manager
Pros of Investment Banking & Finance
- Lucrative salary and bonus structure.
- Prestigious career path with strong networking opportunities.
- Opportunities to transition into hedge funds and asset management.
Cons of Investment Banking & Finance
- Intense work environment, similar to top consulting firms.
- High stress and long hours with limited work-life balance.
- Industry volatility – market downturns can impact job stability.
Are Consultants More Successful After They Quit?
Consultants do really well in their careers even after they leave management consulting. This happens for three big reasons: strong skills, a good reputation, and a powerful network.
- Consultants work on many different projects in different industries. This helps them build important skills like leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. These skills are useful in almost any job, whether they go into business, finance, tech, or even start their own companies.
- Top consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG (MBB), and the Big 4 (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) are hard to get into. These companies only hire a small percentage of applicants, which means that getting a job there proves you are smart, hardworking, and great at business. Even smaller boutique consulting firms help build a strong reputation by offering deep expertise in specialized areas. And finally,
- Consultants build a huge network while working with executives and business leaders. This helps them find new job opportunities, business partners, and leadership roles after they leave consulting. Because of their skills, reputation, and connections, many former consultants move into top positions in finance, corporate strategy, tech, and entrepreneurship -- and do really well.
Read: MBB vs. Big 4 Consulting Firms: What's the Difference?
Top Consulting Firms for Exit Opportunities
Not all consulting firms offer the same exit opportunities. Here are some of the best consulting firms that set professionals up for success in other industries:
1. McKinsey & Company
Known for producing many former McKinsey consultants who become CEOs, startup founders, or private equity professionals.
2. Bain & Company
A strong reputation in private equity, making Bain & Company alumni highly sought after by private equity firms.
3. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
BCG alumni often move into corporate strategy, tech, and asset management.
4. Deloitte & PwC (Strategy & Analytics Divisions)
These firms provide a strong foundation for corporate strategy, finance, and entrepreneurship.
5. Oliver Wyman & Roland Berger
Great for transitioning into business development, financial services, and tech leadership.
Consultants from top consulting firms have an easier time securing competitive roles due to strong training, brand recognition, and extensive alumni networks.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Consulting Exit Path for You?
There’s no single “best” exit path. Your ideal career move depends on your skills, goals, and interests. Many former consultants excel in corporate strategy, private equity, hedge funds, product management, entrepreneurship, and finance.
Think about what excites you. Do you want to build a company, manage investments, or shape business strategy? Your consulting background gives you the flexibility to choose. Take time to evaluate your options and make a move that aligns with your long-term career vision.
FAQs
Why do consultants leave consulting?
- Many consultants leave consulting due to long hours, frequent travel, and high-pressure work environments. While a consulting career provides excellent training and exposure to diverse industries, some professionals seek better work-life balance, industry specialization, or leadership roles with more ownership.
Do consultants have good exit opportunities?
- Yes, consultants have some of the best exit opportunities across industries. The skills developed in consulting (problem-solving, data analysis, leadership, and communication) are highly valued in corporate strategy, finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.
What are the exit options after consulting?
- The most common consulting exit options include corporate strategy, private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, product management, entrepreneurship, investment banking, and finance. Some consultants also move into freelance consulting or government roles.
What jobs can you transition out of consulting?
- Consultants transition into a wide range of roles depending on their interests. Some become corporate strategy managers, investment associates, startup founders, product managers, or business transformation leaders. Others move into asset management, business development, or executive leadership roles.
What can you do after consulting?
- After consulting, professionals can move into corporate leadership, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, or specialized industry roles. Many former consultants join private equity firms, tech startups, or large corporations to apply their strategic and problem-solving skills.
What do people typically do after consulting?
- Many ex-consultants move into strategy, finance, or executive leadership roles. Others pivot to entrepreneurship, freelance consulting, or tech leadership. The decision often depends on career goals, risk tolerance, and industry interests.
What is the next role after consultant?
- The next role after consulting varies by industry. Many move into corporate strategy, private equity, hedge funds, or product management. Others take on business development, leadership, or operational roles in established companies or startups.
How do I move out of consulting?
- To transition out of consulting, start by identifying industries that interest you. Leverage your consulting background to highlight your strategic and problem-solving skills. Networking with former consultants, refining your resume for non-consulting roles, and gaining relevant industry experience (e.g., finance, tech, operations) can help make the move easier.
Where to pivot from consulting?
- Consultants can pivot into corporate strategy, venture capital, private equity, investment banking, product management, and entrepreneurship. The best career paths depend on personal interests and strengths. Former McKinsey consultants and those from top consulting firms often move into high-level strategy, finance, or executive positions.
