Who should take this course?

This course is made specifically for three groups of people: 1) Graduates are recruit - learn how to "think like a consultant" and go into the industry with your eyes open. 2) Managers - learn to be an "internal consultant" in your company; be effective, network with VP, and get things done. 3) Solo entrepreneurs - learn how to launch your own consulting business. Find clients, write proposals, build a business.

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Introduction to Management Consulting

Ends tomorrow! Save on skills that make you shine with 40% off 3 months of Coursera Plus. Save now

Introduction to Management Consulting

This course is part of Management Consulting Specialization

Instructor: John Kim

Top Instructor

53,499 already enrolled

Included with

Learn more

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,592 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,592 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

What do management consultants do? What are some of the tools and skills that I can apply to my work? Why is problem solving a super-power?

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Management Consulting Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 6 modules in this course

Management consultants are paid well because they help executives to break down complex problems, make difficult decisions, and implement lasting change. Consultants know how to work smart and fast.

Companies like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, EY, PWC, KPMG, and Accenture have trained thousands of consultants on useful skills, tools, methodologies. Taught by an ex-consultant from Deloitte, John Kim will give you a quick introduction to management consulting: • What do management consultants do? • What are the benefits of a consulting career? • How can you learn these consulting skills? • Why do clients hire management consultants? • What is an example of a consulting skill? This is the first course in the specialization on management consulting.

Module details

Management consulting is an exciting industry and a wonderful career path for smart, curious, and diligent professionals. Consultants help executives to break down problems, make difficult decisions, and create change. This can super-charge your career.

What's included

5 videos2 readings1 discussion prompt

5 videosTotal 17 minutes

1.0 Introduction to Management Consulting3 minutes
1.1.1 Recent graduates and new hires3 minutes
1.1.2 Corporate managers4 minutes
1.1.3 Solo entrepreneurs4 minutes
1.2 What will you learn from this course?4 minutes

2 readingsTotal 13 minutes

Management consulting background (1926 - Today)3 minutes
Course outline for note taking10 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 4 minutes

Optional - Say hello to others4 minutes

Globally, there are 1 million+ people who describe themselves as consultants. Consulting spans all industries and all functions, but (seriously) what do these highly-paid professional exactly do?

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment

5 videosTotal 34 minutes

1.3 Consultants help executives6 minutes
1.4 Which executives hire consultants?6 minutes
1.5 Breaking down problems7 minutes
1.6.1 Help decision-makers to create change8 minutes
1.6.2 Which projects are best?7 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

10 steps for breaking down problems10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 12 minutes

What have we learned about consulting?12 minutes

Why does 14% of Harvard University's graduating class go into management consulting? Find out. . .

What's included

2 videos2 readings1 assignment

Consultants have a toolbox of skills, methodologies, and tips to help them work smart. Yes, they vary by consulting firm, industry, and professional preference. This specialization will focus on the top 30 that you definitely need to know, starting with "client interviewing" skills.

What's included

3 videos2 readings

Consulting is an apprenticeship. Yes, you can study (like this course), but you learn from experience. Think of it like learning "how to cook" under a master chef. We need to practice, listen, fail, improve, achieve, and learn. Winning.

What's included

2 videos2 readings1 assignment

Why do clients hire consultants? After all, don't clients know their business better than outsiders? Also, management consultants are not cheap; it's common for consulting projects to be $millions of dollars.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review

4 videosTotal 23 minutes

1.12 Twelve reasons clients hire consultants9 minutes
1.13 Vignette: A good consulting project8 minutes
1.14 What is problem solving? Why is it important?5 minutes
Congratulations on finishing course #12 minutes

2 readingsTotal 22 minutes

Client satisfaction = perception - expectations20 minutes
Please take 2 min and review the course2 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 12 minutes

Why do clients hire consultants?12 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 90 minutes

Your consultant journey90 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(759 ratings)

Top Instructor

John Kim

Emory University

11 Courses83,196 learners

Offered by

Emory University

Learner reviews

5 stars
86.34%
4 stars
11.46%
3 stars
1.50%
2 stars
0.31%
1 star
0.37%

Showing 3 of 1592

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2025

Thanks John for this introductory course. It truly felt like a gateway into the world of consulting, and it has motivated me to continue with you into the next module of the program.

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2023

Very engaging course! The instructor is very passionate about consulting, which makes the course even more enjoyable. I am looking forward to the rest of the courses in this specialization.

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

Expertly curated and delivered. Genuinely interesting with lots of personal anecdotes and regular recaps of key points. Designed to be relevant to all levels of experience. Brilliant course.

View more reviews