Shashank Shastri
68,000 new project management jobs become available each year in the US, and the number continues growing. If you are thinking about starting a new job or if your company is looking for outside help, knowing the work of a project management consultant will help you a lot. I have years of experience in this work, and I will explain to you all the details: the work, the skills, the wage, and how to develop this career from the very beginning.
Project Management Consultant: Career and Services Guide
Whether you are starting fresh or you are a veteran PM looking at the consulting track, one qualification will always be your ticket in. Techademy's PMP certification training is the gold standard, and it builds both your technical and consulting skills from day one.
What Is a Project Management Consultant?
Project management consultants are hired by businesses to help them improve their processes for planning, managing, and completing project deliverables. A project management consultant is different from a project manager because a project manager focuses on one project, whereas a consultant deals with multiple clients. They identify issues, propose solutions and help the internal team of the client to strengthen their abilities and work independently. They help internal staff gain a level of objectivity that is often very difficult for them to achieve, and because of their experience, they have witnessed the same issues repeatedly in different industries.
What does a Project Management Consultant do?
Although day-to-day tasks vary by client, core responsibilities usually include:
Examining existing systems to determine improvements to be made
Creating the structure for project governance pertaining to Agile, Waterfall, or PRINCE2
Developing a comprehensive project management plan that is aligned with the company's goals
Analysing reporting metrics to KPIs in project management, and identifying potential risks
Encouraging effective communication between stakeholders
Teaching and documenting for future reference.
A good goal is to make the entity more proficient than you found it, not just to do one task and leave.
Consultant vs Manager
These roles are often confused. Here is a breakdown:
| Aspect | Project Management Consultant | Project Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Role | External advisor who provides strategic insight | Internal leader who handles day-to-day delivery |
| Engagement | Short-term or project-specific | The whole project cycle and long-term |
| Decision Authority | Advisory only | Full managerial authority over resources and problems |
| Sector Experience | Cross sector | Sector specific |
| Certification | PMP, PgMP, CMC, PMI-ACP | PMP, PRINCE2 |
Plus the company-specific insight.
Both roles are important. But the real advantage for a consultant is the wide-angle view from outside your organisation.
Key Competencies for Project Management Consultants
Successful consulting practice is predicated on the interplay of two skill types.
Soft skills that impact client success:
- Communication and Influence: Clear and impactful Communication and Influence at all levels of the Organisation
- Project Management: Managing Project(s) without direct Management authority over the Team
- Analytical: Clear thinking and diagnosis of the root causes, not merely the symptoms
- Flexibility: Ability and willingness to change within the Industry and the Methodology in a short time
- Firmness: Assured decision-making in the face of the Project Management triple constraints
Skills that enhance professional reputation:
- Methodologies: Solid knowledge and practice of Agile, Scrum, Waterfall and Lean
- Financial Management: Ability to read Profit and Loss statements and Budget Management in Project Management
- Applied Practical Knowledge of Jira, MS Project, Tableau, etc.
- Awareness of the Project's Risk and methodologies of proactive Risk Management
- Reporting: Clear and concise Data Analysis and reporting to the Management
Although there is no one way to do this, there is a less flexible path for the committed.
Start with Step 1: Prepare a Foundation. Your first Degree in Business, Finance, and Engineering, etc., is fundamental. Obtaining an MBA or a Master's Degree in Project Management will further enhance this foundation.
Step 2: Obtain actual experience in project management. Fulfilling clients' operational requests can generally not happen without 5-10 years of project management experience. These years of experience can be earned by beginning as a coordinator, advancing to project manager and then senior project manager. Each difficult project that you complete successfully will strengthen your profile as a consultant.
Step 3: Achieve a professional qualification. This is an area where you can gain some of your professional credibility. The most recognised professional qualification in the world is PMP. Those who have PMP certification make 16% more than those who do not, according to the PMI's Earning Power survey. Be sure to have a clear understanding of the certification requirements in PMP before you apply to avoid any unexpected issues. Participating in a program like Techademy's PMP Certification Course will adequately prepare you for the exam and for the world of consulting.
Step 4: Create your consulting portfolio. Achievements in measurable and quantifiable case studies and metrics will be valued more than promises of potential. Evidence-based case studies are more valued by clients. Positive results, including measurable cost savings, enhanced delivery, and health and safety risk outcomes, are what consulting clients are most interested in.
Step 5: Make your choice. Decide whether to join a company like McKinsey or Accenture, establish your own boutique practice, or become fully independent. Each avenue has advantages and disadvantages that merit consideration before you make a choice.
Leading Certifications for Project Management Consultants
| Certification | Issuing Body | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PMP | PMI | Universal recognition across all industries |
| CAPM | PMI | Entry-level professionals |
| PMI-ACP | PMI | Agile-focused consulting roles |
| PgMP | PMI | Senior consultants managing program portfolios |
| PRINCE2 | AXELOS | UK, Australia, and the government sectors |
| CMC | IMC | Independent consultants building client trust |
Project Management Consultant Salary
Differences in compensation can be attributed to country, certification, and engagement model. Here's a summary across the globe:
| Country | Average Annual Salary (Local) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15,70,000 | ~$18,786 |
| United States | $84,200 | $94,474 |
| United Kingdom | £37,726 - £43,448 | ~$48,500 |
| Canada | C$74,991 | ~$55,000 |
| Australia | AU$62,400 | ~$41,000 |
| Germany | €50,000 | ~$54,000 |
To gain a complete understanding of the earning potential in this field, you may want to analyse the project manager salary data segmented by experience levels. Consulting typically pays a premium above standard PM roles.
The Value of Project Management Consulting
The value of project management is obvious. However, when combined with the perspective of an external consultant, the potential benefits form an angle that is impossible for the internal hires. For organisations, external consultants bring problem identification, best practice analysis across different industries, scalable support with no permanent asset overhead, and the team is more skilled post consultation. In this case, a good consultant does not foster dependency, but rather, fosters the self-sufficient capability to sustain.
Shashank Shastri is a PMP trainer with over 14 years of experience and co-founder of Oven Story. He is an inspiring product leader who is a master in product strategies and digital innovation. Shashank has guided many aspirants preparing for the PMP examination thereby assisting them to achieve their PMP certification. For leisure, he writes short stories and is currently working on a feature-film script, Migraine.
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