The 10 Most In-Demand Consulting Jobs or Services for 2021 and Beyond

By

Theodore Henderson

Consulting is a field that’s seen massive growth over the last ten years. Since 2010, it’s exploded from a $153 billion industry to one with annual revenues of around $259 billion. 

Clearly, somebody’s doing something right, and there’s no reason to think this trend should slow down. According to the well-respected industry forecaster IBISWorld, a growth rate of 0.5 % is expected for consulting in 2021.

For anyone with experience in the corporate world, consulting represents a tantalizing prospect: the opportunity to market knowledge and transform expertise into a viable – even lucrative – career.

Even if you’re a self-educated freelancer without any corporate experience, consulting could be a good option. Especially true when you have an in-depth knowledge of particular fields along with a bachelor’s or MBA degree.

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The truth is that there will always be a need for consultants. Why?

Well, think about it: would you just dive into an entrepreneurial endeavor without preparing first? The fact that you’re on this page while presumably considering a career in consulting seems to answer that question!

Naturally, “consulting” is a blanket term. There are just as many niches under the “consulting umbrella” as there are types of businesses.  But some in-demand consulting jobs and services are really taking off so you want to target and follow the one most relevant for you.

In this post, we’re going to help you “niche down” by taking a look at ten of the most in-demand consulting services as of 2021 and beyond. You know just which types of consulting are the most secure and therefore represent a good launching point for your consulting career.

Let’s dive in!

10 Most In-Demand Consulting Jobs Beyond 2021 

Position 1: Financial Advisory Consultant

Successfully managing a business is all about managing cash flow. How many businesses have failed because they had not appropriately budgeted or scaled up too quickly? More than once, we’re willing to bet!

A financial advisory consultant can make the difference between the success and failure of a business, which is why the ability to budget is one of the most in-demand consulting skills.

Financial advisory consultants help businesses know when and where to place their money in order to ensure it’s as effective as possible to spur growth and increase net profits. They look at the entire picture of a business’s finances. Much like how an individual finance consultant would look at a person’s comprehensive income, expenses, etc., and then help make well-informed decisions.

A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or business management – something along those lines – should be enough to get you started here. 

If you are in the financial services industry, you most likely “know the ropes” already. However, suppose you’re considering entering this niche. In that case, you’ll want to complete the US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) exam(s) in order to obtain a license.

Certifications and Training 

An excellent place to start is The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This independent, nongovernmental organization writes and enforces the rules governing registered brokers and broker-dealer firms in the United States.

They will assist in three distinct areas, registration, qualification exams, and continuing education.

1 Registration – Both firms and individuals must be registered with FINRA to conduct securities transactions and business with the investing public. Firms must meet and maintain certain membership standards to attain registration.

To become registered, securities professionals must pass qualification exams to demonstrate their competence in their particular securities activities. The information on the website can help guide you through the membership and registration process.

2 Qualification Exams – To become registered, securities professionals have to pass qualifying exams administered by FINRA. Individuals must demonstrate their competence in the specific securities activities in which they will work. An individual must pass the exams before engaging in those areas of the business.

These exams cover a multitude of subjects on the markets and the securities industry and its regulatory structure. This includes knowledge of the FINRA rules and the relevant rules of other self-regulatory organizations (SROs). The exams’ purpose is to ensure that an individual acquires a minimum level of understanding and expertise.

3 Continuing Education – In conjunction with other self-regulatory organizations and the Securities Industry/Regulatory Council on Continuing Education, FINRA administers the continuing education (CE) program for the securities industry. (See FINRA Rule 1240.) CE consists of two mandatory programs: the Regulatory Element and the Firm Element.

Different Certifications

If you aren’t in the industry, you will likely have trouble understanding the difference between a CFA, CFP, CIC, ChFC, or any other financial certifications. While certifications aren’t everything, savvy, educated investors (as well as your potential clients) give extra credit to those who have these “Certs.” They clearly recognize the value of candidates who have to log long hours of study. They have to meet the highest ethical and professional standards.

• Certified Financial Planner ® (CFP®)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)
• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
• Chartered Investment Counselor (CIC)
• Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)
• Chartered Market Technician (CMT)
• Certified Public Accountant and Personal Financial Specialist (CPA and PFS)
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
• Certified Treasury Professional®
• Certified Government Financial Manager ® (CGFM)
• Certified Healthcare Financial Professional ® (CHFP)
• Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)
• Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA)
• Chartered Economic Analyst (ChEA)
• Energy Risk Professional (ERP)®
• Financial Risk Manager (FRM)®

For more information on the above certification, see the Financial Management Association website.

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Position 2: Tax Consulting

As the saying goes, there are just two certainties in life: death and taxes. Estate planning is a whole other field, but taxes are a field everyone needs ongoing help with. That’s where you, as a tax consultant, come in.

With your in-depth knowledge of tax codes and regulations, you’ll help clients fill out tax returns, understand where they can (legally) reduce tax expenses, and many other services.

What’s the difference between a tax consultant and an accountant, though? 

Well, tax consultants are ideally more flexible than traditional accountants. Rather than just advising a company of what taxes they have to pay and how to reduce them, tax consultants can implement this information into a broader strategy. They advise business operators on where to put their money to get the best returns possible.

Certifications and Training 

Here’s a list of the most popular accounting certifications, professional licenses, and positions:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Enrolled Agent (EA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
• Certified Bank Auditor (CBA)

See the article How To Become A Tax Consultant, Discover Accounting, and the AICPA for more on this topic.

Position 3: Strategy Consulting

Next on our list is strategy consulting.

Strategy consulting generally involves working directly with the “bigwigs” of a company – top management. A strategy consultant will have a bird’s eye view of all the company’s operations and how they fit together to make a working machine from this lofty position.

This is a broader area than some of the other consulting specialties on this list: strategy consultants may help with everything from where to distribute various company resources to whether or not an individual store is worth shutting down (will it save money in the long-term and, if so, how much?).

A strategy consultant is like a tactician moving pieces on a board to get the best net outcome for the company and must be able to make sense of large amounts of data. If that sounds like you (maybe you’re someone who’s always enjoyed a game of chess?), a strategy consultant may be a good option.

Certifications and Training 

The IMC Certification is respected inside and outside the consultant industry and held as a benchmark of excellence when managers hire consultants.

CMC® (Certified Management Consultant) certification is awarded by IMC USA to consultants who have achieved a superior performance level. This includes professional standards in technical competency and ethics, global standards in consulting competencies, professional behavior, client and project management, and personal conduct.

“CMC” after your name communicates that you’re an exceptionally accomplished consultant.

 The ATD’s (Association for Training Development) Consulting Skills Certificate improves your ability to use effective behaviors and processes for internal learning consulting within your organization. External consultants will benefit from this training as well.

A TSI certification from The Strategy Institute’s global professional standards and body of knowledge defines what many consider the most advanced framework for the practice of the science and art of strategy in business. The ABSP™ and SBSP™ the function-agnostic and industry neutral certifications. In addition, they are affiliated with a wide variety of colleges and universities.

Position 4: Legal Nurse Consulting

Have a background in the medical field? Your knowledge can be offered to businesses to help them understand the realm where law and medicine intersect. For example, the knowledge of a legal nurse consultant may be required in a medical malpractice claim. 

They provide an invaluable service to business owners and lawyers who don’t have the relevant medical knowledge and can differentiate between a successful and unsuccessful case. 

Legal nurse consultants dive into the medical literature, interview clients, and really translate hard-to-understand medical terminology into language that those working with them can comprehend.

Legal nurse consultants are actual nurses, by the way – you’ll need to be a genuine RN in order to work as one.

Certifications and Training 

Your first stop for information should be Nurse.org. They will have a current list of schools and training for those who wish to pursue this exciting career choice.

Other relevant training resources are Criminal Justice Degree Schools, American College of Legal Nurse Consulting, Registered Legal Nursing, and The American Association of Legal Nurse Consulting are four of several options. Be sure to do your homework for the best option that will fit your needs.

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Position 5: IT Consulting

It goes without saying that every company’s going to be utilizing computers in some way – these days, they’re fundamental infrastructure that could spell disaster if not properly looked after.

IT consultants represent the guardians of computer systems simple and elaborate might involve instructing companies how best to manage their data, operate software, or even creating unique software for their operations. 

They might set up cloud computing networks, make sure data is backed up, or ensure the company has a healthy cybersecurity system in place – cybersecurity is especially important for companies these days, so if you can provide that, you’re golden.  

Certifications and Training 

The CompTIA is the world’s leading tech association and considered by many a thought leader as well is. They are an IT professional association with industry-leading certification programs, original research, member communities and councils, programs to set industry standards, foster skills development, and generate knowledge and insight every day.

There are many organizations, schools, and training companies offering training. I suggest you not overwhelm yourself and start doing your research here and then branch out if necessary. Also, indeed, review what your local or recommended university offers. Below is a list of their certifications across four key areas.

1. CORE

ITF+

A+

Network+

Security+

2. INFRASTRUCTURE

Cloud+

Linux+

Server+

3. CYBERSECURITY

CySA+

PenTest+

CASP+

4. ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL

CTT+

Cloud Essentials+

Project+

According to PCMag, the following list are the highest paying certifications and positions in IT.

• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect- Associate
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• VCP-DCV: VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

Position 6: Social Media Consulting

Ah, social media: tons of browsing eyes represent the potential for lucrative marketing strategies but also a considerable risk of offending someone and getting negative publicity. For companies, all this can be like walking a tightrope.

It makes sense, then, that in-depth knowledge of social media platforms remains one of the most in-demand consulting skills.

Social media consulting could entail designing a particular social media strategy – for instance, what sites the company should have a presence on, when they should make particular posts, and how best to connect with their target demographic without making a faux pas or “hello fellow kids” kind of error.

A social media consultant should understand just how to increase conversions, creating reasonable goals, and tracking metrics so that they’ll be able to demonstrate – with numbers – why they’re worth keeping on the payroll.

Admittedly, this consulting area can get murky as there are people with advanced degrees and no degrees around with a “shingle” that says social media consulting. However, I can make a little sense out of it for you.

According to Hootsuite, the following eight brand certifications offer a solid grounding for social media consulting.

Certifications and Training 

• Digital Marketing Nanodegree with Udacity
• Hootsuite Academy
• Marketing Leadership with Twitter Flight School
• Social Media Marketing on LinkedIn Learning
• Social Media Certification with Boot Camp Digital
• Blueprint Certification with Facebook
• Content Marketing Institute Online Certification
• Google Analytics IQ Certification

Position 7: Human Resources Consultant

Human Resources consultants help companies navigate human relations’ rugged terrain by helping business managers truly understand human resource policies and how to apply them.

An HR consultant may work on something like a new employee handbook, for example. They may also be hired in order to provide a crucial outsider perspective on a particular internal issue, functioning as unbiased arbitrators.

HR consultants may also deal with hiring and firing, create and run employee orientation programs and seminars, and deal with disciplinary issues and safety concerns.

Certifications and Training 

• Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

It is best to visit SHRM first. As you can see above, SHRM has established two competency-based certifications. They are the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) for early – and mid-career professionals and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®) senior-level managers and practitioners. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP as the global standard in certification for the HR profession.

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Position 8: Company Growth & Lead Generation Consultants

Company growth consultants have expertise in how and when to scale a business to have the best effect, i.e., not growing before the company is ready to do so, a mistake that many overexcited business owners can make.

On the other hand, a company can’t grow without new leads. A lead generation consultant knows just where to find these leads (typically on the Internet) and how to draw them in.

Then, it makes sense that company growth and lead generation consultant can work well as a single profession. However, unless you were a seasoned manager or executive, you will need some type of training. 

It can take different forms depending upon your current expertise and interests.

Certification and Training

Ineed.com highlighted 6 business certifications to advance your career, in particular as a business consultant focused on company growth and lead generation.

The good thing about the certifications listed below is that they are most throughout the business community. Therefore, helping you advance your business or career in more locations. As you may have already noticed, they also cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and business analysis to sales and marketing. 

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Professional Certificate in Team Leadership
• Salesforce
• HubSpot Inbound Marketing
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)

Glassdoor.com highlighted several certifications, some of which are included here that search firms see as desirable for candidates looking for new positions. Listed below are several that we haven’t covered in this post.

• Sales Certifications (Challenger Sales, Spin Selling, Sandler Training)
• Network Certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE)
• Salesforce
• Google Certifications (Publisher, Analytics, AdWords, etc.)

Position 9: Small Business Consultant

A small business consultant is just what it sounds like – a person who works with small businesses to help them get on and stay on the right track.

This type of consultant is more of a “jack-of-all-trades,” helping small businesses with everything from their finances to how to optimize their IT systems, all with the goal of saving time and money. 

If you’re someone who’s good at analyzing the comprehensive picture and how to tweak things just right, or if you want to start a bit “closer to the ground” before working with large companies, small business consulting could be a good option for you.

Admittedly this is another area where it can be hard to tell who has value as a consultant and who doesn’t. But there are some resources to bolster your credibility and learning in this space.

Certifications and Training

The Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants (ABC) is considered one of the world’s leading educational and training certification program for small business and SME consultants.

The ABC is the only global association specializing in training and certification of small business and SME Consultants with their SEMP Approach: Simplified Examination to Maximize Profit methodology. It was specifically designed for professionals interested in all aspects of small business and SME consulting.

Position 10: Leasing Consultant

Surprised? Don’t be.  Smart professionals who can connect people quickly and efficiently to quality housing that fits their budget isn’t going out of style.  Leasing consultants act as a go-between between property owners and renters – if a landlord has a lot of properties, they might not have all the time in the world to be “in the field,” interacting directly with each tenant.

Leasing consultants can take potential tenants to view properties, answer questions, screen tenants, inform them about security deposits and expectations for monthly payments, and help out with any paperwork. 

For property owners with a wide range of apartments or other rentals, leasing consultants are vital if they’re going to have time to focus on other aspects of their business and get anything done. 

Certifications and Training 

Education

According to Indeed.com, although not required by all employers, a bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, or a related field is generally preferred. Taking recognized real estate courses outside of a bachelor’s degree can also enhance your preparation and increase your competitiveness within the job market. 

Training

Private companies facilitate training programs for aspiring leasing consultants, covering many of the same topics as a real estate degree and individual real estate courses. These programs may appeal to individuals looking for a shorter and less expensive path than a bachelor’s degree. 

On-the-job training is also a common and accepted pathway for leasing consultants.

The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide range of programs and services. They help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR.

Lastly, Wiki How offers an excellent “how-to” tutorial on becoming a Leasing Consultant and expand upon the resources I highlighted in this article.

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Conclusion – 10 Most In-Demand Consulting Jobs for 2021 and Beyond

There you have have it. The 10 most in-demand consulting jobs for 2021 and beyond.  Of course we may differ on one or two of these as you may have some insights on new directions and technologies that aren’t accounted for here.  However, if you opt for one of these ten areas, you’re sure to find a steady supply of work as a consultant. 

With the many perks that come with being a consultant – for instance, setting your own hours, working from home, and the ability to turn your expertise into a career and help other entrepreneurs advance their own businesses – there aren’t many reasons not to give it a try.

With consulting expected to grow further, and its evergreen prospects, you have a high chance of success if you have the expertise necessary and know a thing or two about marketing yourself.  So go forth and put yourself in the mix for some of these in-demand consulting opportunities.

Best of luck!

About The Author

Theodore Henderson works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals on their business skills, marketing, and leadership strategies. He is an Amazon best-selling author, a Certified Career Coach, Business Skills & Leadership Coach, and a Certified Social Media Security Professional Powered by CompTIA.

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