Organizational management consultants, organizational development consultants and management analysts are specialists who help corporations evolve and grow while maintaining efficiency, productivity and a constructive organizational culture. They apply principles of psychology to a broad array of workplace issues, such as personnel, sales and marketing.
This profession requires a unique blend of expertise in psychology, organizational behavior, leadership and organizational development. Developing these areas of knowledge and embarking on an organizational management consultant career can begin with enrolling in the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology – Organizational Psychology program from Florida Institute of Technology.
What Is Organizational Management Consulting?
Consultants often tailor their work to each client’s needs. Job duties for organizational consultants and management consultants can range from coaching C-level officers on leadership styles to conducting training for board members and employees. Some organizational management consultants assist with strategic planning.
These professionals may collect, review and analyze information to make recommendations. In addition, they might examine a business’s productivity, turnover and employee morale, using their findings to devise action plans and advise the organization on recommended changes.
It’s important that organizational management consultants clearly define goals and each staff member’s role in achieving them. Communicating effectively with management and staff across departments is a big part of the job. Organizational management consultants also collaborate with other consultants and specialists in diverse areas ranging from labor relations to human resources to safety management.
Organizational management consultants may work independently or for private consulting firms, large private companies or government agencies. They often specialize in certain industries, such as healthcare or manufacturing, or in specific areas such as human resources.
How to Become an Organizational Management Consultant
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management consultants, also known as management analysts, typically have a bachelor’s degree in a related field as well as work experience. However, some employers may look for candidates with a relevant master’s degree in areas like business administration or organizational leadership.
Given this, the first step to an organizational management consultant career can be earning a BA in applied psychology with a concentration in organizational psychology. Coursework in Florida Tech’s 100% online program covers various subjects that are critical to organizational management consulting work. Topics of study include research methods in applied psychology, psychology of learning and motivation, personal and professional development, organizational psychology and behavior, psychology of leadership, program development and evaluation, and psychology of the workplace.
While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most management consultant jobs, a master’s can improve career opportunities and income potential. Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. Eligible employees may be able to gain an entry-level job with a bachelor’s degree and use an employer’s tuition assistance program to pay for a career-advancing graduate program.
Are Organizational Management Consultants in Demand?
BLS projects that management occupations as a whole will grow faster than the average growth of all occupations between 2023 and 2033. In specific, BLS estimates that employment of management analysts will increase 11% between 2023 and 2033.
For reference, this growth rate for management analysts is nearly three times the average of all occupations. In specific, BLS expects smaller consulting companies that specialize in areas like information technology and human resources to see particularly strong growth. Given this, professional consultants in the field — especially those with specialized education and experience — should have excellent career prospects.
Organizational Management Consulting Salary and Career Outlook
This job growth potential may also lead to salary growth potential. According to BLS, the median annual wage for management analysts/consultants nationwide was $101,190 in 2024. Further, salaries for the top 10% of earners exceeded $174,140.
Organizational management consultants with experience and advanced educational qualifications should have stronger career and salary opportunities. Generally, recent bachelor’s degree program graduates will start out at the lower end of the scale and can increase their earning potential with experience and more specialized education. Regional market conditions and industry type are among the other factors that determine potential salary ranges.
Is an Organizational Management Consultant Role a Good Career Choice?
Organizational management consultants must be self-motivated, responsible and disciplined. They must possess analytical, communication and time-management skills. Creativity and critical thinking are also important attributes for individuals considering a career as an organizational management consultant.
Earning a BA in Applied Psychology – Organizational Psychology from Florida Tech provides aspiring organizational management consultants with the nuanced knowledge and skills needed for this career. Plus, the degree prepares students to pursue further specialized education which can lead to higher-level leadership roles and lucrative opportunities.
Learn more about the online BA in Applied Psychology – Organizational Psychology program from Florida Tech.
