Companies also have their own problems and sometimes, to use the metaphor of Nino Lo Bianco, dean of Italian consultants, the intervention of a specialized “doctor” is required: the company consultant .
It is an innovative and relatively recent professional figure. Born in Italy in the 1960s, the role of the business consultant has evolved rapidly in response to market needs. If, initially , generic knowledge was required to undertake the profession , today, on the contrary, a solid specialization in one’s own sector of reference is needed, within which we will then operate.
Unlike a few years ago, where studies abroad and experiences in large international realities characterized the consultants, preparation and level of study of this professional figure are today comparable to those of managers. What makes the difference is specialized training to intervene in a given area, going to work on critical variables, making sector and competition analyzes in order to outline a general picture of the situation of the organization itself and the market allowing managers to be able to take the best choices clearly and clearly. In fact, the consultant has no decision-making responsibility but advises and assists companies.
It is also certainly easier for an external figure to start a renewal process, bringing a super partes point of view as well as highly specialized skills.
To date in Italy there are about 27 thousand consultants active on the market. To take this path there are several ways. The degree is a fundamental requirement, preferably in economics or engineering, but an added value can consist of a master’s degree, preferably in an important American university, or a few years’ experience in an important company in the commercial or of the product, specializing in a particular sector such as telecommunications or automotive.
The perspectives are different, some companies directly hire their consultants, others prefer a structure that grants more autonomy to workers, who work as freelancers. The areas in which to specialize are different and professionals from many fields are required, who often find themselves working as a team. Confidentiality and ability to understand and satisfy customer needs complete the profile of the company consultant, but he always warns Lo Bianco, if the goal is to get rich, better to change direction.