The New Requirement for MBAs Seeking Consulting Jobs: AI Proficiency
Rather than posing an existential threat, the technology is reinforcing the importance of judgment and emotional intelligence.
Photo illustration by 731; photo: Getty Images
Few jobs are more sought-after by MBA graduates than the management consultant. Consulting firms—particularly one of the so-called MBB firms (for McKinsey, Bain and Boston Consulting Group)—remain the most popular destinations for MBAs, with some of the highest starting salaries available, according to data collected by Bloomberg Businessweek for its annual business school rankings. Class of 2025 MBA grads who took jobs in consulting had a median starting salary plus bonus of $205,310; that’s 21% higher than the median compensation overall.
But if the whole economy is now being shaken by artificial intelligence, the consulting industry is facing a tsunami. If AI can perform much of the research, synthesis and analysis that consultants often do, will consulting firms need to employ as many analysts? Will as many clients need to hire consulting firms?