Track the Automation Shifts
Research from McKinsey Global Institute shows knowledge work will see the fastest automation adoption, with consulting tasks partially augmented instead of replaced. McKinsey Global Institute — Future of Work
AI-accelerated research
Discovery phases are shortened by AI assistants that surface insights instantly, so consultants must frame better hypotheses and test them with clients
Productised services
Strategy houses are packaging repeatable solutions, meaning associates need product management and launch discipline alongside advisory skills.
Blended client teams
Clients expect consultants to co-lead squads with in-house analysts, requiring facilitation and capability-building expertise
During recent resume projects for Melbourne-based consultants, the hires that landed offers were those who linked automation literacy to faster client decisions.
Refresh Your Capability Stack
Use the 3x3 capability grid below when updating your resume or case interview stories so every example blends tech, business, and people.
Human judgement
- Synthesise conflicting data sets into executive-ready options within tight timeframes.
- Coach clients through trade-offs when algorithm outputs clash with regulatory or ethical boundaries.
Product thinking
- Design minimum viable solutions that can be handed to client product owners within 90 days.
- Translate strategic roadmaps into backlog items, success metrics, and release rhythms.
Enablement mindset
- Document playbooks, training modules, and capability trackers so the client sustains change after you exit.
- Measure uplift in client teams — not just project KPIs — to prove long-term value.
Want more structure for your bullet writing? Revisit our selection criteria blueprintand adapt the STAR technique to consulting engagements.
Plan Your 90-Day Pivot
Here is the sprint plan I give associates preparing for promotion in automation-heavy practices.
- Audit your tech stack literacy: capture proficiency in GenAI prompt design, data visualisation, and automation platforms.
- Refresh case studies to highlight where you combined digital tools with stakeholder coaching to land adoption.
- Invest in micro-credentials on AI governance and agile leadership so you can advise on responsible deployment.
Capture tangible outcomes for each sprint, then add them to yourLinkedIn feature sectionso partners see momentum.
FAQs
Will automation reduce consulting headcount in 2025?
Not across the board. Firms are redeploying talent toward higher-value problem solving while automation handles baseline analyses, so roles evolve rather than disappear.
How do I prove I can partner with AI tools?
Include examples where you used data science notebooks, knowledge graphs, or AI copilots to accelerate research, and explain the human judgement you added before presenting to clients.
What should graduates focus on?
Combine quantitative rigour with facilitation skills. Join university consulting clubs, lead hackathons, and complete analytics bootcamps to show you can bridge tech and people.
Next steps
Need help positioning your automation expertise? Request a complimentary resume review and we will align your messaging to the new consulting delivery models.
