If your goal is to work as a business consultant in Johannesburg, you will need a mix of formal study, practical experience and local networks. Becoming a consultant involves advising organisations on solving problems, improving performance and making better decisions. The good news is that a clear study plan and focused experience will put you on the right path.
A recognised undergraduate degree is a common first step and helps build credibility with employers and clients. It sets you up for success with a solid foundation to build on.
In this article, we explain why to choose business consulting in Johannesburg, clear steps to become a business consultant, and practical skills clients look for.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Business Consulting In Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is a large commercial city with many private companies, public bodies and new ventures that require consultants for strategy, finance, operations & digital projects. Demand for business consultants in major cities often arises from firms needing specialised advice without long-term hires.
A career in business consulting in Johannesburg can therefore offer a variety of client work, industry exposure and the opportunity to build a strong professional reputation. Starting locally also helps you learn local business regulations, taxes & market norms that international consultants sometimes miss.
Read more on What Does a Business Consultant Do? Top Duties and Responsibilities.
Clear Steps To Become A Business Consultant In Johannesburg
Becoming a business consultant involves a step-by-step process that includes obtaining a relevant, recognised qualification, developing practical skills, gaining experience, and starting to practise. Below are practical steps you can follow to start a career as a business consultant in Johannesburg. Each of these steps builds on the previous one, so you can move smoothly from study to paid consulting work.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Get The Right Education & Build A Solid Foundation
A business degree provides essential knowledge of finance, strategy, marketing, and operations. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree offered by Regenesys Education is an NQF Level 7, three-year programme with 365 credit points.
It is offered through the Regenesys Business School, and is designed to develop management competence & practical skills, including project work and industry-relevant electives. It builds a solid foundation for you to understand business problems from multiple angles.
Formal study is not the only route, but it does make it easier to join consulting firms or secure larger clients when you start freelance business consulting. You can also pursue postgraduate programmes, such as an MBA, to further strengthen your credentials as a business consultant.
2. Gain Practical Experience & Develop Portfolio
Employers and clients hire business consultants based on proven results. After completing your education, start working in operations, finance, HR, marketing, or project roles to collect practical examples of change you helped deliver. If possible, take up roles that let you lead a small project, save costs, or improve a process. These become short case studies that you can later present to clients.
Internships, in-company projects and volunteer consulting for NGOs are also valid ways through which you can gather evidence of the impact you had. Over time, assemble a short portfolio or one-page case study that shows problem, action and clear result. Always remember that practical examples matter more than long lists of responsibilities in a role.
3. Build Skills, Credentials & Niche
Business consulting is very broad in nature. Choose a niche such as small business strategy, digital projects, human resources or financial control, and learn the tools used in that niche. Useful certifications and skills include business analysis, project management basics, data analysis and presentation skills.
Keep a habit of short, focused learning – programmes and applied projects are better than passive study. When you can, include AI or digital skills that are increasingly useful in client work. This combination of technical skill and consulting process knowledge is particularly attractive to employers and clients.
4. Register, Brand & Start Practising
If you intend to freelance as a business consultant or form a small consultancy, you must register your business and ensure basic compliance in South Africa. Create a simple brand, a one-page website, and short case study documents to show to prospective clients.
Networking is also essential. Attend local business events, join industry groups, and request introductions from former employers and lecturers. Early client work often comes from personal networks, word of mouth and repeat business. Keep administrative systems simple so you can focus on client work and quality delivery.
Read more on How to Become a Business Consultant? Qualifications and Skills.
Core Skills Clients Look For
Developing strong practical skills as a business consultant is key to a long-term, successful career. This is because employers and potential clients prefer clear evidence from business consultants. They want proof that you can deliver measurable improvements to their existing organisational processes. This is best demonstrated through short case studies and client references rather than claims alone.
The following are the key practical skills that you should develop and demonstrate in interviews or proposals:
- Clear problem definition and structured thinking
- Evidence-based recommendations backed by data or quick pilots
- Strong communication and presentation skills for non-technical audiences
- Project delivery skills and basic commercial awareness
- Professional conduct: reliability, confidentiality & timely delivery
Read more on Understanding the Business Consultant Salary: Factors That Influence Pay.
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Conclusion
Becoming a business consultant in Johannesburg is a realistic path if you combine a solid undergraduate education, practical experience and a set of demonstrable skills. A recognised degree, such as the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), provides relevant knowledge & project work that helps you speak confidently to clients and employers.
Start with focused study, gather case studies from real projects, choose a niche and build a simple practice or join a firm to gain broader exposure. If you are ready to take the first step, consider the BBA programme offered by Regenesys Business School, which comes with in-built AI modules at no additional cost. Visit the Regenesys Education website and check out the programme page for more details.
You can also contact us to speak with a career adviser for expert guidance.
FAQs
What does a business consultant actually do?
A business consultant advises organisations on solving specific problems and improving performance. This is usually done by analysing current workplace practices, recommending changes and helping implement solutions.
What is the rule of 3 in consulting?
The rule of 3 is a consulting guideline that suggests communicating no more than three key points or options to keep client decisions simple and clear.
What are the 7 C’s of consulting?
The 7 C’s commonly refer to clarity, competence, credibility, confidence, communication, collaboration & client care – principles that guide good consulting practice.
What should a consultant not do?
A consultant should not promise results that cannot be measured, ignore client context, breach confidentiality or offer advice outside their competence.
What are the 5 types of consulting?
Typical consulting types include management, strategy, IT/digital, human resources and financial consulting, though many sub-specialities exist.
