Unleashed - How to Thrive as an Independent Professional

607. Chad Oakley, Current State of the Job Market for Consultants

4 snips
May 5, 2025
Chad Oakley, CEO of Charles Aris, has extensive experience from major consulting firms. He delves into the current job market for consultants, examining how rising interest rates and inflation have impacted consulting firms and hiring trends. Chad highlights the shift towards specialization and the importance of quantifying achievements for job seekers. He also touches on evolving demands for consulting, especially in navigating challenges like supply chain management and the growing interest in blue collar services amid changing investment trends.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

High Rates Cripple Consulting Demand

  • Consulting demand dropped significantly in 2023 and 2024 due to high interest rates and inflation.
  • Private equity slowdown particularly reduced consulting needs, as M&A activities became costlier and less frequent.
INSIGHT

2025 Market Upswing Then Halt

  • The start of 2025 saw market improvement due to three main factors: easing interest rates, private equity market normalization, and a pro-business presidency.
  • However, new tariffs introduced abruptly halted positive momentum by creating uncertainty.
INSIGHT

AI Buzz Versus Reality

  • AI is an intense focus in consulting firms and is mentioned in nearly every communication.
  • Despite the buzz, many top firms believe AI's impactful use is still being figured out and may not be significant in the next 18 months.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app