Archive for the ‘Career Management’ Category

The Work

A management consultant is an adviser that a company brings in to help solve a problem, reorganize the business, fill in a temporary vacancy or structure a start-up business.

The role of a management consultant varies based on the focus and expertise of the consultant as well as the needs of the client.

A consultant brings an objective view to internal issues and can help to resolve problems by utilizing proprietary methodologies, newly developed software or inside industry information.

A management consultant typically specializes in a specific industry or skill set. He may build his business based on successful reorganization techniques, executive coaching practices or board development.

Contracts for management consultants range from short-term project based timelines to long-term retainer relationships.

The Process

Becoming a management consultant typically involves a process that includes education and experience. While it is not necessary to hold a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), the credentials can help to build a consultancy career.

Many management consultants first find work through larger agencies that broker their consultants to clients. Firms, such as Accenture and McKinsey & Company, employ thousands of consultants with various backgrounds.

They serve a multitude of industries with a plethora of services, from crisis management to fiscal compliance, forensic accounting and environmental efficiency. Large firms require at least a Bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions as analysts or office assistants.

A newcomer to the field of management consulting can learn the ropes of the business while pursuing an advanced degree and possible preparing to go out as an independent contractor.

Independent Contractor

As a shifting economy forces more companies to shed expensive staff positions, the independent consultant will be in more demand to fill the roles. After spending time in a large consulting agency, an independent management consultant may have a good idea of the style and types of work to pursue.

A solo consultant should identify an area of specialization in order to focus marketing efforts. Building a clientele may take time. The consultant should have resources to last at least six months before bringing in any substantial income unless the business is started with a large client in hand.

Former employees of a company who continue to work for their former employers on a contract basis start many management-consulting firms. Additional work can sprout from this relationship.

Credentials

In addition to an MBA, a management consultant can earn additional accreditation from professional associations, such as the Institute of Management Consultants. A Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification can add credibility to a business as well as provide additional information valuable to the work.

A CMC holder is recognized for adhering to strict codes of ethics and having proven track records of successful consulting activities. Industry trade shows and professional development seminars can add to the ongoing education of a management consultant while helping to build valuable industry relationships that can lead to more work.

Assistant bar managers deal with the employees and patrons of the bar considerably more than the manager does. Because of this contact, the assistant bar manager holds a lot of authority in dealing with complaints and conflicts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an assistant food and beverage manager makes a annual median income of $46,320 as of 2010, and the employment outlook for this position is increasing each year.

Supervisory Duties

The assistant bar manager is responsible for supervising the day-to-day running of the bar. This duty includes scheduling employees, including cooks, bartenders, waitresses and entertainment personnel.

As part of this supervisory duty, the assistant bar manager handles the payroll records, interviewing of prospective employees and any conflicts that occur in the operation of the bar. The assistant bar manager reviews the conflict and resolves the problem.

If the problem cannot be resolved, the assistant bar manager turns it over to the bar manager for resolution or corrective action. Evaluation of each employee is another duty of the assistant bar manager.

Training Duties

Every employee needs to be trained in his position, and this is done by the assistant bar manager. The assistant bar manager will go over any safety training, human resources training and job description duties with each new employee.

Part of this training duty by the assistant bar manager is to update the training of all employees in any new techniques, procedures or regulations for the bar that are passed down from management.

Fiduciary Duties

A assistant bar manager has the responsibility of ensuring all the finances of the bar are safe and maintained within budget.

Even though the assistant bar manager advises the manager on budget details, she is not responsible for the final estimated budget, but she is required to stay within budget limitations when it comes to supplying the bar and payroll.

The assistant bar manager is also responsible for the collection, auditing and deposit of the income brought into the bar on a daily basis.

Each bartender receives a register, and at the end of their shift, the assistant manager consolidates that register to ensure that the funds counted are the funds received.