Management consultants rely on computer software programs, such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, when creating documents and presentations. To some extent, many professionals have an above average knowledge of these programs. Let’s take a closer look at how these programs are used in the consulting industry.

It’s common for consultants to use Excel to graph data analysis. Employing the  proper formulas can streamline computing and input, which can be used for forecasting or evaluation. Excel is also a more organized way of arranging numbers and information in tables. While it’s true that a professional can get by with basic Excel skills, going beyond the beginner level can make a consultant’s work faster and more precise. For example, consultants can customize and store multiple equations, enabling them to quickly utilize numerical data. It’s a great way to crunch numbers without the messy manual computations.

Word is primarily used for drafting documents and reports. A consultant with a thorough understanding of this program may only spend a fraction of the time drafting a proposal compared to a beginner. Although viewed as the simplest of all the Office applications, Word actually has numerous options that can be used to make the drafting experience smoother. Spacing, indention, track changes, and comments are features that can enhance the professionalism of any document. This program can also be used to create newsletters. A management consultant may find this option useful for providing the team or company with  weekly updates. In addition, converting a Word document into various file formats is relatively easy and can be done with just a few clicks.

Word is primarily used for drafting documents and reports. A consultant with a thorough understanding of this program may only spend a fraction of the time drafting a proposal compared to a beginner. Although viewed as the simplest of all the Office applications, Word actually has numerous options that can be used to make the drafting experience smoother. Spacing, indention, track changes, and comments are features that can enhance the professionalism of any document. This program can also be used to create newsletters. A management consultant may find this option useful for providing the team or company with  weekly updates. In addition, converting a Word document into various file formats is relatively easy and can be done with just a few clicks.

A versatile management consultant knows how to use all of these programs. One may start compiling data using Word, and then input his or her findings in Excel using the formulas to create charts. Lastly, PowerPoint is used for presenting the proposal in a very eye-catching and direct way.

There are a few effective ways that a consultant can hone his or her computer and Internet skills. The key thing is to stay updated with the latest software and online application trends. There are hundreds of productivity applications available in the market today. Sadly, not all of them are useful, and some may even do more harm than good. On the other hand, applications that combine the features of various productivity programs may boost a consultant’s adeptness and competency.

In conclusion, as technology finds its way into today’s offices and companies, the more computer and Internet skills will become essential to management consultants. Learning these skills can be as simple as using the applications  mentioned in this article on a daily basis. Finally, more and more high caliber consulting firms are looking for this skill set in prospective applicants. It’s important to keep an open mind about how these applications can increase a consultant’s productivity level.

Lack of computer knowledge can hurt a consultant’s career. A consultant works with sensitive and confidential information on a regular basis and regularly shares this information through email, cloud storage, and cellphones. Without the proper security settings in place, data leakage could have a negative impact on a consultant’s integrity, and a client may get discouraged about supplying private information in the future.