【業界研究】戦コン、総コン、日系シンクタンクの違いを徹底解説

Summary

The video script provides an insightful overview of the consulting industry, focusing on the different types of consulting firms and their characteristics. It discusses the role of consultants, who are hired by companies to assist with significant changes or transformations, such as starting new ventures, ending unprofitable ones, or updating systems. The script categorizes consulting firms into 'strategy' and 'comprehensive' types, with strategy firms typically charging higher fees per consultant due to their focus on high-level business strategy. Comprehensive firms, on the other hand, offer a broader range of services and may have more moderate fees and longer project durations. The video also touches on the differences between American and European consulting firms, with the latter being perceived as less intense and more people-oriented. It highlights the importance of intellectual ability and personality when hiring new graduates, and suggests that while top universities are preferred, companies are increasingly open to candidates from a wider range of educational backgrounds. The script concludes by discussing the role of 'other' consulting firms that specialize in particular sectors, such as healthcare or marketing, and notes that these firms tend to hire fewer new graduates as they require more specialized skills.

Takeaways

• 📈 **Consulting Industry Overview**: The video provides an overview of the consulting industry, including different types of consulting firms and their specific areas of expertise.
• 💼 **Role of Consultants**: Consultants are hired by companies to assist with transformational changes, such as starting new ventures, discontinuing unprofitable projects, or updating main systems.
• 💼 **Types of Consulting Firms**: There are various types of consulting firms, including strategy, comprehensive, and niche firms, each with their own focus and client base.
• 💰 **Billing and Pricing**: Strategy consulting firms tend to have higher per-person billing rates, reflecting the high value of the strategic advice they provide.
• 🔍 **Client Work Focus**: Strategy firms often focus on high-level strategic work, ensuring the work done is commensurate with their high billing rates.
• 🌍 **Global vs. Local Firms**: There is a mix of global (mostly American) and local (e.g., Roland Berger, a German firm) consulting firms, each with their own cultural nuances.
• 👥 **People-Centric Approach**: Firms value individuals not just for their intellectual capabilities but also for their personality and character, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• 🎓 **Education and Hiring**: While top universities are often targeted for recruitment, there is a trend towards considering candidates from a broader range of educational backgrounds.
• 🧩 **Comprehensive Consulting**: Comprehensive consulting firms offer a wide range of services, from IT to digital marketing, and may involve larger teams and longer project durations.
• 🏛️ **Think Tanks and Public Policy**: Firms like Nikkei Consulting are associated with think tanks and often work on projects close to public policy and macroeconomic research.
• 🌐 **Specialized Consulting Firms**: There are consulting firms that specialize in certain sectors such as healthcare or marketing, which may not recruit many fresh graduates due to the high level of expertise required.
• 💼 **Workload and Culture**: European firms might be perceived as less demanding in terms of workload compared to their American counterparts, reflecting cultural differences in work style.

Q & A

What is the general overview of the consulting industry discussed in the transcript?

The transcript discusses the overall image of the consulting industry, including the types of companies involved, their histories, and the structure of the industry. It also touches on the different segments within consulting, such as strategy consulting and comprehensive consulting.

What is the role of a consultant in a company?

A consultant is hired by a company to assist with change and transformation. This can include starting new ventures, ending unprofitable business areas, or updating main systems.

How does the strategy consulting segment differ from others?

Strategy consulting is characterized by a higher per-person billing rate. It often involves working on high-level strategic issues and is staffed by highly skilled consultants who can command high fees.

What are some of the specific consulting firms mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions Roland Berger, which is a German company, and several American firms, indicating that the consulting industry is largely dominated by American companies.

What qualities are sought after in new graduates entering the consulting industry?

Intelligence and personal qualities are highly valued. Even if a candidate is a new graduate, as long as they are smart and have good personal qualities, they may be considered for a position.

What is the role of communication skills in the consulting industry?

Communication skills are very important, especially in comprehensive consulting, where consultants may need to interact with a large number of people and engage in extensive conversations.

What is the general impression of Nikkei Consulting?

Nikkei Consulting is described as being similar to a think tank, often conducting research that is close to public policy and macroeconomics, which can be beneficial for those interested in such areas.

How does the work style in strategy consulting firms compare to comprehensive consulting firms?

Strategy consulting firms tend to have a more rigorous and serious work style compared to comprehensive consulting firms, which may offer a broader range of services.

What are the characteristics of consulting firms that specialize in certain fields?

Specialized consulting firms often focus on specific sectors such as venture capital, healthcare, or marketing. They may not recruit as many new graduates due to the high level of expertise required in their field.

What is the general billing rate for consulting services across different types of consulting firms?

The billing rate for consulting services is generally consistent across different types of consulting firms, although the specific amount can vary.

How does the workload in European consulting firms compare to American ones?

European consulting firms are perceived as being less demanding in terms of workload compared to their American counterparts.

What advice is given to those interested in joining the consulting industry?

The advice given is not to give up, even if one does not come from a prestigious university like Tokyo or Kyoto University, as there are rumors of firms hiring from a broader range of educational backgrounds.