From Big Four to Independent: What to Know Before Making the Move
Working at a major consultancy can give you an incredible foundation: complex projects, recognised clients, structured development and a powerful brand behind your name. But for many experienced consultants, there comes a point when going independent starts to look increasingly attractive. More control over your career. Greater variety. The freedom to choose projects. Potentially higher earnings.
But making the move also means taking responsibility for things your firm previously handled for you - from finding your next project to building your own reputation.
1. Your experience matters more than your previous employer
A recognised consultancy on your CV can help open doors, but clients ultimately want to understand what you can deliver.
Rather than relying on the brand names you've worked for, get comfortable articulating your individual impact: What problems have you solved? What transformations have you delivered? What results did you achieve? Your CV and LinkedIn profile should increasingly tell your story, not your firm's.
2. Get clear on what you want to be known for
One of the biggest shifts when becoming independent is learning how to position yourself. "Management consultant" can cover almost anything. "Operating model specialist for life sciences transformations" immediately tells a potential client where you add value.
You don't necessarily need to narrow your experience, but you do need to make it easy for someone to understand why they should bring you onto a project.
3. Finding your next project becomes part of the job
When you're employed by a consultancy, the next engagement often arrives without you having to find it yourself. As an independent, maintaining a pipeline becomes part of your role.
Previous colleagues and clients can be invaluable, but don't rely on one source of work. Build relationships with consultancies, specialist recruiters, talent platforms and professional communities before you need your next project.
The best time to build your network isn't when your current engagement ends.
4. Independence doesn't have to mean working alone
Leaving a large consultancy can also mean leaving behind a ready-made professional network. That's why finding the right communities becomes increasingly important. Other independent consultants can be sources of knowledge, referrals, collaboration and support - and sometimes your route into your next opportunity.
5. Prepare for the practical side
Independence comes with freedom, but also administration.
Before making the jump, understand how you'll approach your company structure, insurance, contracts, tax, pension, invoicing and finances between engagements. Getting the basics organised early means you can focus more of your attention on actually consulting.
6. Think beyond your day rate
It's tempting to compare an independent day rate directly with your current salary, but the calculation isn't quite that simple. Consider holidays, pension contributions, benefits, insurance, professional expenses, tax and periods between projects.
More importantly, think about what a successful independent career looks like to you. Maximising your day rate might be less important than flexibility, interesting projects or having greater control over your time.
7. Start building your independent profile before you leave
You don't need to wait until your final day to start developing your professional presence.
Reconnect with former colleagues. Share your expertise. Attend industry events. Develop your LinkedIn presence. Stay close to your professional network. That way, when you do make the move, you're not starting from zero.
Ready to make the move?
Going independent can offer experienced consultants greater freedom over the projects they work on, the clients they support and the direction they take their career. But the strongest independent careers aren't built on experience alone - they're built on reputation, relationships and a strong network.
Project Blackbook connects experienced independent consultants with exciting consulting opportunities while providing access to exclusive webinars, events, insights and a growing professional community.
Already independent or thinking about making the move? Join the Project Blackbook community.