Organization design consultants create interior designs for workplaces. They strive to make office spaces efficient, functional, and safe. Additionally, they individualize each space to reflect the company’s brand. Organization design consultants, specifically, do not work with any one company in the long-term. They usually are hired by struggling companies on a short-term basis. 

Simple Steps to Enter Into the Organization Design Consultant Field

Acquire Necessary Qualifications

To get a job as an organization design consultant, you must have certain educational requirements. Here is a list of what kind of degrees, certifications, and licensing you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
• Attended classes is interior design, drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD)
• Licenses vary by state. Some states only allow licensed interior designers to work. Other states allow both licensed and unlicensed. Moreover, some states require you to pass an exam before you can be called an interior designer. It simply varies by state.  

Though a bachelor’s degree in organizational design is preferred, you can have a bachelor’s degree in any field. For example, Mark LaScola is the founder of On The Mark, a collaborative organizational design company. Mark has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Though he does not have a degree in organizational design, he has founded the company that has successfully delivered over 300 redesigns and 600 engagements. 

As one of the leading agents in the organizational design consulting industry, Mark has made a name for himself in the field with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology! Therefore, as long as you have a degree in something, attend design classes, and have appropriate licensing, you are qualified to be a consultant. 

Work or Intern in a Related Field

Most places won’t hire you if you don’t have experience. Therefore, it’s extremely important to find work in a field related to organizational design consulting. Gaining experience will make it more likely for companies to hire you. 

For example, Peter Turgoose, one of the Senior Consultants at ON THE MARK was a Chartered Occupational Psychologist. He has worked with and held senior HR Director level positions in leading organizations in Europe and the USA. This experience has equipped Peter in the development of innovative strategies that optimize organizational capabilities and behaviors. 

Likewise, Senior Consultant Simon Davies has had both senior internal change leadership roles and external consulting ones, equipping him with the knowledge of how business strategies and operating models work together. 

In the end, any experience is good experience. However, try to obtain experience in business, consulting, interior design, or some related field that will improve your chances of becoming an organizational design consultant. 

Network

Ever hear the saying, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know”? Networking is a huge part of finding any job. When applying for a job, if you know someone who works there, it will make you stand out as a candidate. A 2015 study showed that job interviews from employee referrals are statistically much more to be a successful job match: ranging between 2.6% and 6.6% more likely. Though it might not seem like much, it can make a huge difference in the interview process. Therefore, network, network, network.     

Learn How to Stand Out

Lastly, additional education will help you land the position, easily setting you apart from less-qualified candidates. Though it’s not necessary, these steps will make you stand out and make it easier to get the job:

• Acquire an advanced degree → Master of science in organizational development and/or Doctorate in organizational development. 
• Enroll in an organizational development certification program.

For example, Gary Frank, a consultant at ON THE MARK, has a Ph.D in organization management from the University of Colorado. His higher education (and experience) no doubt made him stand out in his job interview with ON THE MARK. 

Start Your Journey to Becoming an Organizational Design Consultant Today!

Now that you are ready to be an organizational design consultant, you have to start applying for jobs!