Consultancy firms, including the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) and McKinsey, are shifting their focus back to developing "human skills" among their junior consultants, following an initial "AI obsession." After years of investing billions in AI capabilities and promoting its importance, a slump in demand and job cuts left human consultants feeling neglected. Now, as the sector expects to regain momentum with a forecasted 6% revenue growth in 2026, firms recognize that the quality of staff, particularly their human skills, is a key differentiator in an AI-augmented environment.
This shift means a renewed emphasis on training consultants in areas like judgment, empathy, leadership, reading a room, and storytelling. EY UK's consulting head, Sayeh Ghanbari, notes that while technical skills were prioritized during remote work, there's a need to "go back to the future" and incorporate more human-centric training. Similarly, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) leader Christin Owings emphasizes that the benefits of AI are realized through human engagement. McKinsey also affirms that "humanness is core to its mission," indicating a broad industry trend.
AI is redefining entry-level roles by automating routine tasks such as data entry, research, and initial analysis, which frees up junior consultants for "higher-judgment activities." This change is reflected in PwC's 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer, which found that 52% of new skills in AI-exposed entry-level postings are those traditionally associated with experienced workers. While technical expertise and AI literacy are still valued, firms like BCG are also hiring individuals with zero AI knowledge but deep curiosity, highlighting the importance of innate learning capabilities. The traditional "pyramid" structure of consultancies, heavily reliant on junior staff, is also under pressure, with some experts predicting a shift towards an "obelisk" structure with fewer layers.
However, there are differing views on AI's role in skill development. While some, like EY, believe AI tools allow consultants to focus on complex client issues and strategic decision-making, others, like Fionnuala O’Conor from OpDem, caution that extensive use of Large Language Models (LLMs) can hinder the development of critical problem-solving and judgment skills in new entrants. Despite this, the overall trend points to a future where consultants will have AI-augmented career paths, requiring new skills and a greater emphasis on soft skills like curiosity, resilience, and teamwork. Firms are also working to rebuild culture and engagement, with initiatives like BCG's "pod" model designed to provide more support and connection for junior staff.
