What is a Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant?
The Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant is the only nationally qualified management consultant. Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants use their wide range of knowledge in areas such as corporate management theory, finance, and legal affairs to grasp the actual state of a company and provide advice to managers on streamlining and innovating management. As they cannot be replaced by AI, their role has been particularly expected recently. In addition, Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants can use their knowledge to work within a company, or they can go independent and set up a consulting company, making it an advantageous qualification when looking for employment or changing jobs.
Full support for passing the first examination for small and medium-sized enterprise management consultants
In addition to regular classes, Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration offers special lectures and intensive training courses to fully support students in passing the first stage of the Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant Examination. After passing the seven subjects of the first stage, Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant can obtain the qualification by (1) passing the second stage and then engaging in practical training or diagnostic work for 15 days or more, or (2) completing a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant training course at the university's graduate school or other institution.
Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant "Special Lecture on Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultation"
In addition to regular classes, we also offer special lectures to help students pass the first exam. By attending these classes, students can acquire the necessary knowledge to become a small and medium-sized business consultant, and it is also an effective and efficient way to study for the exam. In addition, we hold intensive training courses during the summer (6th and 7th periods) and winter holidays, where students take practical measures such as practicing past exam questions and taking mock exams.
Diagnostician Training Association
The "Diagnostician Training Association" is a study group for students aiming to pass the first and second examinations for Small and Medium Enterprise Consultants. Not only are study DVDs and past exam textbooks available, but active diagnosticians also provide free instruction. Students also learn problem-solving methods and tips together, and their unique learning style of practicing past exam questions and repetitive practice steadily develops the ability to go from "understanding" to "solving." Since its formation, the group has produced many successful students every year.
Graduates working as small and medium-sized business consultants
Yuki Sato (Class of 2017)
During my first year at university, I had the opportunity to reflect on myself. I thought that becoming a successful small and medium-sized business consultant would be a way to give back to the people who had worried about me, so I started studying.
I started by imagining myself after passing the exam and writing it down on paper. I posted things like "What will I be able to do if I pass?" and "What good things will happen if I pass?" on the wall in front of my desk, and by seeing them, I tried to maintain my motivation to study.
Utilize support and manage your study time while working towards obtaining qualifications
Since there are many subjects for the Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant exam, when I was a student, I made a plan for "when", "which subjects" and "how much" to study so that there would be no variation in my study time, and I created a graph every month along with the actual amount of time I studied. I spent a total of more than 600 hours studying just for the first exam. I think it is overwhelmingly more advantageous to start studying for the Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant exam while you are still a student rather than as a working adult, as the exam requires a lot of studying.
During my time at the university, I made the most of the special lectures and intensive training courses in addition to the regular classes. Chiba University of Commerce is certified as a "Management Innovation Support Institution" that provides support to small and medium-sized enterprises, such as management consultations, business plan formulation, and expert dispatch, so I felt that there was a support system in place to obtain qualifications.
Becoming independent as a management consultant was a dream that came true when I was working towards obtaining qualifications.
Now that I'm independent as a management consultant, my goal is to set up a company as a "consultant for creating second careers for office workers" that supports office workers in becoming independent or working part-time, and to become the leader in the industry. When I first became independent, I had a lot of anxiety and worries, so I want to support office workers who have the same worries and help them create a second career.
Message to juniors
My life has changed 180 degrees since I obtained the qualification of SME Management Consultant. I feel that my current job is worthwhile because I can solve my clients' problems. In addition, I have many opportunities to talk with various business managers through my work, and I feel that connecting with people I respect not only for their business but also for their humanity stimulates me and helps me grow.