Management consulting involves providing advice to corporate, government, and nonprofit clients to help solve business problems. Consulting firms focus on various areas like strategy, IT, HR, and provide team-based work. Some reasons clients hire consultants include lack of internal knowledge or skills, needing a flexible labor pool, and wanting a fresh perspective. A typical consultant's week involves client meetings, interviews, research, and using Excel/PowerPoint to build presentations. While travel and long hours present challenges, consulting also offers opportunities for challenging work, career development, and working with smart colleagues.