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Succeeding as an Independent Evaluation Consultant: Requisite Skills and Attributes

Independent evaluation consulting offers autonomy, lifelong learning, and gratifying work. It is lucrative, and the market is growing. So why are not all evaluators independent consultants? Evaluation requires one set of skills; independent consulting another. Evaluators conduct evaluations; independent evaluation consultants also operate a business, solicit work, and market their brand. To be successful, they must tolerate the greater risk, manage the increased stress, and balance the heightened work–life demands of being independent. This chapter presents some of the key skills and attributes required to be a successful independent evaluation consultant. Distinctions between the skills needed to conduct research and those required to be a successful consultant are delineated and the attributes of successful consultants are explored. Research findings are interspersed with anecdotes from successful evaluation consultants throughout. Thoughts from three evaluation consultants representing different geographic areas, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and experiences are also highlighted. Though not for everyone, with the right skills and personal attributes, independent evaluation consulting is a viable career path.