Are there any specific business or analytical skills that you're expected to have before starting with a firm?

There is no mandatory checklist to see that you’ve done X, Y, Z in business or you have experience with data analytics tools.

Of course, the more you can show that will highlight your ability to do the job, the better. In consulting, you will get trained on the job and constantly learning, so they’re not necessarily looking for you to come in with all of those consulting skills or exposure to certain industries.