Nominations for Rising Stars of the Profession are open through Jan. 5, 2026.
The annual recognition program has been restructured with 13 new project-focused categories to better reflect current consulting domains such as AI, sustainability and social impact.
Nominations are now open for Consulting Magazine’s 2026 Rising Stars of the Profession awards, which will feature a completely redesigned category structure. The program has been expanded to 13 new categories that shift the focus from broader career paths to specific, project-based achievements.
The updated framework is designed to align more closely with the work being performed by consultants younger than 36. New categories center on domains including strategy, technology and digital consulting, analytics and AI, ESG and sustainability, and social impact. The revision emphasizes case studies, measurable outcomes and demonstrable client impact in the evaluation process.
“We recognized that our previous categories weren’t fully capturing the breadth of outstanding work being done by rising talent across the profession,” said Michael A. Webb, director of Consulting Magazine. “Whether you’re driving AI transformation, leading sustainability initiatives, or pioneering new approaches to impact social matters, we want you to see yourself in these awards. This isn’t about checking boxes on a career path—it’s about recognizing the consultants who are already changing how this profession operates.”
The re-imagined structure replaces broad, vendor-focused groupings with project and practice-centered awards explicitly aligned with today’s critical domains. It aims to simplify the nomination process while improving the objective judging standard. With more intuitive category names and criteria built around tangible client work, the program is intended to lower barriers to entry for both individuals and firms and raise the bar for what great consulting looks like.
Submissions will be reviewed using rubric-driven evaluation to ensure consistent, comparable assessments across categories. Entrants are encouraged to highlight case objectives, the work performed and evidence of client outcomes, reflecting the program’s emphasis on real impact and measurable results.
Nominations for the 2026 awards opened Oct. 10, 2025. The new categories are:
Individual Excellence in:
- Strategy & Transformation
- Technology & Digital Consulting
- Analytics & AI Innovation
- Operational & Process Consulting
- Leadership & Culture
- Pro Bono & Social Impact
- ESG & Sustainability
- Global & Cross-Border Consulting
- Thought Leadership & Intellectual Capital
- Industry-Specialization
- Cybersecurity & Risk Technology
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Data Ethics & Responsible AI
- Recruiting & Retention Programs
- Mentoring & Enrichment Programs
For more than a decade, the Rising Stars of the Profession awards have recognized young professionals for their contributions to clients and their firms. Webb noted the importance of such recognition in the context of talent management.
"To thrive in consulting, you need programs that inspire your people and invest in their growth as leaders and professionals," Webb said. "Finding and developing your future leaders doesn't just support your experienced team—it's essential for staying profitable, building a lasting firm, and maintaining a strong reputation."
Nominations close Jan. 5, 2026.
Click here to submit your candidates as well as your firm programs and initiatives for the 2026 Rising Stars of the Profession today.
View Rising Stars of the Profession 2026 nomination guidelines, category descriptions and FAQs here.
View 2025 honorees here.
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