Is a degree needed to be an AI consultant?

A traditional degree is helpful but not strictly required to be an AI consultant, especially in the SME and product-led space. What clients care about most is whether you understand their problems and can design AI-driven solutions that work in practice. Strong skills in data, automation tools and prompt-engineering, coupled with a portfolio of real outcomes, can substitute for formal credentials. That said, degrees in computer science, engineering or quantitative fields can open doors at large consultancies and enterprise clients. Whichever path you take, continuous learning, clear communication and demonstrable impact will matter far more than the specific letters after your name.