This might be a helpful article – it talks about the main differences between ad agencies and brand consultancies.
BRAND/ DESIGN CONSULTANCIES – Below are some consultancies where we’ve had alums
DESIGNER PORTFOLIOS SHARED BY COLLINS, MARTIN, ETC RE GOOD DESIGN PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES (so you can see how a design portfolio differs from an AD portfolio)
https://ben-clark.net/ (the recruiter @ Collins recently posted his site as a great example of design talent)
https://www.kelseytcowan.com/ (FYI – Kelsey is a BC alum)
https://meaghanmcfarland.design/ (also an alum)
Brian Steely (not an alum but happy to look at work/ give feedback)