External consulting to 'internal consulting' role in industryand back again?

Hi all,

Was wondering if you could share your views/experiences.

I've been in full service consulting firm for 3 years since grad. Suffering from the jack of all, master of none complex. Its starting to get to me at this stage in my career. I have excelled in several diff roles only to start again in some public sector project i dont want to be on...so looking to get out of this firm. I am not engaging my ability at all.

I still like consulting as a long term choice and was looking to get a more analytical role perhaps in a strategic capacity when an 'internal consulting' role popped up for a firm in an industry I have always want to get into but struggled to as a junior consultant. It is analytical and it really appeals to me as a route to specialisation in industry and function i feel i could thrive and grow with the team also.

It wasn't strictly part of the plan but it's all very attractive. KEY CONCERN: -

In a couple of years, will I be able t0 get back into a consulting firm

...continued....

Is this quite common amongst consultants...external - internal consulting - back to external.....and is it realistic?

!

it could be possible to make such a move, but success is really bottled at 20% to get an attractive offer...that´s my opinion.

- Big competition

- industry dependent

- skill dependent (what will be requested??)

I don't quite follow the context of your answer.

So are you saying it is not advisable to go from consulting in a big firm to do a stint as an internal consultative role in industry? I want to stay in consulting longer term so would look to maybe come back to consultanting later...having banished the jack of all and become a master at something!??

Anxious,

I have spent much of the last 15 years alternating between consulting / advisory (eg IB) positions and in-house roles. My experience is that the team, people / relationship skills and contacts you can gain in-house - as well as specific technical or specialists skills - are highly-valued by consultancies. And the reverse is also true; the analytical and 'cut-through' skills that good consultants offer are much in demand from in-house consultancies, strategy departments etc. The trick is to ensure that you gain the delivery experience or exposure to ensure that your moves into or out of corporate environments are at a higher level each time you make them.

The key to success in adopting this kind of strategy is to have the flexibility in personal style and outlook to be able to adapt to both cultures.

Good luck!