Leave ACN to do an MBA???

Hi All -

Looking for some career advice... I have 1st Class degree in Computer Science and have worked for Accenture for the past 4 years in Systems Integration.

I'm starting to get a little bored and want some direction in my career which I believe consulting cannot provide. To achieve this I am considering leaving ACN to do an MBA before moving into industry i.e. Oil & Gas company, Pharma, Consumer Goods firm etc. (all of which I have experience of).

My first question is, is this a common route that people follow... leaving a consulting firm to do an MBA in order to join a firm in industry at a fairly good managerial level?

Secondly, as I am not necessarily wanting to join a strategy consulting firm, would an MBA from Imperial Tanaka, CASS etc. be sufficient or should I still aim for LBS and the like?

Thirdly, as I will be self-financed is there any financial assistance available to me?

Lastly, considering the current economic climate would it be silly to leave a secure job?

Thanks.

Yes, it's common. "Fairly good managerial" requires some qualifying - consultants get hired into technical specialist rather than people/general management roles. An MBA from any of the schools you mention would be fine. You could try out for a scholarship of some description, but given that most funding is provided by returns on capital (and with returns down across the board), that will be tough.

Only you can judge whether now is a "silly" time to move, but I always think it's best to move on a high (i.e. move whilst you're in work rather than when out of work). The question to think about is whether you feel confident in your ability to do your target job now: in the current market, you need the experience/ability plus the MBA, and not just the MBA.