Entering Consulting

After 13 years as a professional in software development/architecture, age 38, I am considering becoming a management consultunt. What do you think, can I enter one of the best consulting companies and at which level would that be?

Thanks for your opinion.

I have 14 years of professional experience in public, private and voluntary organisations at various capacities, from junior budget analyst to Deputy director of small charity organisation. Most of my experiences are gained in African countries-Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa. I obtained my MBA from Thames Valley University via Milpark Business school in South Africa. I have some experience in the UK organisations, which ranges from voluntary work to short-term paid employment. I am considering becoming a management consultant. What do you advice me, can I enter one of the best consulting companies with my current skill set? What would be the best level for me to begin with? Thank you for your advice.

Dear Bersisa,

I'd say somewhere between manager and senior manager position. Senior, because you should have the expert skills within your funvtional area.

Not senior, because you probably do miss some UK market knowledge, do not have a high placed network (selling purposes) and maybe the way of doing business in the UK.

Not senior, because your high positions were at Charity Organisations, where - maybe- the job is differently than in the large scale private or public sector. Large scale / big companies, which in general are the clients of the top consultancy firms.

Of course, I do not know you and do not have your cv, so I might be wrong with some parts of the "not senior" reseans.

Good luck with finding the right position,

Harald

Hi Mack

I think you have nothing to lose by trying. Software deelopment is big. Companies are always looking for new ways of using technology to streamline business processes and provide a better quality service to their clients/ customers.

Your experience will probably speak for itself so go ahead and apply.

You could have the advantage of working on projects with the technical Know - How!!!!

Good luck - Bukola