i failed to get a 2:1 at uni. I'm over it now, and have taken the following "career" path:2 years it mgmt3 years it project mgmt2 years sox it project mgmt (contracting)can i plausibly move into consulting? if so, how? I am making a lot of money now, but the sox contracting cash cow will soon be fully milked, and i would like to develop a sustainable career path.

...forgot to mention, i have ITIL (foundation), Prince 2 and CISA (part qualified) qualifications under my belt...

Forget letters, you will automatically get assessed by HR and graded low down - at least for the big companies.Find a friend, or friends, or friends of friends, or friends of relatives (etc...) already in companies and find out if they have an internal referral process, if so get them to put you forward with a great reference, it may at least get you to the first interview, after that a lot is how you perform in that interview.Also - a lot of companies place more emphasis on the theory that A level results correlate more closely to future potential than degree results, so if you have good A level results highlight them in your communicationsFind out from Exeter if they have recruiting links or research links with any consulting companies, if so use those links to get yourself seen by recruiters and / or partners there.If none of that works, target companies desperate to find analysts with a financial background - often companies with sold work but not enough people may compromise on their hurdle standards if they like you, and will be willing to give you a trial period to prove your worth. And finally, try temporary employment agencies who place people on projects - not a stable career but will build experience.Good luck!!!

Hi Dave, it would appear that i am going to be in your position in a few years, i only managed a 2.2 and as such have not been able to get onto any graduate schemes within consultancies. i am currently in the process of applying for a number of graduate management training schemes with some blue chip companies. I was wandering how you made the transition from management to project management. any advise would be greatly received. Thanks

i made the transition into project mgmt through determination and building an internal reputation. i worked for a global it organisation for 5 years and built a reputation as an individual who could be trusted to turn around failing operational it departments/teams. this lead into systems implementation projects and then into sarbanes oxley compliance projects (internally and now externally as a contractor)my main advice would be trust in your abilities and sell your self confidently...i made a mistake in my choice of subjects and as a result only achieved a 2:2.....this is a wildly inaccurate indication of my calibre and i have succeeded nonetheless. the reason behind my post would be to see how my post-grad experience would float within the consulting world...whether or not i would be of interest purely on the strength of my cv, I have other avenues into the big 4, largely via means of direct introductions through colleagues and people i have recently managed. from direct experience, i have worked with a number of people with strong academic back grounds (4 "A"'s, 2:1/1st class degrees) and with 5 years+ experience in the big four and i match them for clout in a client facing environment.

Thanks Robin, I may pursue opportunities available via contacts I have made with ex-Big 4 colleagues. In the meantime I'll console myself with the obscene amounts of money I am currently earning. Ah, capitalism. I love it.

Hi there,I’m in one of the big 4. Have you considered consulting on SOX as a way into consulting? I know Accenture need SOX skills and you would be credited for your experience in terms of grade and salary. We have a referral process, are you interested? Happy to have a look at the CV and see if there is anything that might suit.Drop me a line at c_p_tomlinson@hotmail.com of you’d like any further details?Thanks,Chris