Hello, I am a software developer working in the North East of England. I have now 4 years of experience. Even though I have been working with Progress Software (Not a very common language), I have varied experience and understanding of many other technologies and language software developmet life cycle. I want to get in to IT consultancy. But I am finding it difficult to get a role and sometimes I feel I don’t know where to begin. Can somebody please help my troubled soul in the right direction? Thanks,

What difficulties have you encountered in getting a role in IT Consultancy?Have you applied to the big tech firms - Accenture, Deloitte, EDS, IBM etc?

Hi John, Thanks a lot for the reply. I have tried applying to few of the big names, most of the roles advertised, do not match my current experience. Even though I have tried modifying my CV I have not been successful. Currently I work in a software house, the advertised jobs normally specify consultancy experience in the blue chip companies. Which I seem to be lacking at the moment. Thanks,Sony

I think this is common - the classic route to transition is MBA.You could maybe try somethign like Accenture Technology Solutions - for a year to get the skills. ATS is paid same as software engineering, but you work on roles very similar to those of consultants. From here, you woudl have on your CV a year's experience with blue chip firms in a Consultancy-type role.To get into ATS you need a tech background. They do stress ATS is NOT Consultancy - but you are wokring alongside the COnsultancy workforce, and in fact many ATS people complain they are doing exactly the same work, except not being paid the same.YOu could turn this gripe to your advantage - you get Consultancy type experience, but they will recruit you for your pure tech expertise. After you get fed up of being paid less than COnsultants apply - to other COnsultancy firms.Maybe that would work - any comments from anyone?

Hi John, Thanks again for the advise. I too thought of taking the route of doing an MBA, had a look at the university courses and fees. After some investigation I realised, I could not afford the fees at the moments. I am still paying my student loan from my previous Masters degree. But ATS sounds like a good idea. I had a look at their website to search for some jobs. There was a role I thought I should be eligible. Have already applied for that. So fingers crossed. Sometimes I feel a wrong start could give you a hard time chasing your career ambitions. And I am finding myself in that situation. On a positive note, in this process I have experienced the software development life cycle and came across numerous software products, languages, tools & their applications. My quest to become an IT consultant continues....... CheersSony.

sure working life lasts 40 years.Just double check that ATS is a good idea - I mean ake sure you do get COnsultancy-type experience. I mean there are certain activities inherent in consulting that defines a consultant - all the billing, scheduling, selling and so forth. I think ATS is certainly one step closer though - as you will be getting client exposure.Also EDS - they recruit into specific technical posts. This is another route into IT Consultancy.