HelloSeeking advice on a how best to make the transition - I know without a doubt I have significant untapped potential and have been an active change agent in every previous work environment BUT I have only limited internal consulting experience. Particularly interested in Dubai. Any ideas?Thx

Here is my experience as a Big 5 consultant, an internal consultant and as a sole practicing consultant.1. People who have great industry skills, but who have noformal consulting training, rarely make great internal consultants.Why?Because "consulting" is a skill set all unto its own. Learninghow to create a project workplan, gather relevant data, processthe data into intelligable information, develop implementablesolutions and manage the political process are critical consulting skills that are obtained through experience.2. People who have great industry skills, and are mentoredby a consultant and learn consulting processes usually makegood internal consultants.So if you're going into an organization that has an "Internal Consulting Department" that already has methodologies and processes in place, you'll be able to learn the ropes and become an effective consultant.With that said, don't get me wrong. You can have zero consulting experience and enter into an internal consulting role and have a positive impact. But to be a "great" internal consultant, you'll need to master the skills I mentioned above. And that is only acquired through time, mentoring, and self-learning.Hope this helps.David FreyAuthor, The Consultants Marketing Bootcampwww.SuperstarConsultants.com

David,I am interested in becoming a consultant within the Oil & Gas/Energy sector. Ihave been working in IT business development within the upstream Oil & Gas industry for a number of years now in EMEA (I currently work for HP, and for SGI in the past). Most of the technology changes I have been involved with were only successful if the business case was proven to senior management, and when the organisations adopting these technologies adapted their working practices and organisation to exploit the advantages afforded by these technologies. These days, much of the IT hardware business is commoditised, but the problems of technology adoption have grown, so the function of outside consultants seems to have grown as well. Oil companies need to concentrate on their core business and outsource these issues to experts. My interest is that I am less interested in supplying commoditised IT equipment at low margins than in solving the implicit business issues which arise from these changes.However, it seems difficult to make the jump from IT supplier to consultant, even though I use a consulting approach in my discussions with customers. So, how do I become a consultant? I would very much appreciate your advice.Thanks,Guy

Thanks David I agree with you - consulting is a discreet skills set all of its own. I guess my best option (apart from checking our your literature !) is joining a company which has established internal consulting methodologies, as you described, AND a focus on building internal capability. Fortunately, I have some good internal consulting experience and formal professional development in that area - but am keen to significantly expand my competency base.Would you know if any companies in Dubai which might meet the criteria you refer to?Many thanks - I greatly appreciate you taking time to respond to my request. Have a great day!