I've been an IT consultant for about 2-3 years, I've done deep technical work for credit card companies and high level strategy work for the Governement. I've just been offered an interview with a retail strategy company, working for the likes of B&Q, boots, kingfisher group etc - does anyone know whether this would be considered a sideways step or not? - I guess I'm asking if when the time comes to move on whether I'll be discounted for jobs with other strategy firms becasue of the work here - any comments appreciated - thanks Lex

LexI am a headhunter with a search consultancy and do alot of work in the consultancy space. Retail consultancy, whether on consumer/fmcg or hard lines, is a rapidly growing consulting space, and from my experience should pose no issue; indeed it is becoming am expanding area of choice for many niche consulting firms, so your skills would be in high demand.

Thanks, for the reply kevin thats very useful - which company do u work for perhaps I can send you my CV through? thanks again Lex

It is partly about who you ask afterwards as to whether this is a sideways step or not ? However more importantly I would guess it matters when you ask as well, and that is very much more difficult to predict.