As an experienced MBA qualified petrochemical business manager, 51 years old, I am finding difficulties breaking into the world of Change Management / Procurement Consultancy. I am of the opinion that ageism is alive and well within the major consultancy arena as I belive that I have the attributes of a first class consultant. I have been advised that there are a number of smaller consultancies who look to hire experience as opposed to untried talent. Any suggestions on who to approach would be gratefully accepted.

Hmmm... I would be surprised if age was the issue, to be honest. Firstly, 51 isn't old! Secondly, Change and Procurement experts are in huge demand at the moment, so perhaps you aren't presenting your expertise in quite the right way. I suggest you speak to a reputable agency to get their take on your CV. The fact that you think you could fit in both sectors might confuse recruiters, who could be thinking "Well, which one is he?", and rejecting you on the basis that you have extensive experience, but not enough in either field to qualify you as an expert. And I know that some of the big six are more than happy to take people from industry backgrounds - possibly not Accenture and IBM, but certainly the others - PA, CapGem, Atos and Deloitte.

I have been working in the financial industry in Singapore for more than 27 years with exposures in Credit Risk, Corporate Banking, Consumer Banking, Trade Financing, Project Financing and Private Banking Credit. I am very keen to explore overseas employment opportunities so as to broaden my career horizon and knowledge. I have worked with European(BNP Paribas), American (Citibank), Japanese (Bank of Yokohama) and Singaporean bank. I have also managed to upgrade my knowledge through obtaining a distance-learning degree course (Degree in Financial Services by National University of Ireland). I am single and can be relocated within short notices. I can be contacted at telephone number 065-96914360. I look forward to discuss my application further with prospective employer.Thank you.Yours faithfully, Adeline

Thanks for the advice. Could you suggest a CV reviewing agency. I have recently had my CV reviewed by the 'Top Consulting' Service and was not impressed by what was recieved in terms of value for money.

I too am an experienced new hire in financial consulting. I have been interviwing with Atos & Deloites. They seem to be open to over 35+ age group. Good luck.

I support RecruitGals comments. I work for Capgemini in Change Management and we are recruiting heavily in the area at the moment. We have just taken on a chap who is in his mid 50s so don't kick back on the Costa just yet!