I would like to know.....if there is a clear precedence of analysts (Accenture) moving into pure strategy firms after a couple of years ? Also, how easy/difficult is it to move into the strategy capability group after a couple of years as an analyst in one of the operating groups (assuming successful in promotion to consultant)? would really appreciate insight and feedback from those who've gone down this route or are planning to. Thanks!

Hi moving on!I'm working for ACN in Italy. I can tell you that in Italy is really very difficult moving from ACN to a pure strategy firm or from an operating group to strategy capability. This is Italian situation; I don't know if it's the same in other countries.Some friends of mine moved to pure strategy firms after only 5-6 months in ACN.... It's easier!!!Bye Bye!

Hi Clodis....thanks for the info. i have an offer for one of the operating groups in Accenture London though i originally applied for the Strategy group. I did apply to some pure strat firms, but was not successful. How's life in ACN? Which OG are you in and how easy is it to move from one ACN office to another? (i.e if you were to want to make a move to Ldn? )

If you want to get into management consulting I think ACN is not the right choice for you. Life in ACN is quite good. There is always a lot of work, but people are very nice and clever!!! At moment, in the Italian office, is impossible to move to another office. Infact I wanna move to London now, to continue my career in consulting, and I have to change firm. (Can you help me finding some great opportunities in consulting?)

which mc firms are you looking to apply to? and what sort of consulting are you looking to do? IT side of things?what would your suggestion be to me?...i'm graduating this year with a PhD in engineering and want to get into management consultancy but have so far only got one offer in london, Accenture. (I'm worried that work experience in ACN might not carry alot of weight in i want to move on later. )

I'm looking for BPR, Process analysis, IT strategy or Operational Strategy consultancy.A suggestion to you: If you want your career to be in MC, in ACN you can only accept a role in the Strategy practice.

At Accenture, you create your own career. If you are good and smart about how you apply yourself, you can do what you want.Learn the networks, they will take you to where you want.

I presume you are talking about moving to MBB after a few years at ACN. This will be very hard to do. I believe a couple of people have done it, but not many at all. You have a PhD which makes you an APD applicant should you apply now to strategy firms. You will therefore most likely be interviewing for associate or junior associate level positions along with all the newly minted MBAs, and doctors and lawyers. Obviously this can make it quite hard to shine and unless you have impeccable academic credentials you won't get interviewed. McKinsey are generally more favourable to PhDs than BCG or Bain. Not sure about others.If you really want to work for MBB, or one of the tier of firms slightly below, then your best bet may be to get a couple of years' decent work under your belt, and then do a top MBA. Of course the question then is whether you would now be better off at ACN or a general management training scheme in a FTSE 100 company. I am not sure of the answer to that, but it is probably wherever you would most enjoy the work.Good luck.

Hey thanks for throwing me your views guys. much appreciated. Londoc: I agree with all you have to say, I actually took a stab at McKinsey but didn't even make it past through to the interview. You're right, it's not easy with all the MBA holders out there. It's frustrating, i have excelled academically and could not have done better, yet i see Oxbridge candidates sail through with less than i have achieved. Ah...c'est la vie eh?My next question would then be, how difficult or realistic is it to get a place in one of the top MBA schools in the UK or US (if one does not have much business or MC related background)? Also, I know the likes of Mckinsey and BCG sponsor their Associates through....but if i didn't have that backing, do u know of any other means to get a partial scholarship or funding?Out of curiousity, Londoc, where are you working at present?

Getting in to top business schools can be relatively straightforward or incredibly difficult, depending on your academic achievements, work experience, GMAT score, and ability to write compelling essays explaining why you, why mba, why now etc etc. In other words you have to be qualified academically, show some decent work experience and have a story to tell explaining why the MBA is the right thing for you to do at this point in your career. You do not need a business background at all. There is plenty of this sort of stuff on the businessweek.com forums, which are very MBA orientated.Scholarships would depend on the school you are applying to. Each school will have details on its website, and further details would be made available to you if you were admitted.Currently I am a doctor in The UK.

right, that makes sense. Thanks for that. Well, for someone who wants to move away from pure engineering applications and academia for now, i think starting off at ACN is prob not such a bad jump then. The work will be different and i'm looking forward to that, though my PhD wont really count for much (as i start off with the other graduates). Londoc: i actually know of a doctor (SHO) who did an MBA (LBS) and went into investment banking not too long ago. What a jump huh? Are you planning one too or do u have your own private practice?

Hi, I read through your messages and I am in the same mode of thinking as you. I have a final round Strategy interview coming up soon. I would REALLY appreciate it if you could tell me a bit about yours and offer any adivice. Thanks in advance, Pamm

I know of doctors in banking, consulting, pharma (obviously) and at business school. Even one in the advertising industry!!I don't have a private practice. That only happens when you get to the senior levels, ie have been working for 10-15 or so years.I have an offer from LBS and am waiting on INSEAD.

can i ask, at the risk of sounding like ignoramous :) (and presuming you're a medical doctor), how come an MBA? I'm thinking...10-15years (in NHS?)...registrar or consultant....? I didn't think one would be looking to change career paths after so much commitment. or is an MBA a boost into private practice? it's been great getting some insight on work/career from you thus far. thanks!

I didn't say I personally had spent 10-15 years in The NHS. That is on average how long people spend training to become consultants, after which you can then build a private practice if you so choose. Having an MBA won't really help you with that though because it is all about developing a reputation, and relationships with the GPs that will refer you your patients. Some senior doctors do part-time MBAs not because they want to change careers but to improve their knowledge and deal with NHS managers, but that can be from anywhere so no point paying out for LBS.I am a junior doctor in my late 20s, have previously worked in R&D in the pharma industry, and want to move into more commercial roles in industry, ie I am changing career while remaining in the healthcare sector. I could start as a medical advisor straight away and work my way through but that would mean doing a part-time MBA at some point in the future. I would rather do it full time now. I also want to look into healthcare VC and investment management, and I have no chance of getting into either without the MBA knowledge and network.Feel free to ask if you have more questions.