I've been working for my current employer (also one of the “world’s leading consulting firms”, featured in http://www.top-consultant.com/access_audio_recording.asp) as a software engineer. I never intended to get a technical job (long story) and now am concerned that I'm stereotyped or restricted to IT...I don't want to be too technical anymore, since I perform best when I work with people, and problem solve.I'm looking for a career move, possibly into consultancy. Would you recommend that I try to move internally first? My concern is that other companies might question why I'm not working for the consultancy arm of my present employer...I am looking at jobs internally, but I don't personally see the need to restrict myself to IT. That said, would starting as an IT consultant be the best option (even if it's not what I want to do...ends justify the means etc)?

I think you should try to move into the consulting arm of your own firm by selling yourself as an IT focussed consultant. Once you're in the picture, you can always try to dabble onto other types of projects, i.e. change, strategy, performance improvement, etc. You're right, the other firms may question your "consulting" ability but if your own firm doesn't come to its senses, then definitely try elsewhere but still try to sell yourself as an IT consultant. All the major consulting projects are IT based these days - you have something people want.