Hi FolksI am about to join the consulting sector after 8 yrs in the industry.What is the best advice you would give?Thanks

Don't do it. Why would you want to trade a [probably] comfortable life for one full of stress, slogging your guts out for a non-exisitent golden carrot at the end of a very long stick. Read most of the posts on here and then be happy by staying put. If you've already accepted a job and resigned, then unlucky.

I couldn't have put it better myself! :-)I think "Jim" (if that's his real name) would do well to consider exactly WHY it is that he wants to join the consulting sector after 8 years in "The Industry". If it is any of the following...a) moneyb) powerc) prestiged) work-life balancee) having a feeling of doing something worthwhile... then you might as well basically forget it.

Go for it! What have you got to lose? You'd earn more, work in a different environment which would be much, much more challenging and gain considerable experience of the consulting industry. Clearly as the previous posts have already stated, the work-life balance, stress factor and dimwits you will have to face and put up with. Worth plunging in and if it tickles your fancy you might stay. You won't know until you try, right?

Hi there Jim. I think many of the posts are missing the central question. From what I gather you are not seeking advice about whether or not to make the switch, as you say you are "about to join the consulting sector", rather you are seeking input as to how to manage your career once you are there.I think 8 years in industry could potentially bring very valuable contributions to any consulting firm. However, bear one thing in mind. 8 years in industry will no doubt have engrained you to a certain way of thinking, a certain way of working, and a certain way of dealing with people. You may have engaged with consultants during your time in industry - and now you will find yourself on the other side of the desk.My advice would depend upon what the career path you have chosen. If you are working free-lance, I would say work to your strengths - use your industry contacts. Selling yourself based upon previous experience with the company may put some clients off who desire fresh thinking, however it may endear you to those who wish to achieve results whilst preserving their current ways of working etc.If you are entering a consultancy giant, be aware that many employees who have been churned out of the graduate program will have a specific way of thinking, a specific way of working too. There may be aspects of the project which you did not experience in industry - specific documentation, processes etc which you will be required to follow.You don't mention what level you are entering either - so if you need more advice, you should be specific about what you are exactly going on to do.But good luck - I think it's a great career move and I think you could bring some extremely valuable skills.