Having just left the Army after 5 years, I am looking to work within the Management Consultancy sector. Although I have lots of leadership, management, team working and communication skills, I have very limited Commercial and Business experience and I was after some advice. Would Consultancies want to hire me with my experience and background and allow me to learn whilst working or would they want me to apply for a Graduate Scheme and then build on my experience from there. Also is it worth me taking time out to gain any qualifications in Consultancy and then applying? Thanks.

Did you just get kicked off the Apprentice?

BearingPoint is big in this area in the US - Department of Defense probably among their biggest global clients. I think they have identified defence / military as a target area (so to speak!) for their (relatively small) UK practice.

If your background - largely academics but also your career-track within the army - fits the MBB/boutique/strategic consulting profile then I know of a few people who have moved across into this sphere at the equivalent of an MBA-hire level (i.e., above graduate).

A friend of mine left the army after about 8 years and as part of of his exit the army paid for him to go on courses of his choice. He did as many business related courses as possible to deomonstrate interest for when he was interviewing. He got a job at IBM Consulting. He did have some relevant skills as an engineer as well which helped. It is possible, but requires a lot of effort and networking with everybody you can get hold of.

CareerChange, You're actually treading a fairly well worn path, but like all things in life many people start off down the route, not all arrive. As you identify you are also at a 'tipping point' between a grad scheme (you would be the 'uncle' of the group), and an experienced hire - you will have good general skills to offer, but you skill set will be far sure of a consultant with say 3 years service and an MBA under his belt. I think the best thing you can do is work out the differences between firms (a bit like Regiments really) and decide roughly where you think you fir. Then network, apply and get ready for a 'killer' interview. The advice on resettlement is well made, there are good courses on management consultancy, PRINCE2, finance for non financial managers etc which would all add to your CV.In short, it can be done, but it won't be easy - it worked for me though, albeit a few years older. Happy to chat it through if you want...

Hi CarrerChanger, PA have traditionally recruited a number of ex-forces people into their PMP and DSP practices. You might want to give them a look?

I've met a number of successful senior managers in ACN who had army officer backgrounds and all seem to be doing well. Assume there is the old school tie route but also military skills translate to good management typically when blended with business skills. Think ACN has a culture that lends to military folk.

??Conformist with dilapidated premises, hopeless IT and lots of tea breaks?

Try recruitment firm Price Guy Cholerton - many are ex- Infantry and have good leads into some of the top firms.They will understand where you have come from and where you want to go.

In my experience ex military candidates tend to make excellent management consultants - the trick is to structure your CV along lines an MC hiring manager will understand, so draw out the commercial parallels from within your forces career e.g. if you have been doing supply chain in the Army I would guarantee your skills are comparable to that of SCM consultants graduating through civie street. Team and operations leadership experience will translate as useful, and you could look to gaining a relevant qualification (if you don't already have one) to underline your commitment and just 'season' your experience a little - Prince 2, or a 1 year MSc in business would be ideal.If you avoid applying to the big firms, especially not MBB, you will get around the tipping point - a boutique firm or niche firm is more likely to be able to make the room for you.

Thanks for the advice everyone. All of it is very useful. Will follow all leads suggested.