I am coming to the end of a grad scheme in a large telco where I have carved out a niche specializing in billing/financial systems. Having almost completed two years I am wondering whether it is time to leave to move into a telecoms consultancy role.I enjoy my job but feel like I would like to get a broader experience rather than just working on one site within the same role. I feel a consultancy would offer breadth of experience and also provide some variety in the type of work.How long do people think is a respectable amount of time to stay with a first employer? Also any tips on getting into consultancy or any companies to aim for would be of great help.Thanks,Hopping Grad

Finish your grad scheme first before you look at moving - it will only harm your chances to leap too early, but around the 2 year mark is about as good as it gets for exit points in your first role, and could be as little as 1 year. Your reasons for wanting to move into consulting are quite sound and will come across well, so use your time to brush up on your maths (GMAT level) and case studies - I think Tony R and the TopC guys have some guides etc for case studies and there are plenty of resources online to practice GMAT maths. As for telco consulting firms, a little research (also a useful skills to develop for consulting) on google should throw up a good long list of companies to approach, as should taking a look at the advertisers here on TopC.I am assuming you achieved a 2:1 from a decent Uni, and have good A Level grades - As and Bs at least. If you don't then I would advise not to get too optimistic.

You should stay in your current job for 5 years or so before moving on. All this job hopping isn't good for anyone. Become an expert and then move on. 2 years isn't long enough to learn much.