Hi all,I'm coming to the end of my second year of a large telecoms graduate scheme.I have been offered a decent role at my company, but was hoping to move further afield and keep the CV varied.I've led projects and also worked on internal strategy in my two years. However, I pressume that I don't have enough industry exp to join (off the top of my head) Deloitte's telecom consulting arm.If I was to join a consultancy, at what level should I be looking at? I am not expecting to join with any level of seniority, but hope that it would not be at graduate/analyst level, as I have spent two years picking up what I feel are valuable skills.Alternatively, would people suggest that I take the job at my current employer, stay for another couple of years and then move over as a *expert*?Any advice is very welcome,JK

I'd suggest you take the job at your current employer and move over in a few years or after an MBA. You will be able to join as an Associate and will be in a stronger position to join when the economy is likely to be on the upswing.Moving now will be difficult as there aren't established entry points for people with your experience. As you suggest, you'd be taken as an Analyst, albeit an experienced one.

I would have thought with two years telecoms experience you could enter consulting at C1 level if you come across well at interview. I would have thought high £30's would be realistic. Just my tuppence worth.

It largely boils down to just how itchy your feet are. One of the challenges you will meet is that most consulting firms will keep you (generic) in the graduate roles/levels for 2 years. So to come in at the next level you are effectively trying to say that the training and experience you have had in your telco company is equivalent. Now in principle, I agree that you may be at the same level, but generally you will be brought at a level slightly below where you want to be. The idea being that you come in do your 6 months as proof that really you are supposed to be at the nest level. I know for a fact that the company I work at take what ever experience you have from outside and halve it.From my view, if your mind is totally set on not coming in as an experienced analyst, then I would recommend that you stay where you are for 6-12 months more, then look to switch.

Hi thereI also finished a grad scheme at a 'very large telco' albeit in their consulting arm. All I will say is that my contemporaries, after 2.5yrs have left to consulting firms or investment banks and some have doubled their salaries and jumped several notches to senior cons. There's some facts for you but I suspect it's down to individual selling. Good luck in your decisions. I would say get a little more experience under your belt and tailor your experience towards the consulting skill set if possible.