I am a Senior PA/Executive Secretary at EY, with a BA Hons, post grad (albeit Art degrees), numerous years work experience and speak two languages - including English, who is interested in becoming a consultant. I have been told by many that I would make a good one - people person, great communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, etc, etc, but I am hesitant about making that first step, because although I believe I am capable of being a consultant (to what greatness? - I don't know) I am not sure how to go about it. I don't think the graduate programmes are my best entry point. So my questions are1. Are there many consultancy companies who would be interested in investing in a high-flying PA but who now wants to become a consultant?2. What are the routes available to me to become a consultant?3. Are there any ex PA's/Support staff out there who have made that transition? If yes, how did you do it?4. Finally, in order to make my CV look more suitable/attractive in this area I am presently studying for the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management - do you think this will make a difference? If not, then how would you advise I go about acquiring a Senior PA role with project management elements to it - Recruitment agency - which ones? Direct to companies - which ones?Any advice will be appreciated....and please no catty remarks!

Hi VinnieGood for you for wanting to better yourself. Have you spoken with your partner about making a move across ?When I was with PWC, a number of the PAs moved into consulting roles, but they really did have to start at the bottom rung.I'd imagine you would have to do the same thing, but with a profile like you have described you should quickly move up through the organisation

Thanks Anon for the words of encouragement!I have not spoken to my Partner about this as he is very busy and I don't think he would be too interested in my want to develop myself in the company. I have, however, spoken to HR and others (Director/Senior Managers) in my portfolio, and the consensus seems to be that once a secretary always a secretary, unless of course you have some sort of consulting experience from before. They advised me to leave, get some experience and then come back. But saying that, the only entry positions they seem to have are the graduate programmes which apparently is now closed to applicants - internally or externally.From reading the various posts on this website, I am wondering if now is a good time to move. It seems, due to the credit crunch, that a number of companies have a recruitment freeze. Any suggestions/advice?

Maybe PA Consulting would hire you! LOLOLOL!!!

Hi Vinnie,I am in the exact same position as you. I am a team secretary in a high profile consultancy. Having worked here just over a year, i applied for their graduate scheme and did not get it a couple of weeks ago. However in the past six months i have been building on my analytical skills by taking on more Excel Work, assisting with proposals and working on my VBA skills a couple of hours after work each week. My skills are coming on great and the people around me have more and more confidence in my 'consultancy-type' skills. This has helped to solidify my profile within the practice and people are more willing to let me take on junior analyst work.i am not going to stay around another year to apply for the graduate scheme but am applying for roles in the public sector and other roles in consultancy. I think getting any project management qualification will help you, however i really think you need to build on your hands-on skills to really boost your CV. I would love to chat some more about this as i know how difficult it can be, but you should know exactly what a consulting role will entail having worked in that environment and will be able to make the transition pretty easily.Happy to answer any other questions Vinnie:)

Hi Smile,Thanks for your 'encouraging rather than witty posting! It is good to know that there are others in the same position as myself. I am actually on a matenity contract, which ends at at the end of April, thus to take that route is not available to me. But think you are right, hands on experience is the key. Would also like to talk to you about this further - is there a way of private messaging?

would you be able to create a new email address and put it up here? can bin it once we start emailing properly?

Okay, will do later this evening.Have a good day!

Hi Smile,Here you go - my email address: Re: vinniemarch2008@yahoo.com