Perhaps no definitive answer for this. Currently analyst at a big 4 consulting firm. Like many, would see myself moving in to industry at some point using the skills i've learned (change management).What would be the optimal amount of time to spend in consulting to capitalize on this experience and is there an upper limit after which one becomes unemployable in industry because of having only consulting experience?How does the pay compare also? I've heard mixed reports on this.

Hi,I'm presently a director in a large 'blue chip' and have been a client of the odd "tier 1" strategy firm.The skills in consultancy don't always work in industry as well as you might expect (and visa versa, no doubt). Consulting gives you strategic insight and breadth of experience. Also, consultants tend to be high calibre individuals. However, what consultancy doesn't provide is practical experience of implementation, which can often be the hard bit.My advice would be to move into industry as soon as possible. Too many years in consulting would, for me at least, make you difficult to hire. There is a huge difference between advising what should be done and getting a large, complex organisation to do it. You need a track record of the latter for industry success.I hope this helps. Good luck and all the best!

Hi again,To answer your pay query: it depends. Generally, friends of mine who have switched between industry and consulting haven't found significant differences. To be honest, I think they were hoping for more money inconsulting but didn't get it! This is because high calibre individuals tend to be well rewarded.Some industries, such as pharmaceuticals, pay very well indeed. So it's worth looking where you want to go.Hope this is helpful.

Thanks very much for your views Carrot. They confirm my suspicion about becoming a career consultant and difficult to employ after too many years.I'm in the energy sector and find it very interesting. I'd definately see myself trying to get in to one of the sorts of clients I work with.As I work for a big 4 consulting firm we do implement our recommendations end-to-end so in that respect I hope my experience will stand me in good stead for future exit ops.

Out of curiousity which big 4 are you with on the energy side? And what type of assignments/projects is the company involved in?