I've started on a grad programme at a well known consultancy but have decided it's not for me. I had nothing else on the cards when i joined so did, on a whim.I want to be in a different field but am concerned by everyone telling me you 'have' to do your 2 years before applying for another grad scheme or your cv will be frowned upon.Any thoughts?

If you were going to stay in consulting, I'd tell you to stick it out. But if you're changing fields, there's nothing wrong with leaving now and simply explaining that consulting wasn't for you.It's important that you can annunciate why consulting wasn't for you -- and make sure that those reasons aren't going to be present in your new job.

Yup - all those grad schemes applications that seem to ask for loads of experience you couldn't possibly have got pre-graduation? Directly trying to poach other firms' graduates once they've had a few corners knocked off. Fire off applications at will.

Depends on many factors;- Are you going to another country to start your career- Are you tired of some sh£$ a$$ firms that cannot identify the right task for the right people and you are deciding to move to where you will be valued more.So more of both personal and career issues, put them into consideration and move to where you think is best for you.Good luck in whatever you decide

Also, I would like to know if with one year experience in a grad programme one can apply as experienced hire. Does this happen, or does one just apply for another grad programme? Any help?

Thanks for your replies.I'd be leaving to apply for fund management grad schemes and as somone rightly points out the reason I took this was to fill in the gaps on my CV to answer those questions for other grad jobs with good examples.