I'm 23, almost finished my masters and will be starting a on a grad scheme (IT) with BP.However, I know consulting is the route I want to take. I applied for a postion with PA consulting last year. I was rejected after the 1st round.I believe I did not perform great on the day as it was my very first graduate interview. I did no preparation (I did not realise the importance of preparation! I have learnt my lesson!)I applied again this year (mid-december), thinking that as it was a new recruiting season, I should be able to apply.Once again I was rejected. This time, I wasnt even invited for first round interview.What do you think are my chances of applying again in the future?I did an industrial placement (1 year) with Accenture and was offered a job. However, I'm not too keen on working at Accenture.Are there any other consulting firms I should be considering? I'm hoping to get into IT consulting.

If you've been rejected by the same firm twice, I'd take the message. Given that you were rejected at the early stages each time, there's probably something in the base requirements that you and PA interpret differently. Without knowing your personal circumstances, it could be academic given that you have some work experience from your internship, or it could be a "fit" issue (e.g. Accenture-style application responses might not always fit well with the PA approach).Long story short, you could try applying again in a few years when you have more experience and achievements behind you. As a rule, when reapplying to any firm you need to demonstrate significant development since your last application otherwise the application will be rejected on the basis that you won't have anything new to say. Other IT consulting firms you could try are CapGemini, AtosOrigin, EDS and Detica which hire graduates and those with only a couple of years experience. Better to get out of BP DCT sooner rather than later if you want to move into consulting.

Thanks Tsp.Do you have any info regarding the BP DCT programme?

I don't know the specifics of the 'BP DCT programme'. However, I've been consultiing within the SMC (a division of DCT) for the past six months.What I can tell you, is that DCT provides the ICT support to the rest of BP and they co-ordinate the actions of outsourced IT providers (IBM and EDS). The majority of staff perform operational roles and are not dedicated to projects/internal consulting. They tend to rely on external consultancies or contractors (e.g. Accenture and PA), to run projects and provide the technical nous to design and implement, technology based solutions.The regular staff are good bunch, but don't expect to placed in a challenging, stretching or exciting role. If all you want is decent pay and a easy life - then it may be for you.

Ditto. I have been working with BP business functions interfacing with DCT (rather than directly within DCT), but it's a similar viewpoint.Don't want to criticise a client, suffice to say it's an "interesting" relationship and I'm glad I don't work in DCT.

wow ....Tsp could you give me any further info?Does anyone have any info regarding career progression? Or travel opportunities (which I assume to be non-existant)

Any further info from anybody?