I'm thinking about trying to move into consulting in the next six months or so. What I'm after advice on, is should I give it a shot, even though it'll be very tough to get into, or am I just wasting my time completely, as I've got no chance?? If its going to be tough, I'll give it my best, but if impossible, its a waste of my time.My background: 2.1 from a red brick Uni in Economics and Accounting. I'm sure evryone says this, but could easily have got a 1st, but did next to no work and was drunk most the time I was there.....I've grown up since then, honest!Since then, two years in a sales realted industry, but been at the top of the companies I've worked for since pretty much day one. I've got a strong interest in business, am very good at maths, analysis etc etc, am confident and proven to be competent at working and communicating at CEO level with major global corportions. What do you reckon my chances are, if I am what I say I am above, impress in interview and do my research? Is there a glimmer of hope, or am I just dreaming?Honest opinion??Thanks!!

I'm in a similar position myself. Finished red brick last year, having scraped a 2.1, worked on a grad scheme for last 6 months but not enjoying it and want to move into consultancy. Have spoken to a few people in the industry and they're all very confident that with a 2.1, half decent A-levels and the ability to show that i'm driven (i.e. leaving a different career to go into consulting), I'm in with a shout. As such, i'm currently interviewing with accenture for a grad role... i don't mind starting at the bottom and if you don't then go for it. Your experience can only be a good thing.

Sure, send your CV out and see what happens. Probably the best names won't touch you but there are still very interesting and rewarding careers out there and it seems you're a reasonable candidate (though you'll need to push more of the analytics and less sales on your CV)You may find that the mid-tier places speak to you (Accentures etc.) but the only real flaw I see is that it's hard to place you in a particular area of the company so you may end up in the really crappy parts of these companies.

...as for the second guy, I think you've been fed bull info but if you've got an interview then fair enough. A lot of companies don't touch people who've worked under a year as it looks like you can't commit to anything.

Maybe(not)I realise that leaving a job after 6 months may be seen as a negative thing in the eye of a firm recruiting, but I also feel that given the chance to explain to them that I realise I made a mistake by joining a firm that is bogged down in beauocracy and whilst it is ambitious has serious cultural issues, I will be able to persuade them that i'm not simply unable to commit to anything. Knowing when to cut and run from a bad thing short is a much better strategy in my view than sticking it out, when I know consultancy is what I want to be doing.Sorry to hijack your post JJ, just felt like taking a stand! I really do wish you the best, and taking maybe's advice and focussing not on being in sales but on the analytics your roles entailed, i.e. understanding client issues, as well as other areas that you'll be expected to prove experience of, you'll do well.