I have always been interested in consulting, and due to having moving to Leeds to live with my girlfriend, I am currently considering applying for a position with a few firms.My question is this; is there any point? While I know I am pretty clever I have never been top of the class, and although I don’t mind working hard, I want to be starting a family in about 5 years, which means I won’t want to be working more than 45 hours a week by then. However there are a few good points. I have a 2:1 in Maths and Business (from a year ago, so I am considering applying for graduate positions), I have been working for Experian as an analyst since the day after I graduated and I have already been promoted to a Senior Business Analyst. I am quite entrepreneurial and get on with people well. I think I’d be good at the job, but are there any consultancies out there that don’t just target the very very best, and don’t require complete dedication to the cause?

I would say if you aren't prepared to be putting in over 45 hour weeks, the 55-60 hour weeks in consulting won't be for you.It is a tricky one because i too want a family but what's to stop you getting some ocnsulting experience then using it to get a good job in industry with less hours (and pay).Accenture don't just hire from the very best uni's,I went to a uni that is 'off the radar' for consultancies and got in. For work life balance, 'aparently' PA are quite good so might want t consider them too.

Apply and see. Consulting varies massively from Company to Company, and between which sector you choose.You seem to have respectable credentials that will probably get you an interview at a Big 4 regional office.If you like the people, and the sound of the work seems interesting to you then there are few better names to have on your CV than PWC, KPMG etc. In five years you can land yourself a lovely job inindustry using the contacts you make along the way.You will accelerate your progression and earnings this way, thus increasing the qulaity of life for you, your partner, and your children.Good luck young'un!

Thanks for the info guys. I suppose I’m in a good position with my life to plan ahead of me, so I will go for any consulting jobs in Leeds that look interesting, and just be really picky. I have no set date to have a job by, and if I can’t find anywhere I can always look at other sectors.

what a f*ck up eh!a desmond tutu - next stop mcdonalds for you chief!

He said he got a 2:1

Consultancies by no means just target the cream of the crop, as by doing so they would be severely limiting themselves. I was reading in the Times today how employers (in general) have relaxed their minimum requirement to a 2:2 as they value leadership and communication skills more than simply pure academic results, which more often than not is simply a certificate to prove you've spent hours in the library.As for hours - don't believe everything you read. My average hours could be on average 40 hours a week if I wanted. I probably clock up more hours not because anyone is forcing me to but because now that I'm free and indepentent, when I come home in the evenings I'd rather do something to develop myself than watch mundane tv. Hence this could mean polish up my work, do further research into the client problems, do team development activities, etc. As it's working from home and no one is forcing me to, I can pick it up and leave it whenever it suits.

Why revive this thread just to dish out some abuse?