Hi all Is a degree the only way into a top-notch consulting firm? Here's my situation...After leaving school at 18 with straight A's, I worked for a year as an analyst at IBM Business Global Services. I then went on to read a business-related degree at the London School of Economics. During my first year, I temped at various banking firms and took part in various extra-curricular activities. However, due to an unforseen tragedy earlier this year, it became necessary for me to switch my degree to a self-study program so that I can work full-time. I am now working as an accountant in a leading marketing group but consultancy has always been my dream career and I would like to start it sooner rather than later.My question is...Would top-tier consultancy firms or Big4 firms consider me for entry level positions in their company even though I haven't yet completed my degree?Should I be applying through graduate schemes or experienced hires or not at all?Please let me know your thoughts

If you qualify as an accountant, you will probably be in a position by then to apply as an experienced hire.Although I am sure the Big4 firms will look sympathetically on your situation during the interview and selection process, I think they will want you to complete your higher education first. You can test this by calling a few and asking them.You may also be in a strong position to go back to IBM - given that you know people there and they will have first-hand experience of your abilities.It may be that you do a few years work before going back to finish your studies, or work and study part-time. I wouldn't worry about that affecting your chances - although you'll have a non-traditional CV, you're demonstrating ability by working for brand-names and by the fact you got into LSE the first time. There's no need to be in a rush to get into consulting - it is still a career path that benefits from life and work experience; entry at graduate level is not the be-all and end-all.