Hi,I need some advice from all you guys. I am nearing completion of my PhD (International business and strategy)at Imperial. I have about 10 years work exp. and mulitple qualifications and memberships including an MBA. Of the 10 years around seven as an entrepreneur- started and managed two companies, manufacturing and software with blue chip clients (at age 26-27 years). I have decent academics. Getting some publications ready and taught at Imperial and other academic work for uni of london. Would I be good enough to apply for consulting aand at what level? I am sorry the post is so terribly long and I do not mean to sound arrogant I just really need help. And I am 34 now.Thanks in advanceSunman

Academically youre fine. Im just a bit worried that you need to ask that question. Consultancy for me is more about people skills, and a thick skin.You decide

Thanks Mark,I was just curious aboout the level at which I can join. I keep reading things about Oxbridge and consulting and wonder...The age is especially worrying.Any other advice?Sunman

Age is less of an issue with most firms as it is with your specific background. While "initiative" is highly valued, "entrepreneurship" by itself is less so. Why? 1. Entrepreneurs are used to humming their own tune (that's why you chose the entrepreneurial route, after all!!!). Can you really change 180-deg and take direction/coaching from someone else, perhaps younger than they are? Assuming you're coming in as Associate, we're talking about 3-5 years of being someone else's "deck-boy" (Powerpoint presentations are referred to as "decks") or "spreadsheet-jock". The glamour doesn't really begin until you pay your dues and reach the Principal or EM level...which is 5-8 years away for most folks. 2. Almost all MC clients are FTSE/Fortune 1000 or equivalent. These are, for the most part, massive companies...very different from running your own shop for 7 years. Can you adjust to the daily politics and the bullshit? I'm not saying you won't make it...I'm just saying you have an uphill climb to convince a recruiter otherwise.

Beng,As always-you cut to the chase. Thank you.Have you hired entrepreneurs? I thought that MCs look for initiative and real business experience obviously it is not that simple.Any one else out there with similar experiences?Sunman