I am joining a consulting graduate scheme at one of the Big 4 in the regions, but would like to eventually get back into the squalor and smog of London (not just because I like living there but because I want to mainly work with financial companies).I understand it's highly unlikely I will get to switch offices for the duration of the scheme, but is it impossible? Also, how do I get back to London from the regions as soon as possible? Obviously I'll be putting in the effort and hours to make myself a valuable employee, but is there anything else? Getting on the good side of HR (how?), getting on the good side of partners and senior management (how?) Thanks

Getting on the good side of partners/SM won't really get you far, given they have no benefit in having a good person leave their team to join some other partner elsewhere. That said, achieving well in the job is obviously a no-brainer given you have to convince someone in London you're worth taking.Best bet is right after the grad scheme finishes - I know a lot of people move offices in/out of London then within the accountancy streams, so it may work in consulting as well. However, there may be no harm really in raising the query now on the back of your interest with FS. Out of interest, why go to a regional if that's your area of interest?The BEST thing that could happen would be if you get the opportunity to work on a project also staffed by London people and therefore get exposure to partner/director level London folk. However I imagine if you're not in one of the regions around London (e.g. St Albans, Cambridge, Gatwick etc) then that's unlikely to happen.

Thanks Mike,I joined the regions because I applied late to the Big 4 firm I eventually joined and the London office for consulting filled up quickly (as it would, I guess). And I don't want to do accounting or something just because it's in London. I did have a job offer with a London firm but it was very small, and the name wouldn't have looked as good on a CV. I really like the firm, and it's not like I'll be miserable in my region, but when you say I should raise the issue or look to get staffed on London/FS, how would I raise that issue with HR? Coming in as a graduate I'm not really used to being in these sort of situations and I would imagine that it might not look great if a new joiner comes in and starts stating all these preferences.

in my big 4 consulting firm, there are a number of Graduates who are based regionally but work most often in London. you will need to network hard to find those opportunities though.

Not even joined yet and already murdering the poor.old English language.If you want to "increase leverage" you need to be stronger, fatter or use a longer stick.I gather that what you actually want to do is transfer to the London office, in which case put the stick away, get on plenty of courses etc with London colleagues and network hard, look to work with London directors and partners on projects, look to shine (to counter the impression that regional staff are country cousins and less capable).In practice I don't think you ought to find it too difficult 2 or so years in.