Just accepted a Managing Consultant position within PwC Advisory practice. I have 10 years experience with SAP and over 20 years overall in IT related experience. My question to all is "typically" how long does it take to move to Sr. Manager - Director - Sr. Directory - Partner? I realize it all depends on job performance, politics and being in the right place at the right time, but jut wondering how long you need to be in each position to be considered at the next level: 2-3 years in each role? I am extremely ambitions and would like to make partner in as little as 5 years - possible?

You're 40+ or nearly 40 and have not yet made senior manager or director.I'm afraid you may struggle to convince the partners that you're partner material. It's not improbable just difficult.

You're right I am 40+ and have spent most of my career working for software companies. I have only spent the last 5 years in consulting and went from Consultant to Sr. Consultant in a relatively short period of time after stepping back from Program Manager, Procurement Manager roles as a result of the 2009 stock market crash and resulting recession. Not the most ideal situation and a definite step back in career progression, but I managed to stay in demand and employed (sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do). Thus, my original question - now with a little more background on my reason I asked - I'm looking to make us some lost time. I have the knowledge, I have the skills, now I will show what I am capable of. My question is is PwC the kind of company that will take notice and promote talent based on performance and not based on seniority and politics or will it take year and tears to happen by making someone pay their dues?

If you can tick the below then you have a fighting chance:- Bring in revenue (existing and new accounts);- Raise your profile (internally and externally);- network internally with the right people;and- be adaptable and indispensable on the projects and accounts you work on.