Can anybody advise on the relevance of the following courses, as I am preparing to move into strategy consultancy-1. Prince 2 qualification2. ISEB Business Analysis EssentialsAre these courses likely to help me get any job offers?Any advice would be well appreciated.

Hi Natasha - If strategy is your thing, the ISEB will probably more helpful in terms of actually doing the job. Prince 2 is for project managers and more helpful in the more hands on full service consultanting firms. However, neither will be particularly helpful in helping you get the job in the first place if you don't have the relevant academics or experience. Good luck!

Thanks Recruitgal. I have an MBA, but no consulting experience. How do I go about getting that first break?

What kind of MBA do you have though? An exec-MBA from an ex-Poly, or an MBA from an internationally renowned business school? Intellectual snobbery is par for the course in the Strat Houses. And sad to say they'll also be looking for straight A's at A Level. If you don't have this kind of stuff, think twice before submitting your application.If you are going in as an experienced hire, rather than a graduate, you'll have your work cut out for you. Have you been working for a big, well-respected blue chip? Have you got significant (and successful) internal strategy development experience? Been giving presentations at board level? Used to doing project based roles? Are you an industry expert? Are you adept at working with financial data and modelling? They're all looking for different things at the screening stage. Best idea is to use your network. Track down someone that works for your target organisations and get the inside scoop from them... they might even be able to put you in touch with one of the recruiters.

MBA, Cardiff University, 2001Specialisation: Global Mareting StrategySkills: Analytical, process mapping/modelling, interpersonal, managerial, senior-level internal andclient presentations, Experience: Business Development (client-facing sales) of advanced networking technology with a market-leading global player.Also, internal strategy consultancy with a small overseas FMCG firm.Do I stand a chance with the smaller niche players or the likes of PA Consulting?