I work in the consulting division of a large IT company (think ACN/IBM/Cap). I have really enjoyed maybe 15-20% of the assignments here. The remainder has been spirit-crushingly dull. I can accept dull assignments, provided the balance was a little more even. Despite trying to steer my career in this direction, I don't feel fully in control. It has come to the point where I am considering sacrificing my consulting career to do a PhD in history; ie. swapping a decent paycheck for something that will stimulate me full-time.My question is this: is my experience of consulting unique to my company, or does this apply across the board. If I were to leave for another consultancy it would be for Big 4/Boutique. ps. I have 3.5 years of experience.

No, that is a very unusual experience.Most people in consultancy don't get to enjoy anywhere near the remarkably high percentage of their assignments that you have experienced.Ha ha, semi-joking aside, I know how you're feeling. Life in big companies is often dull, dull, dull.Try a small company - their brand may not carry the same instant recognition, but they often make up for it bigtime in many other ways!

Thanks BEP,I recognise that a smaller place could bring its own advantages - less of the corporate gumpf being one. Is more interesting/stimulating work one of them? Do smaller firms tend to have as high a proportion of bodyshopping work? Or is being bored at work simply a rite of passage for everyone?

small firms typically do less bodyshopping and I would say give you more responsibility at an earlier stage

I've worked for one of the big4 which was within a very defined service line and extremely repetitive not to mention boring! Especially so as I had come from an SI who were more entrepreneurial.I now work for a small web development agency as one of the commercial guys, salary isn't bad and I spend most of my time writing proposals and project managing. For me it was the move away from being a chargeable consultant to being a commercial link that was the draw (as well as a more balanced lifestyle). It all depends on what you prefer doing - As a Consultant really you should already have a good deal of variety unless you are assigned to a long term programme. Smaller firms come with their own challenges though as salary can be lower than the larger firms and maturity is an issue (bodyshopping can be prevalent yes) , but you have more freedom to manage your work, less red tape, and often a more family feel. Horses for courses and all that ...

Thanks both, really appreciate the advice.Getting the feeling that I should take the plunge to a smaller place. I could easily compromise on salary if it meant being more engaged in what I do.