Dear Forum,I served just under 12 years as a Commissioned Officer (Mid-Seniority) in the Royal Navy and more latterly 11 months in a Defence industry manufacturing company. Unhappy with the last role, I took the decision to move on. Consultancy is something that I have always considered, but have never known anything about it. I am qualified (Masters equiv) in Training and Development, Member ILM and have completed APMP and PRINCE 2 Proj Man.I have read about the 'Essentials in Management Consultancy course and the Diploma that is offered, but I have also heard about a level 7(?) qualification available from Jan 2013.Question- What is your advice on ways to enter consultancy, which qualifications (if any) should I take and are there any firms that will take Ex Forces Officers?Thanks in advance

I like your style! You sound great - very assertive and direct.Have you considered Mars & Co? They use a lot of terminology on their website that might strike a chord with you?And I think you should just apply for any company that takes your fancy. You're well qualified and have some good skills there. Maybe look at some of the ones that do a lot of work with the MoD or big implementation type projects (ref AMPM, PRINCE).

100% agree with BEP.The possibilities are endless in interviews too...a rising tide floats all boats, one ship does not a Navy make, explosive growth, go submariner in the issues, not to mention all the near-shoring, off-shoring stuff. The mind boggles. In all seriousness apply to all the firms offering work with the MoD top of your list but any operational type firm will take you seriously.

Don't forget to blow apart the contours of the battlefields and destroy your competitors!You need to get out there, flying the flag for all those fellow officers who wish to make the transition to consulting.Good consultancies could do with a man like you at the helm.I salute your efforts and enthusiasm.;-)

Oooh get a job in EY or PwC then you can stand there at the window with binoculars and impress a new grad hire...'give me a ping mr pwc consultant...one ping only'

Shame on you gentlemen, filling a quiet Friday ribbing a man that's been defending your freedoms for 12 years.Rear-Admiral, there are no firms that specifically target ex- military, but many servicemen do move into consultancy, banking or similar. Most seem to do do on the back of a tech trade studied while in service. I'd say it would be difficult to make the move without strong academics and very relevant tech skills. General leadership qualities are rarely valued.Key question. Why did you dislike the last firm?

Sorry, to your direct question. There is no training or qualification that you could take now that would help. Those you mention are considered additional frills/ extras, not door openers.If you have good academics from BEFORE service, then you should Try networking on LinkedIn to find other ex-navy consultants who might refer you to their firm.

Just to clarify, I do actually have the utmost of respect for our friend in the Forces. It's jsut a bit of light-hearted banter... hopefully it's been received in that spirit.I think he'll do just fine. I think he should "target" firms with a MoD and/or operations focus, and he'll be in there in no time.He has the credentials and qualficiations, so hurry up and apply! On the double! ;)

The last firm/role was simply not for me, it was a Sales and Marketing role and as far removed from what I thought I would be doing at that stage in my life as is humanly possible. If I said that the frustration with certain Line managers was unbearable...... Proof that stupidity and a thin veneer really can get you places!Thank you for the instant promotion. Admiral- no less! If we were all on their pension, I fear that none of us would be having this conversation. Thanks anyway. Banter and thoughts appreciated.

There are many consultancies that need people with your background. http://www.baesystemsdetica.com/http://www.boozallen.com/As you would guess these consultancies work a lot in defense/intelligence. If you want to get into more mainstream management consulting (working across different industries), an MBA is the way forward.

Dear Chap,I am so sorry that I didn’t have time to read your reply over the weekend. You’re right I’m sure, impressing a new hire Grad is incredibly important in office hierarchy. I’ve not really done anything to impress them though………I mean I’ve sailed four out of the five oceans, seen 20 species of whales and dolphins, sailed through a typhoon in 70ft seas, investigated serious crimes, spent time in over 45 countries, sank a ship with surface-to-surface missiles, boarded illegal vessels and arrested French fisherman, surfed in Hawaii, been airlifted into the West African Jungle, competed in national skiing events, swam over Marianas Trench, had a meeting at gun point, improved the lives of populations under dictatorial regimes, saved lives at sea, surveyed previously undiscovered bathymetric features and shipwrecks, held talks with international diplomats, hosted US Senators, been the target of an attempt on my life, inspired, led and motivated the future Officers of the British Armed Forces, gained international recognition for teaching members of Royal Families (various), received an award from HM the Queen and the Sultan of Brunei, monitored and witnessed piracy off the Horn of Africa, rowed in World Championship events, battled against fires and floods, negotiated multi-million pound deals, protected Multi-Billion $ assets and critical infrastructure, completed complex company relocation projects, controlled £50m helicopters with Marine Sniper Teams, commanded 500 men, hunted enemy submarines, studied and calculated atmospheric physics becoming an International Hydrographic Organisation Surveyor and most importantly served my country. In hindsight I should imagine that you’ll better placed to Impress a new Grad Hire having achieved noteworthy efforts, been at historically important events and had your existence threatened in the comfort of your Office. I am after all only 35 and therefore assume I have a few more years in the civvy world to aspire to become as great a management consultant as you.Alternatively you could have a 21 year old with First-Class Honours from Cambridge?? 15 All! LoL!!!

About this time you were airlifted into the West African Jungle... tell us more. Be detailed and descriptive. Were you attacked by a gang of poppy-growing local drug dealers?Say hi to Kirk Lazarus for us. Hehe :-)You sound well cool, sure beats having the typical Big 4 nerd in the house anyways.

[quote]Dear Chap,I am so sorry that I didn’t have time to read your reply over the weekend. You’re right I’m sure, impressing a new hire Grad is incredibly important in office hierarchy. I’ve not really done anything to impress them though………I mean I’ve sailed four out of the five oceans, seen 20 species of whales and dolphins, sailed through a typhoon in 70ft seas, investigated serious crimes, spent time in over 45 countries, sank a ship with surface-to-surface missiles, boarded illegal vessels and arrested French fisherman, surfed in Hawaii, been airlifted into the West African Jungle, competed in national skiing events, swam over Marianas Trench, had a meeting at gun point, improved the lives of populations under dictatorial regimes, saved lives at sea, surveyed previously undiscovered bathymetric features and shipwrecks, held talks with international diplomats, hosted US Senators, been the target of an attempt on my life, inspired, led and motivated the future Officers of the British Armed Forces, gained international recognition for teaching members of Royal Families (various), received an award from HM the Queen and the Sultan of Brunei, monitored and witnessed piracy off the Horn of Africa, rowed in World Championship events, battled against fires and floods, negotiated multi-million pound deals, protected Multi-Billion $ assets and critical infrastructure, completed complex company relocation projects, controlled £50m helicopters with Marine Sniper Teams, commanded 500 men, hunted enemy submarines, studied and calculated atmospheric physics becoming an International Hydrographic Organisation Surveyor and most importantly served my country. In hindsight I should imagine that you’ll better placed to Impress a new Grad Hire having achieved noteworthy efforts, been at historically important events and had your existence threatened in the comfort of your Office. I am after all only 35 and therefore assume I have a few more years in the civvy world to aspire to become as great a management consultant as you.Alternatively you could have a 21 year old with First-Class Honours from Cambridge?? 15 All! LoL!!![/quote]shame you didnt acquire a sense of humour during all that. Maybe you were too busy. My post was in fact a humourous reference to Hunt for Red October and the sometimes trivial competitiveness between the PwC and EY offices at London Bridge. But given your astonishing career and obvious worldliness I'll simply assume you don't actually need any advice on here. Nto from me anyway, and Ive spent my entire career recruiting consultants. See how I too lack any sense of humour too?

You make your point as delicately as ever, Mr. Pelt... I mean mr mars ;-)Y'know, I seen me a mermaid once. I even seen me a shark eat an octopus. But I ain't never seen no phantom Russian submarine.

Ladies! You're in danger of scuffing your handbags...!Jebbond, not in any way trying to put you off, but consultancies are actually VERY like the services ( or certainly the army). They like to take on fresh grads (squadies) so the they can put them through the wringer and then build them back up exactly the way they want them. Hiring in more senior staff without direct experience is VERY rare. Your only direct experience is as a potential client, so I'd say your only real chance is to focus on the mod practices of MC firms. Frankly I think you'll hate it for exactly the same reason you hated your previous job. The symptom you describe is endemic in consultancy.Good luck

Someone hold my handbag while I find a 21 year old with First-Class Honours from Cambridge

Marsday,My sense of humour is quite simply top notch, I'm surprised my reply ruffled your feathers so.......As you may have a read in another reply, advice and banter welcomed!

Mars, I have the ideal candidate for you. Could give our commando friend a run for his money. ;-)Here's over there...His name is James.James Bond.LOL

I've had one coffee all morning. I am very cranky. I am like Goldfinger who woke up one morning to find his gold was about as precious as a Ratner special.Carry on. Carry on.

In all fairness to Jebbond, if he really has done all those things then that really is quite something! Esp swimming the Marianas Trench Mars, if you are feeling cranky then just remember, I'm a Celeb is on tonight

oooooh

Bushy! James Bond was a Commander not a commando, if our new friend was a commando then he'd have to be in the Royal Marines. Ironically they spend very little time in or on water, these days being mainly used to sand.

hehe

Who was Commandant Eric Lassard? heheu guys rule

BEP tell us about Commandant Eric Lassard's greatness.Be detailed and descriptive :)

[quote]Dear Chap,I am so sorry that I didn’t have time to read your reply over the weekend. You’re right I’m sure, impressing a new hire Grad is incredibly important in office hierarchy. I’ve not really done anything to impress them though………I mean I’ve sailed four out of the five oceans, seen 20 species of whales and dolphins, sailed through a typhoon in 70ft seas, investigated serious crimes, spent time in over 45 countries, sank a ship with surface-to-surface missiles, boarded illegal vessels and arrested French fisherman, surfed in Hawaii, been airlifted into the West African Jungle, competed in national skiing events, swam over Marianas Trench, had a meeting at gun point, improved the lives of populations under dictatorial regimes, saved lives at sea, surveyed previously undiscovered bathymetric features and shipwrecks, held talks with international diplomats, hosted US Senators, been the target of an attempt on my life, inspired, led and motivated the future Officers of the British Armed Forces, gained international recognition for teaching members of Royal Families (various), received an award from HM the Queen and the Sultan of Brunei, monitored and witnessed piracy off the Horn of Africa, rowed in World Championship events, battled against fires and floods, negotiated multi-million pound deals, protected Multi-Billion $ assets and critical infrastructure, completed complex company relocation projects, controlled £50m helicopters with Marine Sniper Teams, commanded 500 men, hunted enemy submarines, studied and calculated atmospheric physics becoming an International Hydrographic Organisation Surveyor and most importantly served my country. In hindsight I should imagine that you’ll better placed to Impress a new Grad Hire having achieved noteworthy efforts, been at historically important events and had your existence threatened in the comfort of your Office. I am after all only 35 and therefore assume I have a few more years in the civvy world to aspire to become as great a management consultant as you.Alternatively you could have a 21 year old with First-Class Honours from Cambridge?? 15 All! LoL!!![/quote]Hi Jeb,I am a bit familiar with your situation.My brother was in a similar situation. He then joined the merchant side, your usual foreign-going vessel captain. He did this for a few years. When he got married, he quit sailing and became a harbour pilot, whilst studying for an MBA. He now does port operations - in fact, he heads a port in Southeast Asia.I guess... the gist is... you can still do "consulting" work, even in industry. Am happy to share more details if you want it.P.S. Oh, also, the management consulting scene is full of those "veneer-type managers" you mentioned. You've already met a few here - marsday and his ilk. (rofl!!!)

I just can't stop reading through that little paragraph that sets out the accomplishments.It's just incredible. It must be one of the most eloquent little outbursts I've ever read! I love it!I nominate Jebbond for poster of the year!"battled against fires and floods"... love it!!!

Tell us more about Mariana. And her trench.

lets ask Col Jessup

I prefer "arresting French fishermen"Pikeeatingsurrendermonkeys#

Bushy et al.,It's easy for us to sit back and joke from the comfort of our offices...My cousin Dom, also ship master/captain, had his vessel hijacked of the Horn of Africa. I'm sure you can understand the agony the family went through. You only realise the value of these well-trained forces when you are thrust in such a situation.I must say that I am disgusted with your behaviour. Jeb asked for some advice. Instead, he received nonsense. Mr. Cool was the only one who offered it.Shame on you all :) But you know..... I actually expected as much (and nothing else) from marsday - hahaha!

if you say so Camster. usually I am always ready to give advice/informed opinion, but it has been said on here since registration was introduced that the tone had become dry and the humour and ragging lost at the expense of encouraging contributors to spend time on here.re-read the banter and it's more or less all intended to make light of the formidable armed forces experience versus the pretentions of the corporate world. I am in fact a keen supporter of armed forces experience being brought into consultancy - and many other fields for that matter.But you obviously missed all that, racing for the moral highground and tripping over the odd soapbox on the way ;)

LOL!Defensive, defensive. ROFL!!!

OMG u fnd txtspk!PMSL.

Interesting... is txtspeak actually all that popular amongst the youngsters these days? Do they use it because their tweets have to be short or do they use it generally, e.g. in emails? Would say people in their 20's and 30's use txtspeak as a normal part of their conversations?I did a google search and came up with the following txtspeak words. Worth remembering as it can all be quite complex sometimes.Words in full Abbreviations or SMS languageAs far as I remember AFAIRLove LUVThanks THNX or THXToday 2dayBefore B4Have a nice day HANDSee you C USo what’s your problem? SWYPAt @Tears in my eyes TIMESealed with a kiss SWAKChicks CHXGreat GR8Keep it simple, stupid KISSSuch a laugh SALAt the moment ATMParents are watching PAW or PWRandom act of kindness RAKPlease reply RSVPSecond SECYou’re on your own YOYOAs soon as possible ASAPOh My God OMGHugs and kisses HAK or XOXOLaughing out loud LOL

What can I say? I'm ageless, timeless, etc.But don't worry. You have been found out. I know I know..... the truth hurts, doesn't it? :)

Here's a few more:'u' - Bushy's favourite2moro - tomorrowAFAIK - as far as I know, one of our managing partners use this. WTF - don't think I need to explain this :)STFU - don't think I need to explain this either :)FFS - same here :)Text speak is OK in everyday conversation. You *wanna* know what I really hate? Those who can't tell the difference between:-you're and your-their / they're / there-we're / were-etc.Seems to be more of an issue in the UK though.

'found out' camster?

Shouldn't that be "fo camster"?

on messaging my kids use 'pos' meaning 'parent over shoulder'. replace 'parent' with 'partner'...