I was hoping I might get some feedback as to how likely I will be able to find a role in Consulting with my experience.Im a CIMA qualified ACMA and am a PRINCE2 practitioner. Im also have MCMI chartered manager status plus a BSc. Im 31. I spent a year working at Accenture in 2002 before moving into Manufacturing to undertake my finance and management training. Worked in industry for 4 years before spending the last 4 years as FD of a medium sized legal firm which has helped me develop strategic decision making and advisory skills.My career path has gone to plan so far (bit of blue chip experience followed by core finance then small business senior role)...I have always planned my next step to be back to either Big4 advisory or perhaps F&PM Consulting. This path has always seemed logical to me however I've only now begun to look into making the next move and thought Id best get some advice from those on the ground. Will I be able to generate interest? Surely 10 years of hard work and having ACMA is going to help??The other question concerns the need for an MBA. Obviously they aren't mandatory but Id be interested to hear how much they can boost your career. Thanks in advance.

I am by no means an expert but having just gone through the process of trying to switch from finance in industry to consulting (successfully) and also being CIMA qualified, no MBA, I will tell you this:- consulting firms heavily value blue chip experience, especially if you're trying to get into a big 4 or other global player- CIMA helps especially if you are going into F&PM, only certain top tier firms like McKinsey seem to require an MBA- the type of experience you have gained from industry is most important, if you can prove you have successfully implemented change programs of any kind that is something to talk around, that is what they're interested in- your soft skills are equally important and they will be tested thoroughly throughout the interview process; leadership style, problem solving skills, influencing skills, you will be closely watched and assessed if you do get to that stage So my advice is to think about whether you have enough in terms of consulting type experience within blue chip industry, and have developed yourself well enough to actually be a consultant, and if you spot any gaps I'd say try and fill them now. The longer you stay in industry the harder it gets to switch to consulting. Hope that helps.