Hi all,After a number of evening phone-calls and "research" pints with friends who work for some of the larger consultancies (Accenture, Deloitte, PA etc) I have a burning question as an outsider that I'd like answering by anyone who's worked at management level or had involvement hiring experienced hires from industry:[i]"What blend of either broad industry experience or deep functional experience are you looking for?"[/i]I work in the automotive industry, and have recently been approached by a director from one of the commercial areas of my company to work directly for him (I did a secondment for him last year). In contrast, at present I'm working in an engineering function providing feasibility inputs to early design and finance reviews on various programmes.While I'm still certain I'm headed towards consultancy, the potential leap in disciplines did make me wonder whether a broad but firm understanding of how the company fits together (which in this industry I can tell you is very rare below management level) is as marketable as I'd like to think it is?Thanks in advance.

First of all don’t worry about being confused; most engineers I’ve met are.It’s hard to say exactly what chance you have of making the jump to management consultancy, but whatever percentage it is currently is likely to double or treble by making the change you describe. This is for three reasons – a) understanding how an industry works is a valuable commodity, b) working directly for a director will expose you to more senior colleagues and strategic issues, and c) it will mark you out on your CV as someone that was chosen by a Director as being of merit.It is a no-lose option. More marketable to MC firms (although I can’t say you will be above or below the required standard) and better progression if you stay in industry.