I work in the area for a large firm. It's a great line of work - varied, interesting, and a good range of clients. However, a few words of warning.1. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a relatively new niche area, there's no real consensus on what Innovation Consulting really is. For some firms, it's about product development, for some it's about branding, and for others it's strategy. In many cases, it's a blend of all these and more (e.g. design, user experience, marketing, etc.). You need to know exactly what you're bringing to the table, and what you can offer, if you're going to approach a firm properly. Each firm has a different approach.2. Given that there is no hard-and-fast definition of what is involved, the industry is full of chancers and no-hopers claiming to be seasoned innovation experts. Similarly, it is prime 'expansion' territory for players in parallel markets (strat consulting, advertising, market research) which set up their own two-bit innovation consultancy units. Approach these with caution.3. Background etc. will depend on the firm - for example, I'm under the impression that Ideo seek serious design acumen, in order to fit their work approach - though I could be wrong. Others will value different skills. Showing proper creative and interpersonal skills (not just "I like ideas") married with good commercial nous would be a good place to start.Hope this helps.
