Is it possible to transition, mid-career, to consulting without starting at the junior level?

Question

I have plenty of applicable internal consulting experience, and I'm interested in transitioning to a consulting firm. Do large consulting firms have a path for mid-career professionals that starts at a more intermediate level than junior consultants fresh out of grad school? Would boutique firms be more likely to hire me than larger firms? Seeking advice from people already in the industry! Thanks.

Jemia Williams · Answer

It depends on the type of consulting you are seeking. I work for a consulting firm that focuses on DEI work and I just called to work on certain portions of projects. I design (not graphic) content for communication plans, workshops, trainings, website copy,  social media copy, marketing, CEO messaging etc. I was doing these same exact tasks when I was working full time,  but  after getting laid off due to covid, I vowed I would not go back to corporate if I could help it. Now I consult about 20-25 hours a week and make as much money as I was making working a salaried job at 50+ hours a week.

The BIG 4 type of firms will probably knock you down to an entry level basis, but if you seek out boutique firms (who I consult with) you might be able to just come in on a more equitable playing field.

Alia · Answer

If you are moving from consulting to consulting where the only difference is for whom, I would consider it a career change. Best path forward is probably to start applying and in your cover letter, stress that you're interested in using your existing consulting experience for a wider array of customers. Doesn't seem like a stretch to me. I've only done a few years of consulting though, for a tech company in house for their customers.

Amy Bucciferro · Answer

Consulting firms are looking for people to bring real business experience. Stress what you have to offer. You will probably have to go through some shadowing or training period, but I would not conflate that with starting at the bottom, nor want to work at a firm that does.

Rena Dulberg · Answer

I recently started my own consulting company after more than 15 years working in organizations. As the founder/ceo, I don't consider myself junior, but starting out I did place my fees on the mid-to-lower end compared with more seasoned consultants.  I'm gradually raising my rates as I get more consulting experience under my belt and taking on subcontractors to join the team at different rates.

Chantal dlR · Answer

Echoing some of the other posts have said, and also wanted to add that start-up companies may be a good place to start because of the emphasis on each role serving many functions. Hires are made strategically and folks are expected to be scrappy, rolling up their sleeves for work that may not traditionally be in their wheelhouse. Good luck!

ROSALIE DAY · Answer

Most management consulting firms just won't hire mid-career people at any level - unless you can demonstrate that you have great contacts in the industries they are targeting. I have found that if you can ensure they get engagements - foot in the door to enough companies, it doesn't really matter how skilled you are.

Emma Rovit · Answer

It depends what type of consulting you're talking about I think. I've worked in management / strategy consulting at both a larger firm and a smaller local one. I think boutique would be an easier mid-career swap, but that's not to say that larger firms wouldn't be interested in hiring. Happy to give more advice if you share more detail.

Is it possible to transition, mid-career, to consulting without starting at the junior level?

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