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Former consultants - If you made the jump to industry after working in consulting, how did that work for you?

I am very excited to know that I'll be working as a strategy consultant soon after graduation! However, I am considering 'making the jump' to industry later on in life to work at a more specific company that aligns with the changes I'd like to see in the world. (My dream would be to work for a company focused on renewable energy, or plant based food systems!)

For those that were able to make the transition from consulting to industry, how did that happen for you? Was that a goal for you, or did it occur naturally? How did your day to day differ? Do you ever think about going back to consulting?

Thanks so much for your time <3

#Spring24

+25 Karma if successful
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Subject: Career question for you

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Michael’s Answer

I made the transition from management / technology consulting to software sales and couldn't be happier. Breaking into a new career can be difficult (even if you have very applicable / transferrable experience) so be sure to try and go a referral route and revamp your resume to focus on the aspects of your old career that are applicable to the new field / career.
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Mollee’s Answer

If you're interested in shifting from consulting into industry, I'd try to support different projects/cases at your current job in different industries. By learning about organizations across specific industries, you'll be able to have additional context before deciding which industry you want to transition into. I'd also recommend talking to leaders at your current organization who have worked in various industries. Additionally, do your research to best understand what type of work you want to do and how industry ways of working will vary from client services. There are several differences between client services and industry so I would encourage you to consider how compensation, benefits, work life balance, ways of working, performance management, career pathing, etc. are important to you and what you value more so in a job. Otherwise, networking always helps to get more information before making a big decision - set up time with your network to learn about these different opportunities.
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Matt’s Answer

Hello Miguel,

A hearty congratulations on your new position!

I, too, recently transitioned from the consulting world to the industry sector. The shift felt like a natural progression for me. My career began in consulting right after my undergraduate studies, primarily because I was still exploring my interests. The beauty of consulting lies in its versatility; it offers the chance to engage in a wide array of projects. My journey as a consultant led me through various roles across numerous industries until I found a project that truly resonated with me. I was lucky enough that my client manager shared the same sentiment and extended an offer to me. This was the ultimate goal of my consulting journey: to gain a breadth of experience and discover my true passion.

As for advice, I would strongly urge you to leverage the diverse project opportunities and networking potential that consulting offers. Don't hesitate to connect with colleagues in your firm who are involved in areas like renewable energy or plant-based food systems. Consider inviting them for an informal coffee chat to gain a deeper understanding of their work. Who knows, you might stumble upon something that genuinely piques your interest!
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Abhishek’s Answer

Making the transition from consulting to industry can be a rewarding and fulfilling career move. Here are some common experiences and challenges that former consultants have faced:

1. Goal and motivation: Many consultants transition to industry with a specific goal in mind, such as working for a company aligned with their values or making a positive impact in a particular sector. Having a clear goal can help guide your career decisions and provide motivation throughout the transition process.

2. Networking and leveraging experience: Building a strong professional network is crucial when transitioning to industry. Consultants often have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and industries, which can be valuable for making connections and exploring potential job opportunities. Leveraging your consulting experience and network can help open doors and facilitate the transition.

3. Skill transferability: Consulting equips professionals with a wide range of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, project management, and communication. Highlighting these skills and demonstrating how they can be applied in an industry setting is important when seeking industry roles.

4. Adjusting to a different pace: The day-to-day work in industry roles can differ from consulting. Industry roles often involve more focused and long-term projects, allowing for deeper specialization and immersion in a specific company or industry. Adjusting to a different pace and level of depth in your work may require some adaptation.

5. Work-life balance: Consulting is known for its demanding nature, often requiring long hours and extensive travel. Transitioning to an industry role may provide a better work-life balance, depending on the specific company and role. This can be a significant factor for those seeking a change in their lifestyle.

6. Considering a return to consulting: Some professionals who transition to industry may occasionally consider returning to consulting. This could be due to missing the fast-paced and dynamic nature of consulting, or the desire to work on a broader range of projects. It's important to evaluate your long-term career goals and priorities to determine if a return to consulting aligns with your aspirations.

Remember, everyone's experience is unique, and the transition from consulting to industry can vary depending on individual circumstances. It's essential to reflect on your goals, network effectively, and leverage your skills and experiences to make a successful transition.
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Shaishavi’s Answer

My professional journey began in the realm of Technology consulting, eventually transitioning to the industry sector.

The beauty of consulting lies in its flexibility. If you find yourself unsatisfied with your current work, it's a straightforward process to switch clients, each one offering a unique experience. This diversity fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth, a feature that some find exhilarating, while others may find it tiring. Your perspective on this largely depends on your current life stage.

When I transitioned to the industry sector, I became part of a larger mission, which was incredibly rewarding. In my case, I joined a University. While the industry is rife with learning opportunities, the extent of these opportunities is often dictated by the vision and economy. For instance, a technology transformation project can provide a wealth of learning experiences, but once completed, you might need to wait for 5-10 years for the next transformative wave.

So, why did I choose the industry? The decision was largely influenced by my family circumstances. I sought more flexibility, stability, and purpose. I can confidently say that my time in the industry was thoroughly enjoyable.

In terms of daily tasks, as a consultant, I was focused on a specific technology. However, the industry offered a broader perspective, allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and expand my knowledge beyond my capabilities.

As my personal goals evolved, I made a successful transition back to consulting. This decision was entirely based on my circumstances. However, I believe that each life stage influences your goals and helps you determine whether you should lean towards a consulting job, an industry job, or even entrepreneurship.
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Jody’s Answer

You're posing a detailed inquiry to a dynamic and ever-changing landscape of opportunities. The role of a consultant requires a diverse skillset to deliver solutions for clients seeking expertise beyond their internal capabilities. I've experienced first-hand how consultants can be on-site one day, and gone the next. When I inquired, I learned their services were no longer required. This taught me that project managers often face tough decisions about which issues require attention and which consultants are needed.

This pattern has repeated throughout my career. I've learned from seasoned professionals to always maintain professionalism and never sever connections when leaving a project. Regardless of the situation, I always express gratitude to those I've enjoyed working with. I've focused on building a robust and dependable network of contacts who excel in their fields and are always willing to lend a hand.

Throughout my career, I've received calls from people who were referred to me for help. If I'm not immediately available, I assure them they can reach out to me at a later time. I'm always open to assisting when I can.

In my experience, working for an industry often meant working under individuals who didn't value my skills or contributions. However, I used these experiences as learning opportunities. Ironically, it was the less-than-ideal bosses who pushed me to work harder, honing my skills and abilities.

My advice to you echoes the guidance I received early in my career: work diligently, never stop learning, and treat others as you wish to be treated. When challenges arise, view them as opportunities for growth. Keep a record of your projects; this will be invaluable when similar tasks arise in the future or when a previous client wishes to rehire you.

I suggest creating your own library and backup drive for your journals, codes, support documents, and other valuable resources. I have a dedicated backup drive for my ongoing education materials, which I share with my colleagues, knowing they'll reciprocate.

Strive to earn as many professional certifications as possible. These require planning, dedication, and effort, but they will elevate your standing among your peers and make you more visible to upper management for high-profile assignments.

Miguel, you are in control of your career trajectory, and I have no doubt that you'll achieve great success. Godspeed!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Miguel,

Transitioning from Consulting to Industry: Experiences and Insights

Making the Transition: Transitioning from a consulting role to an industry position is a common career move for many professionals. The shift can happen for various reasons, such as seeking a more specialized role, aligning with personal values, or pursuing a specific industry interest. For individuals like yourself who aspire to work in renewable energy or plant-based food systems, transitioning from consulting to an industry role in these sectors can be both fulfilling and impactful.

Setting Goals and Natural Progression: For some former consultants, transitioning to industry was a deliberate goal they actively pursued. They may have identified specific companies or industries they were passionate about and worked towards securing a role in those areas. In contrast, for others, the transition occurred more organically as they gained experience, built networks, and discovered new interests along their career journey.

Day-to-Day Differences: The day-to-day experiences of working in industry versus consulting can vary significantly. In consulting, professionals often work on diverse projects for different clients, requiring adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. On the other hand, industry roles typically involve deeper immersion in a specific company or sector, allowing for long-term strategic planning, implementation of initiatives, and direct impact on the organization’s operations.

Considering a Return to Consulting: While some individuals find their niche in industry and thrive in specialized roles aligned with their passions, others may contemplate returning to consulting at some point in their careers. The decision to go back to consulting could stem from a desire for broader exposure to various industries and challenges, the appeal of working with different clients again, or seeking the dynamic nature of consulting engagements.

In conclusion, transitioning from consulting to industry can offer exciting opportunities for personal growth, specialization in preferred sectors like renewable energy or plant-based food systems, and making a tangible impact within specific organizations. Whether it’s a planned career move or an organic progression, individuals who navigate this transition successfully often find fulfillment by aligning their professional expertise with their values and aspirations.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

Harvard Business Review (HBR) - HBR provides valuable insights on career transitions, including moving from consulting to industry roles.

McKinsey & Company Insights - McKinsey & Company offers perspectives on career development and transitions within the consulting industry.

Deloitte Insights - Deloitte Insights covers topics related to career paths in consulting and industry sectors.

These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in addressing your query regarding transitioning from consulting to industry roles.

GOD BLESS!
JC.
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Anida’s Answer

After 10+ years in consulting, at some point, I felt that I could move to the industry. I was at a particular client and their culture was totally speaking to me - from the day 1. I wanted to join them and after 6 months, we had first conversation. It is really important that you think it through and be aware of the positive _and_ negatives, and possible downsides.

Make sure you leave the consulting firm on good terms as it may happen that you (still) want to come back. They would appreciate your industry experience and you could def benefit from it too and the network you built there.
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Kimberly’s Answer

Hello there! A hearty congratulations on your new job offer! This is indeed a monumental achievement. While I haven't personally made such a transition, I am acquainted with numerous colleagues who have, and more often than not, it's a seamless progression. You'll observe that over time, you begin to forge meaningful relationships with clients. As these relationships strengthen, clients start to trust you and appreciate your expertise. This can often result in clients extending job offers to team members, and many times, these offers are too attractive to refuse. So, it's safe to say that this usually happens organically as you accumulate more experience. However, this doesn't imply that if you're not satisfied with your current job, you shouldn't start exploring other options. Gaining any experience is always a fantastic beginning! Wishing you the very best of luck!
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Jennifer’s Answer

Greetings!

My professional journey began in the industry, then transitioned into consulting. However, during the Covid crisis, I found myself returning to the industry for a brief stint, which proved to be more demanding in terms of adjustment than I had anticipated. My return to the industry was not out of desire, but rather a necessity due to my contract role concluding.

The industry's day-to-day rhythm is significantly slower, which I discovered to be the most substantial hurdle. After careful consideration, I concluded that it would be most beneficial for me to return to consulting. This decision has brought me immense joy and satisfaction, and I couldn't be more thrilled with my choice!
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Doris’s Answer

Congratulations, Miguel, on pursuing a career in strategy consulting after graduation!

I began my career in consulting, and it was an incredible experience. It allowed me to develop a wide range of core skills that have been invaluable in my subsequent roles. After a few years in consulting, I realized that I wanted to focus on making an impact at a single company. While I remained open-minded during my consulting tenure, I ultimately decided to explore a different path.

Working at one company offers a different kind of depth. Although the day-to-day may not be as dynamic—since you're not constantly switching projects and clients—the scope of work goes much deeper, allowing for more substantial and sustained impact.
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Kate’s Answer

Transitioning from a consulting role to an industry position is a common and exciting career move. To make this journey seamless, it's advantageous to dive deep into the industry or company that has caught your interest. Engaging in a project that aligns with your desired industry can offer invaluable understanding and experience. By doing so, you'll be able to step into your new role with confidence, knowing it's the ideal fit for your abilities and ambitions.
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ANU’s Answer

Making the leap from Consulting to Industry can be a truly rewarding move, especially if it aligns with the work you've been doing. It can significantly boost your performance as the knowledge and insights gained from your time in Consulting can be invaluable.
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Kiran Kumar’s Answer

The transition from consulting to industry is typically viewed positively by those who make the switch, provided they are prepared for a different set of challenges and cultural adjustments. Success in this transition often hinges on the ability to adapt to a new environment, leverage existing skills effectively, and embrace the depth of focus required in corporate roles.
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Jerome’s Answer

Great question. I worked in a restaurant early in life and then moved to have my own company/consult for others. There was a point where the cost of health insurance and all of the other costs of owning my own thing became staggering. By going to work for another company, they had more buying power and I found more stability with what I was doing.

Although I miss doing the consulting solely, there is something nice about having a steady paycheck.
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Brian’s Answer

Shifting gears early in your consulting career can be a breeze! This is because you'll have a set of general skills and experiences that can be easily applied to a variety of roles across different industries. As you progress in your career, you'll likely become more specialized, making you a perfect fit for opportunities within your specific field of expertise. While there are always exceptions, I would generally advise making a career transition sooner rather than later. However, if there's an industry you're passionate about and see yourself working in for the long haul, specializing in that field could be a fantastic move for your career.
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Jeremy’s Answer

Starting off my career in consulting is a great decision. The diverse set of skills that I obtained, and the way consulting teaches you how to problem solve will set you up for success later in your career. For me the transition into a traditional industry job was a great change of pace. I found that my years of experience with quickly integrating into different client situations allowed me to excel in a traditional company setting. The downside is that I found that I missed the diverse and challenging experiences that consulting provided me daily. After a few years I transitioned back into consulting.
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Colin’s Answer

Leverage existing relationships and don't be afraid to build new ones. Take meetings, initiate informational discussions, and attend events to grow your network. You are in a great position to learn a lot as a strategy consultant. Joining the right project opportunities aligning with your interests should help you stay motivated in your career journey. Best of luck!
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Rahul’s Answer

In the consulting firm where I'm currently employed, we place a high premium on industry-specific focus. You're not just encouraged, but empowered to select your preferred industry, and then forge connections with the firm's leaders who are actively engaged in that sector. This means I'm not just consulting in general, but rather, I'm tailoring my expertise to a particular industry.

The beauty of being part of a consulting community that's dedicated to a specific industry is that you gradually build a deep understanding of the unique challenges that industry faces, and how those challenges have been successfully tackled for other clients within the same sector. Plus, you get the added bonus of collaborating with fellow consultants who are also immersed in the same industry, giving you the opportunity to learn from their experiences and sharpen your industry-specific skills.

In response to your query, I was able to transition into this mode of operation quite naturally. The daily routine is markedly different from generic consulting, as you're not just addressing a problem, but you're doing so with a clear focus on a specific industry. Since regulations vary from one industry to another, your problem-solving approach will be tailored to suit the industry you're working in. This is the key factor that sets us apart in problem-solving, because our solutions are not just effective, they're also customized to fit the industry!
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