Seeking Professional Guidance: Career Crossroads in Advisory Services Industry

Management consulting Management consulting careers and networking
1

Hey folks,

I’m looking for some guidance here as I’m facing a tough career decision and not sure which path to take. Let me give you some context about my situation:

I’m 31 years old with a finance background and have been working in advisory services my whole career. Here’s how my journey went:

  • Started as an intern at a major consulting company (one of the Big 4) but it was a rough experience. Felt completely overlooked, worked crazy hours, and never got proper credit for my work.
  • Switched to another large consulting firm because they offered me a better position and honestly I didn’t have many choices back then. This move actually worked out great and I learned a ton while developing my skills.
  • Three years later I joined a US-based strategy consulting firm that focuses on healthcare. I’ve been there for three years now.

This is where it gets complicated:

My time at this current company has been a bit of a roller coaster. I’ve had issues with management because I’m not great at office politics and tend to speak my mind when I probably shouldn’t. Even though I’m smart and my colleagues like me, these conflicts have hurt my career progress.

About 12 months ago I got moved out of the strategy team (honestly they were probably relieved) and now I work directly with the CEO in a business development capacity. He really appreciates what I bring to the table. So now I’m in this weird spot:

Good things: The C-suite executives (CEO, COO, CFO, CCO) all respect me personally, I have a lot of flexibility in my work, and I’m not dealing with team drama anymore.

Bad things: I don’t manage anyone, I feel like my skills are getting stale, and I’m not building the professional connections I need. It’s like I got benched but nobody told me.

I’ve tried talking to leadership about taking on more challenging work and advancing my career but nothing has happened yet. I’m torn between two options:

  1. Stay put: Keep pushing for better projects and more responsibility. Since the executives like working with me maybe I can make this situation work somehow.
  2. Jump ship: Find another consulting firm and give the industry one more try. The downside is I’d be starting fresh at a senior level which sounds pretty stressful.

Has anyone dealt with something similar or made a successful move between firms at this career stage? How difficult is it to switch consulting companies when you’re already at a management level? I’d really appreciate any insights you can share.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Happy to answer questions if anything needs clarification since this whole situation is pretty messy to explain.

2

Your situation’s more salvageable than you think. Having C-suite respect is rare - most consultants never get that access. You’re basically in a strategic partnership with the CEO, which you could turn into something bigger. Before bailing, give it 6 more months with a real plan: track your business development wins, pitch specific expansion ideas, and ask for quarterly career check-ins. If you do leave, that CEO relationship becomes your best reference. Senior moves between firms happen all the time, but expect 3-6 months of interviews and maybe stepping back initially.

3

ur in a tough spot, for sure. but having the CEO’s ear? that’s a huge advantage! try to set up regular chats with him to talk about ur career next steps. if he really appreciates you, he’ll help. switching firms can work but be ready for some challenges and maybe a step back at first.

4

Go hybrid and use your unique position. Direct CEO access? Most consultants would kill for that. Don’t see this as being sidelined - you’re getting executive exposure that’s prepping you for leadership. Document every business development win and quantify how much revenue you’ve brought in. Use this breathing room to build your external network through industry conferences and alumni events. Healthcare consulting’s a small world, and your CEO relationship could open doors you haven’t thought of. If you decide to leave, recent business development experience makes you attractive to firms expanding their healthcare practice. Don’t rush this decision while you’re hot with leadership.

5

This hits close to home - went through something similar 5 years ago. Got sideways with management and ended up in a limbo role that felt like career purgatory. I stayed too long trying to fix things and honestly regret it. Skills atrophy is real, and once you’re out of the main game it’s tough getting back in. Start networking NOW while you’ve still got that CEO connection as backup. Don’t burn bridges, but quietly test the waters. Senior-level moves take time, so get started.

6

you already know what happened - you got benched and nobody had the guts to tell you directly. the CEO liking you doesn’t matter if he’s the one who moved you out of strategy in the first place. you’re a relationship manager now, not a strategist.

everyone talks about CEO access being valuable, but what has it actually done for your career? nothing. start looking for jobs while you still have credibility. waiting around for things to magically improve will just make you less marketable.