Anyone moved from civil service policy role to consulting?

[savebuckbeak]

Potentially considering a career change. I work in a policy job in the civil service in a central Government department. Mid-management level. Considering trying to shift into consulting but not really sure how. I've had a look at some consulting roles available, in consulting firms that have big public sector practices, for example. But a lot of their requirements are very project management-y focused and they want evidence of having delivered large-scale, high-value infrastructure projects within Government. Any ideas/tips/suggestions?

Why do you want to move into consulting? What relevant transferable skills do you have?

No tips but I’m following because I’d love to do the same!

@PiffleWiffleWoozle A combination of reasons really. Better remuneration, more varied work (in some circumstances), different culture, challenge, etc. I imagine I have many transferrable skills. Excellent stakeholder management, working with a diverse range of different organisations, leadership, project/programme management, analysis, communication skills, an understanding of the public sector/Government machinery, etc.

This is a very common move in some sectors and I would say mid-management level is a good time to move - before you get too settled into the civil service culture. The moving role between being the policy maker (almost a policing type role) to consorting with the enemy, how you will cope with serving big business, the profit incentive as opposed to being a public servant, and the sales/business development aspect can leave public servants cold - we sometimes get a very strong message from candidates that they are determined to do something "worthy" - also the hours and flexibility, you need to be prepared for giving blood, sweat and tears at times, but I know certain departments expect the same, so it depends where you come from - but demanding a good work-life balance, is going to leave people especially uneasy given your background.