Software engineer looking to switch. Advice?

I'm a software engineer (BS Electrical Engineering from University of Michigan, 3.2 GPA) who's interested in making the switch to management consulting or strategy consulting. I have about 4.5 years of engineering/development experience at a few different companies, mostly startups. I'd like to transition for a few reasons:

- In every company I've been at, I inevitably end up far more interested in the strategic/business development issues than building the product. I really can't see myself writing software for the rest of my career.

- Software development seems to be a young man's game. I'm employed and making good money as a 26 year old, but this just isn't the sort of field where 30 years of experience is respected. Instead, age and experience is seen as a negative. Consulting appears to offer a great launch pad for moving into more senior roles where experience is highly valued.

- My potential for earnings growth is limited. I'm currently earning in the low 100s right now, which is great, but looking 10-15 years out, I see salaries that max out in the $150k range. I'd like my career and earnings to grow more significantly than that.

I'm looking for advice on the best way to do this. I'm interested in getting into a MBB-type firm (or Deloitte or Accenture) ultimately. Should I try going for that now, or go for an MBA first? If I can't get an entry-level analyst position, what other sorts of positions should I be looking at to eventually go for an MBA or a consulting firm?

Has anybody else done this sort of career switch? Any tips?

 

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