My experience with consulting firms is there are two paths for high performers. Either you move into a sales/relationship focused role (which there are fairly limited slots for) or you move client side and probably buy from your old employer.
The good workers do well either way (when I say move client side, I mean to high level positions - importantly one with control over a budget to afford consultants) and the consultancy makes money both ways.
This: If you want to climb the ladder, the no1 way to becoming a partner is .. SALES .. SALES .. SALES, regardless what you selll: As long as you bring in money to justify your business unit/cluster, everybody is fine. Just sell more hours - thats the only goal.
