It it's the process, rather than the big money of business consulting that's the attraction - then I would look out for opportunities to work in a consulting/project management role in the UK voluntary sector.

Whether it's taking on the 1/2 time six-month contracts delivering small projects, or getting on the associate consultant lists of as many community development agencies as possible - there are a surprising number of 'third sector' consultancy opportunities. People may not specify that they want a 'business consultant' - but business consultancy of a sort is certainly what is needed, and what you'll find opportunities to provide.

In working on a range of work across the third sector I've found many opportunities to build contacts that could lead to a jump into wider business consultancy... but, when the opportunities have arisen, I've found the voluntary sector is really where I can find the most interesting projects.

Coming from the other angle: I'd personally avoid the big consultancies at all cost. The incentive structures, work patterns and lifestyle they build don't make it easy to 'get out' and get into work you really want to do later on. They may offer an easy route for the graduate - but from watching the experience of my peers I'm not sure it's either the best route for the long term, or the most rewarding in the short term...