have a clear goal in mind

One of the biggest benefits of consulting is the opportunity it offers to take a random walk and try exciting things you won't get from other jobs

choosing an industry / function early

Typically you will want to have a focus area at the intersection of the two, but maintain enough generalist ability to flex across industry adjacencies or functional adjacencies.

I would say always go for the safe option

If you wait too long to choose a focus area, you run into multiple problems

Find the ones that you really get along with and make them trusted confidants who are invested in your professional journey

choose only initiatives that reinforce your chosen focus area

All of these things give you credit for firm entrepreneurship

Better still, specialize in an industry that has deep pockets and buys professional advice on a regular basis