What were the most important and impactful elements of your learning journey?
One of the most significant and impactful elements of my learning journey has been the opportunity to work closely with individuals who possess different types of experience than I do. Whether they are more senior or have worked on different clients, projects, or topics, their willingness to share their knowledge and assist has been invaluable. It’s also beneficial to find a work culture where people are happy to take the time to share their expertise.
Consulting is unique in that it allows you to work on projects with clients across various industries, surrounded by experts in different fields. As a recent graduate, you might not know exactly what you want to specialise in.
Therefore, finding a profession that exposes you to a variety of projects is an excellent way to learn and discover what truly interests you.
Another piece of advice is to seek out individuals who inspire you. In my case, I had the opportunity to work closely with a manager on a project who was also a serious triathlete. His approach to balancing work and personal interests inspired me to continue pursuing my endurance sports ambitions alongside client work. This experience had such a profound impact on me that this manager is now my triathlon coach.
Networking opportunities and support for further studies have also been important in my development and motivation. During my initial time at Deloitte, we had for example a Welcome Day and regular Apéros.
The Welcome Day allowed everyone starting in the same month to meet, providing a great way to connect with people from other departments. The Apéros are a pleasant way to meet and connect with colleagues, many of whom have become friends. It makes coming into the office more enjoyable when you have nice people around you.
Further studies, if offered by your employer, can help you deepen your knowledge or gain accreditations to enhance your CV.
What advice would you give to new graduates who are interested in starting their career in consulting?
My advice would be to identify an area, topic, or industry that you are deeply curious about and do everything you can to gain experience in that field. Consulting is a fantastic way to achieve this. Before graduating, consider which projects or study experiences can provide you with insights into what a position in that field might look like. One of the best decisions I ever made was doing my Bachelor’s thesis as a project for a luxury automotive brand. In hindsight, even if I hadn’t enjoyed it, I would have learned what I don’t enjoy, which is a step towards finding what I do want to pursue.
Next, figure out how to articulate your value and experience to a potential employer. Developing your elevator pitch can help you simplify your message and envision the career you want. At the start, you don’t have to pursue the most complex path – sometimes the simplest can be the most impactful.
Additionally, make an effort to meet people at companies you are interested in and those in roles you are considering. Career fairs are a good option for this, as they provide opportunities to connect with professionals and learn more about potential career paths.
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