Tell us about your job
As management consultants, our task is to assist clients with strategic analysis and provide recommendations to achieve their business goals. These could come in many forms, for example: building a digital bank, reaching net zero, creating a long-term growth strategy for the clients, to name a few. While it may sound intimidating, essentially the core nature of the role is problem solving and ensuring quality delivery for clients.
What’s your background?
After graduating from university, I joined another consulting firm as an intern for six months. It was an eye-opening experience for me, to see and expose myself to the consulting world. I was then recruited as a management trainee in a leading e-commerce company, where I spent two years learning in various business functions across marketing, business development, and operations. It was an enriching experience early in my career which was instrumental in building my business acumen. When I moved back to consulting, I was ready to leverage my previous experience to bring more insights to the team.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely! We are helping clients to solve various problems from multiple business areas. A diversity of backgrounds and expertise would help to provide the team with creative solutions, which eventually benefits the client. As long as you are interested in problem solving, have the curiosity to learn, and are open to adapting in a fast-paced environment, you are in a good place!
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
Traveling and observing different industries from the driver’s seat. During my time here, I have been staffed on multiple overseas projects which are super exciting! You get to travel to new countries and experience their working culture firsthand. Also, as a consultant you can have the chance to be staffed on totally different projects — one day you are helping a digital banking client, the next day you are jumping to Energy practice. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey.
What three pieces of advice would you give to your younger self as a student?
Be open to trying out different things. Utilize internships and observe what you really enjoy.
Reach out to people, be it peers, alumni, or anyone that can give you more perspective of the working life, especially in the industry that you are interested in.
Enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to have fun.
Tell us about your best moment at Oliver Wyman
For me, it’s ultimately about the satisfaction of knowing that your work brings an actual impact to society. I was staffed in a long-term digital banking project last year, and when the product was finally launched to the public it felt surreal to see the things that we helped build from scratch actually come to life.