Often, individuals rush to study degrees with the hope that after graduating, they can transfer that knowledge to the respective fields they will be working in. This isn’t entirely false, but it isn’t entirely true either. The wealth of knowledge one gains while studying a three or four-year degree cannot automatically be transferred within an organisation.
Everything you need to know about the company you will be working for, will be taught to you by the company themselves. Simply put, after the screening, interviewing, onboarding and training process, companies have already figured out where to place potential candidates based on their skills and competencies rather than the respective degree they have studied. As the old saying goes “the degree gets you the interview, your skills, competencies and characteristics will get you the job”.
Consulting is a different ballgame altogether. After landing the job, your focus should not be on trying to consult within your specific field of study. The main goal in your first three years should be to learn, grow and develop your skills. If given the opportunity to start off in a field that is totally new to you, then that will give you the chance to think outside the box, to learn something new, and to develop new ways of analysing problems.
4 Tips for Surviving Your First Year
1. Be Accountable
When we speak of accountability, we are referring to an individual who takes responsibility for their actions and is always held accountable for them.
As a junior, you will make numerous mistakes. The steps you might take to get to the final product may be lengthier than necessary. It may even happen that you get the instructions for a task completely wrong.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you did not meet expectations, take full accountability. Accept mistakes as learning opportunities. Take responsibility not only for deliverables, but also for your conduct and how you treat others. This includes keeping your promises. If you say you are going to do something, do it. And in the process of completing those tasks, give yourself enough time to check in with your manager to ensure you are on the right path.
2. “Ask for help, help when needed” – Accenture motto
One of the greatest joys of working for a consulting firm is the vast range of work that comes with the profession. While some projects are shorter than others, as an analyst the last thing you want is to be rolled off one. If you ever find yourself “on the bench”, a term that loosely translates as “not being rolled into a project”, reach out to as many managers as possible. Offer assistance and ask for help when you are struggling. Basically, build your brand by letting others know that you are always willing to assist wherever and whenever you can. Never underestimate the power of communication and networking.
3. Learn, Adapt, Grow
The easiest way to avoid stagnating professionally is to make time to upskill. There are various courses you can take to enhance your skills and knowledge. These courses may be run internally or externally. You may identify an industry you want to specialize in, but don’t close the door to other industries.
Use your company intranet as your first tool for acquiring knowledge. Many years have gone into the research on different industries. Consulting portals have a wealth of knowledge in the form of research, training documents, and courses that one can choose from.
Many consulting firms also have partnerships with accredited higher institutions of learning, which means that you may be able to obtain a formal qualification that recognises your knowledge and skills. Added to this advantage is the fact that all this knowledge is a click away.
4. Have a Life Outside of Work
Although the work is demanding, the mistake many of us fall for is forgetting about our lives outside the workplace. When I speak of having a life, I mean taking care of your mental, emotional and financial health. I also mean doing things that you love, which keep you sane and happy. For example, continue going to yoga, continue reading your favourite authors, run, paint, hike, and be active outside your 9-5.
In conclusion, you can never tell what the next day, week or month will hold. That’s part of the thrill and adventure that comes with working for a consulting firm, no two days are the same. In everything you do, focus on the bigger picture, do not let temporary problems consume your energy, and always be inquisitive. Live in the present moment, and be kind to yourself. In the end, everything works out for the good of those who put the effort, time and work into making things happen.
Thanduxolo Love Mtsweni is a management consultant at Accenture in South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Administration in International Relations and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PDM- Business Administration). She is passionate about empowering and educating the youth, and advocating for better youth employment opportunities.
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