From Graduate to Consultant: Navigating the Learning Journey
Transitioning from being a student to Consulting large corporations can feel like a significant leap in expertise.
- April 08, 2025
- 6 Min. reading time
- Sponsored by: Deloitte
Embarking on a career journey and transitioning from student to a professional Consulting role can seem daunting. We spoke with Louis, a Consultant in Technology & Transformation at Deloitte, to better understand what helped him and the difference a supportive learning environment can make.
As a Consultant, you support companies by providing expertise on various topics. In this article, we dive into what Louis felt were the most important steps to upskill. From adapting to a fast-paced work environment to managing client expectations, the journey is filled with learning opportunities.
Louis, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in Consulting at Deloitte?
I’m originally from Wales and moved to Switzerland about three years ago, thanks to a traineeship opportunity at Deloitte in Zurich. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Cardiff University and was fortunate to secure a role in Deloitte Switzerland’s AI & Data Consulting team before graduating.
My motivation for entering the Consulting field began while I was writing my thesis, which focused on developing an AI strategy for a luxury automotive brand. I was captivated by the opportunity to apply my technical knowledge through deep analysis and research to solve complex problems. The prospect of working in a team of experts who could help me further deepen my knowledge and solve problems for some of the most prestigious brands in the world solidified my desire to pursue a career in Consulting, which I have found at Deloitte.
Since joining Deloitte, I have focused on creating and executing data strategies across various industries. I have contributed to establishing corporate ventures and have worked with clients in insurance, luxury goods, and life sciences.
In my spare time, I am very active in sports, often aiming to complete endurance challenges such as ultramarathons and triathlons. When I’m not working or training for my next challenge, I enjoy attending concerts and discovering new bakeries and cafés in Zurich.
How did you find the transition from being a student to working as a Consultant?
The transition from being a student to working as a Consultant was both rapid and challenging. Early in my first year at Deloitte, I found myself on a project with a colleague who had over 15 years of Consulting experience and was an expert in his field. I also spent a significant amount of time with the client and received extensive one-on-one mentoring from my senior colleague.
Dedicated mentoring allowed me to learn a tremendous amount in a short period. This experience set me on a path where I could work autonomously with clients while knowing how to leverage the vast expertise available within the firm, thanks to our collaborative environment. You can easily ask a colleague for help when you are in the office or a quick call if you are working from home, it is the type of environment where questions are welcomed (and it goes both ways, now I also help people who work on similar projects for the first time). I think this is the type of culture to look for, especially when you are new and want to build your skillset.
Each client I have worked with has taught me something new in different ways. Being exposed to these diverse environments has provided me with a toolkit of approaches to consider, attempt, adapt, and learn from. I find that I am constantly adding new skills to my portfolio.
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.
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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.
Consultants at Deloitte come from diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from business and economics to engineering and sciences. However their journeys are united by a common thread: a passion for problem-solving and a desire to make a tangible impact in the business world. Many of our team members were drawn to Consulting for its dynamic nature and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects across different industries.
Academic experiences play a crucial role in shaping the skills required for Consulting. Analytical thinking, research capabilities, and effective communication are just a few of the competencies that our Consultants have carried over from their university days. By creating a work environment focused on Never stop growing, from bootcamps, to dedicated Personal development leads to collaborating in teams with colleagues possessing a wide range of expertise you get an opportunity to upskill and work with clients across various industries and sizes.
In our teams you will Never stop growing, and get a chance to future proof your career.
Learn more about the exciting possibilities that await you or learn more about our culture.