Hi Michal! We’d love to hear about your journey since graduating from Economics at UEA. How have things been going in your career?
In 2016, I graduated from UEA with a BSc in Politics & Economics and joined PwC Poland as an intern. After completing my post-graduate study at the University of Nottingham, I returned to PwC and have worked there ever since. I am now a Senior Associate in Strategy&(Strategy Consulting Brand within the PwC Network) and am likely to become a Manager this year. I currently manage my own strategy projects for clients all over Central & Eastern Europe and manage teams of 3-6 people.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?
The development opportunities in strategy consulting are vast: the fast pace of projects, the wide diversity of industries, clients, and problems, coupled with significant responsibilities from day one, enable consultants to rapidly gain business acumen. This equips you to be an invaluable discussion partner in any business context, thereby accelerating your career in business.
What is your greatest work achievement since graduating?
Successfully completing my first project as an engagement leader, my team and I assisted a client in developing a comprehensive strategy for an e-commerce marketplace. Despite my limited management experience, I was able to deliver the project on time, within budget, and received positive feedback from both my junior team members and the client. In the process, I developed a great relationship with the client, paving the way for future opportunities for both the client and my company.
What advice would you offer to current students interested in working in your field?
Strategy Consulting is likely one of the best avenues for swiftly building a career in business. However, it is highly competitive and can, at times, be quite stressful. If you aspire to secure a position in Strategy Consulting, here is what you need to do:
- During University: Take advantage of the diverse range of societies available. Find one that aligns with your interests and become an active member. For instance, in most of my job interviews, I discussed my experiences as the President of the UEA Model UN Society. It highlighted my self-motivation, leadership capabilities, and problem-solving skills – three crucial traits recruiters seek.
- Begin Preparation Early: Start preparing for ‘case interviews’ as early as you can. Online resources such as Caseinterview.com or Firm Learning on Youtube can be invaluable in this regard. While the process might appear intimidating, it’s essential not to get discouraged. Fresh graduates aren’t necessarily expected to ‘ace’ these interviews. Instead, you should aim to present your arguments clearly and articulately, think on your feet, and demonstrate numerical proficiency.
Once you’ve secured your job:
- Skills Development: Utilise online resources to understand concepts quickly, such as creating impressive PowerPoint slides, developing Excel models, and addressing consulting challenges. I would again recommend the Firm Learning Youtube channel for this purpose.
- Be Proactive: Ensure you demonstrate ownership of the topics assigned to you. Strive to comprehend as much as you can independently, but don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your manager when needed. Exhibit your ability to deliver results. The more autonomous you are, the more managers will be inclined to work with you, which in turn will expose you to enhanced learning opportunities.
What do you think are the most important things you learnt as part of your course?
- Critical thinking skills- super important in consulting.
- Ability present an argument effectively & other public speaking skills.
- Ability to understand markets (supply, demand, macroeconomics).
- Quantitative analysis skills from subjects like Applied Data Analysis or Econometrics.
- Ability to structure my thoughts in written form (writing essays).
- Self discipline (especially time management).
Which skills do you think will be necessary now and in 5 years to succeed in your field?
Now:
- Quantitative & Qualitative analysis skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Excellence in PPT & Excel
- Leadership skills
In 5 Years:
- All of the above, but increasingly…
- Digital skills (ability to use R, SQL, Tableau, Python)
- Communicating with IT professionals (in business jargon: “the ability to align digital capabilities with business needs“)
- Knowledge of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)
How do you think studying at UEA has helped you in your career?
My time at UEA helped me become a more articulate, confident, and self-disciplined individual. The Politics & Economics course equipped me with many of the soft skills essential for success in consulting, even if the subject area differs slightly.
What is your favourite memory from studying in ECO?
The great energy & enthusiasm of all the ECO lecturers, but especially how Fabio pivoted from Macroeconomic theory to ranting about how economic authorities like central banks were screwing everything up (primarily in the context of the 2008 financial crisis, Greek sovereign debt crisis & austerity measures). I now realise that most my friends from other university’s hated macro but at UEA is was a lot of fun.