OXFORD

CONSULTANCY
Lead Consultant,
Newton Europe
Exeter College,
Chemistry, 2012
WHAT - My job is about helping our
clients improve their operations.
This involves both analytical
and people skills to identify and
fix the biggest problems being faced
by the client’s business. Changing an
organisation doesn’t happen from behind
a laptop so most of my day is spent with
people from all over the client’s company;
from Financial Directors to shop-floor
workers. Although a lot of our work
results in a monetary saving, our work in
the public sector focuses on improving
outcomes. In the NHS, that means helping
doctors see more patients and our
programmes with Local Authorities help
vulnerable children find a foster home.
VARIETY - In the past two years I have
stood next to a surgeon performing a
heart operation, held a nuclear reactor
component, stood on the deck of a 65,000
tonne aircraft carrier and carried out a
project review on a blueberry packing
factory. Variety is certainly not a cliché
word at Newton!
RESPONSIBILITY - Newton does a great
job pushing you to improve; whenever you
begin to feel comfortable in a role
it probably means you’re ready to
be promoted! As a lead consultant I
am managing a multimillion pound
project with a team of 5 people
under me. Whilst a bit daunting, the
support I receive from the company
management is unparalleled.
TOP TIP: I would recommend starting
your career at a smaller, fast growing
company. It stops you becoming a
number on a graduate scheme: you
are actually an important part of the
business.
Companies don’t want an army of
clones working for them; make sure
you have something on your CV/
covering letter which makes you
stand out.
Being able to talk openly about your
weaknesses shows maturity and selfawareness,
something employers
look for in graduates.
CONSULTANCY
Lara Markham
Consultant,
OC&C Strategy Consultants
St John’s College,
BA Law, 2013
WHAT: Strategy consulting firms help
businesses from a range of industries
with their most critical questions, for
example: ‘how do we grow over the
next 5 years’, ‘how do we make our
customers more loyal’ or ‘should we buy
this company’. We work in small teams,
for 1-3 months on each project, so you
get to be focused on one client and really
get to grips with their key issues.
THE ROLE: I started at OC&C as an
Associate Consultant (graduate entry),
where my role involved doing the
analytical ‘heavy lifting’, and carrying
out primary research (eg, customer
interviews and online surveys). Now, as a
Consultant, I’m more focused on helping
ACs design their analyses, and creating
presentations for the clients. Whilst
analytical skills are crucial for the initial
stages of your career, people and team
management skills become increasingly
important as you progress.
WHY: Consulting is a fantastic start to a
career for those interested in business.
From day one you are exposed to the
critical questions facing businesses,
including many companies that you
will be familiar with as a consumer.
The learning is fast paced – you will
develop important skills quickly, ranging
from Excel analysis to presentation
skills. However, this doesn’t mean
that this job is only for those with
numerate degrees. OC&C really
values candidates from all degrees - I
studied Law and, in fact, the majority
of my colleagues are from Arts or
Humanities backgrounds.
GETTING IN: Getting an interview
can be a challenge at any consulting
firm, so start thinking about your
CV as early as possible. Strong
academics are expected - and not
a differentiator – so make sure you
are getting involved with activities
outside of your degree. At OC&C,
we really value people who have
done interesting things to a high level
– whether it’s sports, charity work,
a student newspaper, impressive
internships etc.
TOP TIP: Case study interviews are
important, so start practicing these
early – you’ll find lots of information
online. If you’re from a non-numerate
degree, like me, I highly recommend
brushing up on those GCSE mental
maths skills as these will be tested
during the interview.
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