Starting a new job at any stage of your career can be exciting and daunting; however, when you are a recent graduate or early in your career, these feelings are amplified as they come with an additional layer of uncertainty. Here at LACE, we have spent the last year delivering a rounded Early careers programme, ensuring our Analysts are provided with the skills and support to set them up for success. As they are coming to the end of their first year, we’ve asked one of our existing Analysts what advice they have for future cohorts and the next group of Gen Z employees entering the consultancy world. Today, Zaibaa from our team shared her thoughts with us. We’re always looking for new talent, so if you’d like to learn more about working at LACE, you can send us your details via our Vacancies page here.

Embracing a growth mindset

Your first days in consulting can initially feel overwhelming. However, the key to success lies in your mindset; as cliched as it sounds, everything starts and stops with you! For many, particularly those who have chosen the university route, this means shifting your mindset from “right or wrong” to a growth mindset and continuous development, which is essential in this field.
Consider these three essential tips to adopt a growth mindset:

1. View early challenges not as setbacks but as valuable learning opportunities. Each challenge you face is a chance to grow, improve and learn something new, which will contribute towards your development.
2. Actively seek feedback from those around you, and most importantly, act upon it. Although being the most junior member in your team or organisation can be intimidating, use the opportunity to learn from more experienced colleagues and gain their insights to help identify your strengths and weaknesses. And don’t be afraid of constructive feedback – when embraced, it is a powerful tool to help you develop personally and professionally.
3. Keep expanding your skills and knowledge. The consulting industry is ever-evolving, and staying up to date with the latest trends and skills will give you a competitive edge.

Creating impact

As an Analyst or Junior Consultant, it is essential to remember that you won’t get everything right the first time. However, by focusing on positively contributing and creating value for both the client and your company, you will be on the right track.

One of the best ways this can be achieved is by being proactive. When working on projects, both internally and externally, try to look for ways to exceed expectations and stay one step ahead of what might be asked of you. Whilst you might not always know the details of the project or be the subject matter expert, consistently going above and beyond in your work will add value and demonstrate what an essential member of the team you are.
Additionally, getting involved in internal activities and saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities are a great way to create an impact. Participating in company initiatives – whether social or work-related – gives you a fantastic opportunity to network, learn, and showcase your abilities.

Building connections

Building meaningful networks is a pivotal part of your career in consulting, and it is important to start with intention, as you mean to go on! While getting involved and saying yes to opportunities are great ways to meet and work with new people, there are several other ways to do this.

First, make the first move! Networking requires active participation, so be proactive in engaging with others. Whilst it can be daunting at first, don’t be afraid or hesitant to say hello and initiate contact with your colleagues. If you get stuck on what to say, get curious and ask them about projects they are working on or their area of expertise, which is excellent, as you are building a connection and learning at the same time! Even if you are an introvert, find networking strategies that suit your needs, such as booking one-on-one meetings or speaking to people directly after meetings.

While working from home is more common, try to be in the office as often as possible, especially in your first six to twelve months. Despite the ongoing discussions about remote working, do not underestimate the value and significance of in-person interaction and “water cooler conversations“- especially early in your career. Office interactions are a fantastic way to learn from others in real-time and build relationships in a relaxed and less pressurised way.
Although there is a lot to take in when starting your career in consulting, the tips above will help you succeed. Consulting is demanding, but the rewards can be great for those who face it with resilience and positivity. Stay proactive, stay curious, and enjoy the journey!

This blog is part of our ongoing ‘Life @ LACE’ series, where we aim to give insights from different team members. If you’d like to read more from our team of LACErs, you can do so via our dedicated page here.