Having an Arts degree in Modern Languages, I was confident that consulting would present me with a completely new and unfamiliar challenge that I would find stimulating and enjoyable. I also saw the opportunity to use my language skills and spend more time working abroad.
On my first day at CVA, I realised that the much-vaunted "international perspective" is very genuine. Just 24 hours later, I was on my way to join a team in Paris to start a cost-reduction case with a food production company. I was immediately impressed with the amount of responsibility that I was given from an early stage. Working in small case teams in which I could learn from more experienced members helped me to complete tasks with confidence and progress quicker than I could have otherwise expected.
Since the very first case, I have had a lot of client exposure, regularly attending meetings with senior executives to discuss topics ranging from sourcing strategies for a train manufacturer to long-term strategic issues for an energy provider. I have particularly enjoyed the unpredictable and varied nature of the work which never ceases to offer new challenges and opportunities. As a linguist, acquiring the technical skills needed for the job has been a steep learning curve, but I soon realised that there are always plenty of people around to help you out in your hour of need!
CVA's staffing policy means that you must expect to travel a lot and I have worked with colleagues from all of the European offices. A highlight of my first 18 months was a global training event which provided an occasion to meet other consultants from all corners of the world, and work with them to complete a business game. Weekend trips and social events are also arranged on a formal and informal basis and this helps to create a very friendly and supportive working environment.
