Analyst
Mason Advisory
I often say I found consulting almost by accident. Just a week after submitting my master’s dissertation, I joined Mason Advisory’s academy programme and stepped straight into the world of IT consulting.
What struck me most in those early weeks was the sheer pace of learning and how quickly I was exposed to new sectors, clients, and problems. The variety in consulting ensures the learning curve remains steep, with each project presenting fresh challenges and unique opportunities for growth. What keeps me motivated is knowing that our work supports organisations in becoming more responsible and effective. Having that degree of purpose, and trust so early in my career, has been both surprising and rewarding.
One project that shaped me was an organisation-wide implementation of a new taxonomy used to categorise how time, activities, and resources were captured and governed. Building on previous pilot phases, the aim was to improve consistency and enable more meaningful, data-driven insights. My role primarily focused on stakeholder engagement, tailored training, and establishing controls for sustained adoption. It was a challenging piece of work, particularly because the change touched every part of the organisation, each with its own function, priorities and role. However, seeing the client gain clearer visibility and better planning capability was fulfilling, and emphasised how our work has a direct and lasting impact.
Digital tools have played a huge role in how I collaborate and bring ideas to life. Within my projects, Miro has served as an essential tool for co-design and development of new ideas. When it comes to making data-driven decisions, I have relied on Power BI for building dashboards and turned to Tableau for shared analytics across project teams. For me, creativity in consulting often comes through communication, finding clearer ways to present information, reframing problems, or designing visuals and processes that make complex ideas easier to grasp.
To stay focused and energised during intense projects, I intentionally structure my week around priorities and key tasks, while making sure to embed regular breaks. I have also recognised how enjoying and creating time for life beyond work, with family and friends, has allowed me to approach my role with greater presence.
At the moment, I am working towards the Associate-level Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) accreditation. Tracking my progress has been incredibly valuable; it gives me a clear sense of how far I have come and where I want to grow next.
Looking back, I am grateful for the path that led me here, and excited for what’s still ahead. So, if you are thinking about consulting as a career, my advice would be stay curious and open minded. Consulting offers new challenges and learning opportunities every day, making it a dynamic field where you can grow and adapt in a supportive environment. While working across different projects and clients may feel intimidating at first, it ultimately helps you step outside your comfort zone and build the confidence and skill set you need to succeed.