Assistant Manager
BDO
Having recently been nominated to represent BDO at the Young MCA Council, I reflected on something many young consultants may relate to – imposter syndrome. It’s that sense of how can I be a consultant when I’m still at such an early stage in my career? We’re asked to bring fresh thinking, to provide advice, and to guide clients through challenges, yet at the same time, we’re still learning ourselves.
What I’ve come to realise is this feeling isn’t a weakness; it’s part of the journey. The consulting industry is built on continuous learning. Clients don’t expect us to have all the answers from day one; they value the energy, curiosity, and new perspectives we bring. Imposter syndrome is simply a reminder that we’re stretching ourselves, and that growth often feels uncomfortable at first.
My day usually starts early, checking my calendar and scanning emails before the first call of the day. I’m often supporting multiple projects at once, which means quickly switching gears from one industry or problem to another. Consulting rarely has a “typical” day, but mornings often involve preparing deliverables, whether that’s refining a presentation deck, pulling together research findings, or analysing data for a report. It’s fast-paced work, and it demands both attention to detail and the ability to shift focus quickly.
The client-facing parts of the day are both the most exciting and the most overwhelming. Being in a meeting where senior business leaders ask for your input is a surreal experience, especially when you may have the freshest face in the room. But even the smallest contributions matter. Spotting a gap in the data or offering your own perspective can shift the direction of the conversation. Moments like these remind me that consulting isn’t always about having decades of experience, it’s about your mindset and desire to add value wherever you can.
I spend part my day building my skills, whether it’s mastering a new tool, diving into an unfamiliar industry, or observing how different client stakeholders respond to challenging discussions. Part of my role is to support and guide junior colleagues, whether that’s reviewing their work, sharing feedback or helping them prepare for client interactions. That balance of continuing to learn myself while also enabling others to develop is what makes the role so rewarding.
Although no two days are alike as a consultant, each day always brings moments where I contribute, learn, and grow. The industry can feel daunting when you’re starting out, but the truth is that no one expects perfection from day one. What matters is showing up with curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to learn. That’s why I’m confident the best parts of this journey are yet to come.