Tom, Junior Consultant

Tell us about your path to Roland Berger!

After graduating from secondary school in 2015, I began a vocational apprenticeship in a regional building materials company in my home town. After three years of training, I wanted to develop further in both academic and professional ways. Since the classic course of study was not open to me without an Abitur, I decided to study part-time in evening classes, where I was able to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in my job.

When I started night school, I also switched careers into the construction supply industry, where I worked as a technical project manager for large-scale projects. After graduating from night school three years later, I supplemented my academic journey at PFH Göttingen with a B.A. in Business Administration. The bachelor’s degree concluded my time as a part-time student in 2023 and I then started my master’s degree at Nova SBE in Lisbon. During my master’s, I gained my first insights into consulting through internships and student consulting clubs, thus laying the foundations for my entry into strategy consulting.

What motivated you to be the first in your family to start studying?

For me, it was never about being “the first” in my family to start studying. Rather, I was interested in showing myself – and others – that it’s not your own starting point that decides what is possible. It is crucial to understand what can be achieved with a high degree of motivation and discipline. This conviction was passed on to me at a young age and has always accompanied me and driven me throughout these last years.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me was the permanent double burden of a full-time job and full-time study. While for many of my friends and family the end of the day began straight after work or university, for me the second part of the day had often only just started. Having evenings full of lectures after work, long nights of study, and exams on weekends significantly restricted my private life. What helped me deal with this was a clear structure, realistic goals, and the decision to see this phase as an investment in my future. At the same time, this phase also prepared me very well for my start in consulting.

Another challenge arose during my master’s degree. Many fellow students had already completed several internships in consulting during their bachelor’s and knew exactly what to expect. Despite several years of professional experience, I found it initially difficult to get my own internships in this environment, which is why I often felt like an impostor. Talking openly with mentors and fellow students as well as reflecting on my own career helped me to classify this feeling. This made me realize that my own path is exactly what makes me who I am today and is what I want to position myself with.

What would you have liked to know earlier?

Looking back, I wish I had known earlier how many different opportunities there are today in terms of universities, scholarships, and funding programs, especially for FirstGen students. Many of these options are usually not very visible and application deadlines are often much earlier than you expect. This is precisely why it is helpful to think about which path you want to take and what it makes sense to prepare for at an early stage. Of course, you can also make spontaneous decisions – but if you deal with these topics early on, you will save time, effort, and a sleepless night or two.

Is there anything you would do differently with your current knowledge?

With what I know today, I would approach many things in a more structured and relaxed way. Looking back, I often put myself under pressure to reach my goals as quickly as possible. This made me realize that it’s all the more important to consciously take time in between to take a step back and gain new perspectives. My advice would therefore be: Always keep the big goal in mind, but at the same time be open to adjusting your own course if necessary, because paths and conditions change.

What was particularly important to you as a FirstGen student during your job search/decision for an employer?

In my job search, it was important to me to be able to authentically contribute to my career as a FirstGen and to experience empathy and appreciation for it.

Why did you decide to pursue a career at Roland Berger?

I first learned about Roland Berger from a friend in my home town who himself is part of the Roland Berger team. Through many conversations we had about the (international) development and career opportunities, it was clear to me early on that I wanted to apply for a full-time position after my master’s degree. A career fair at my university and the personal exchange with people from Roland Berger on campus further shaped this picture. My already positive impression was confirmed in the later interview process, especially by the inspiring and open interview partners who supported me in making my final decision.

How was your start at Roland Berger? And how do you like it now after some time in the company?

Right after I started at Roland Berger, I took part in a two-week kickoff training with many other new starters. This time was characterized by training sessions with inspiring trainers and exciting conversations in our peer group. I’m still in close contact with many of them, both in the office – as people to go for lunch with – or on projects.

Despite my short time with the company so far, I’ve found the work to be very diverse. There are many opportunities to get involved, both on projects and on internal topics. This makes the work varied and offers the opportunity to take on responsibility at an early stage.

What has been the best experience you’ve had at Roland Berger so far?

The kickoff training has been one of my highlights at Roland Berger so far. During these two weeks, I quickly realized the importance of joint learning, open exchange, and networking in the company. In addition, I am particularly looking forward to the joint summer and Christmas events, where colleagues from the respective platforms come together and the focus is on talking about things outside of everyone’s project life.

What advice would you like to give to FirstGen students?

Trust your own path, even when it’s challenging as a FirstGen student. With sustained effort, perseverance, and a clear goal, that motivation pays off over time. Set small, achievable goals and don’t lose sight of the next step. Especially in retrospect, it often becomes clear that the path to get there is just as defining as the goal itself.

It’s also important to exchange ideas with fellow students, friends, and mentors and to actively network. Don’t be afraid to approach people proactively, because most people are open to having a conversation and are happy to support you.