What does a typical working day on client site look like for you?
I joined BCS in September 2020, a time where remote working in our industry had become the norm. Commutes into the office have now been replaced by a morning run or walk to prepare mentally and physically for the working day.
Currently, I am working as a PMO Analyst within non-financial risk for a global Tier 1 bank. A typical day usually starts with a project team meeting, with the objective of understanding and aligning on our key priorities and deliverables for the day. My key tasks usually include monitoring and reporting on milestones, risks, and issues. I’m also responsible for identifying any potential blockers to the completion of milestones and proposing solutions to help mitigate these.
Due to the global nature of the programme, several key stakeholders are spread across various geographies and entities. This means that my status update meetings and business requirement meetings are conducted across different time zones and business areas. Managing a large portfolio of critical milestones globally does present some interesting challenges, and I enjoy the exposure and insight into internal operations this role provides.
Having a supportive BCS network has been invaluable in meeting my client demands. My Engagement Manager ensures I am set up to deliver high quality outputs for the client and my Career Coach provides guidance and support that goes beyond my day-to-day project work.
How has your career developed at BCS?
My career path into BCS may seem unconventional as I joined from a Premier League Football Club, having previously worked in Financial Services. Since joining BCS, I can identify three distinct ways in which I have developed as a Consultant.
Firstly, BCS had made a genuine investment in both my professional and personal development. As part of General Consulting (GenCo), I’m connected to a community of consultants at my grade, where we can engage with each other, senior leadership and internal/external resources. For instance, the New Joiner Programme has been fundamental in helping me solidify my core consulting skills and the regular GenCo Pulse Groups provide an open forum for GenCo consultants to ask questions that are important to us and raise discussion points to the senior management team. Nothing is off limits!
Secondly, within my first year at BCS, I have gained significant expertise about Financial Services through dedicated Learning and Development initiatives such as the Service Line Rotation Programme (SLRP). SLRP combines practical learning and theory to provide detailed insights into what a typical engagement within the four service lines (Technology & Digital, Risk & Finance, Performance Improvement and Programme & Change Delivery) is like. Being on this programme has helped me develop a strong understanding of our key proposition areas and allowed me to make an informed decision as to where I would like to build further expertise and experience.
Finally, my confidence has grown because of the level of trust and responsibility I am given within the BCS and client team. There is always an avenue of support here at BCS, and the firm makes a conscious effort to provide autonomy to its people. I have experienced this first-hand on my current engagement and in my role as a Brand Ambassador, promoting the activities of the BCS community internally and externally.
What would you say to someone thinking of joining us?
BCS is a place where your career will continue to grow, and your development will be prioritised. Being surrounded by such talented individuals, it’s clear that BCS is a place where you can plan for a successful future.
BCS has placed a strategic focus on the wellbeing and development of its people, and this has been abundantly evident during the pandemic. From both a personal and professional perspective, I’m glad that I made the decision to join BCS.
