Claire Harrower, senior manager, CHP consulting

I investigated various careers, talking to family, friends and company representatives at careers fairs about their jobs. Through this, I identified a strong link between the skills I’d developed while studying for my science degree and the logical focus needed in IT. I decided on technical consulting as I wanted to combine client interaction with technical work.

An asset finance sector specialism

I work for a product-led consultancy specialising in the asset finance sector; typical clients are banks and financial services organisations. The majority of projects involve implementing our own software, ALFA Systems, into clients’ businesses, which helps them administer leases and loans.

I joined as a junior consultant after graduating and am now a senior manager in a project management role.

Working with a Swedish bank

I’m currently jointly overseeing a project in Sweden for a bank with an asset finance division, replacing their current systems with ALFA, which should take approximately 18 months.

We began by gathering requirements, from which we calculated a cost estimate so the client could decide whether to proceed. We are now enhancing our system to fit the client’s requirements and redesigning its business processes to make them more efficient and ensure they work with our software. There is also a migration element (moving the client’s data across to the new system), and a testing and sign-off phase before it goes live.

Between Sweden and the UK

I usually work four days a week in Sweden and one in the UK, where I am relationship manager for three clients that I have previously worked with. One client still has a CHP team on site completing ongoing projects so I visit every week or two.

We’re not working with my other two clients at the moment but I meet with them once a month to maintain a good relationship and identify any upcoming work.

I typically work from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, although things get busier in the run-up to a system going live. I have a flat in Sweden for the duration of the project and can choose whether to spend my weekends there or in the UK.

Earlier in my career I relocated to Australia for a year to work on a project in Sydney. The consulting lifestyle can be tiring but I enjoy spending time in new places. I also relish working with fun, competent people and seeing our projects go live.

Building strong relationships

My analytical, problem-solving and communication skills are vital, as are tact and diplomacy. Many elements of projects require clients to complete particular actions by particular dates and I need to keep them on track while also keeping them happy!

Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues is one of the most important aspects of my job: it’s a big help if a problem arises and makes for a good working atmosphere from day to day.