Ally Robson, Accenture

Management consultant Ally Robson works for Accenture. He completed a first degree in combined studies in the arts, an MA in creative writing and an MBA at Newcastle University.

What drew you to management consulting?

I wanted to work in a diverse and challenging environment, where I knew I would be able to make a difference – consulting seemed to fit the bill.

Did you do any work experience before getting a full-time position?

As part of my MBA I undertook two consultancy projects with international businesses.

What does Accenture do?

Its main objective is to help businesses become high performers. We strive to add value for our clients by providing the best people with the best tools to tackle the most difficult problems facing our clients.

What were your first few weeks like?

I started my time here with three weeks initial training in London, followed by two weeks in Chicago. After that it was down to work. We’re always learning on the job, however, and are also given many opportunities for further formal learning – for example I’m a certified green belt in Lean Six Sigma, a business management methodology.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on a quality improvement and efficiency project for a large public sector client. My role is to lead a workstream within that project and a team of both Accenture and client staff.

I wanted to work in a diverse and challenging environment, where I knew I would be able to make a difference

What are your key responsibilities?

As a consultant my role varies depending on the project I am working on, but generally, on a project, I have to manage the delivery of key milestones, lead and manage a team and manage the relationship with our client.

How’s your work/life balance?

It’s your own responsibility to ensure you keep a good work/life balance. The job will inevitably put pressures on this balance but if you are active in managing it, it can be minimal. I communicate with my manager about any commitments I have and build work around them. For example, I go running three days a week and, with forward planning, am able to make sure I can do this without impacting my own work or the team’s.

What gives you a buzz at work?

By the end of a project you are able to look back and see what you have achieved and have accomplished, normally in a very challenging situation. It is a great feeling!

What aspects of your job are tough?

Working in consulting involves being in a highly pressured environment. There is no such thing as a relaxing day, and no day is the same. Most of the time this is a positive – and one of the attractive aspects of the job – but at times it can be a downside. That’s why a good work/life balance is so important.

What’s given you the most job satisfaction so far?

One of my biggest highlights was helping to deliver a new, more efficient and accurate system for the collection of tax from everyone who works in the UK. Knowing that I have helped make sure the correct amount of money is collected to pay for hospitals, policing and education is a very satisfying thing.

What skills in particular do you think you’ve developed so far?

The top three would have to be time management, working under pressure and customer relationship management.