EADA’s International Master in Management offers a choice of strategic specialisations in the third trimester, this year Consulting, Tech Management or Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Since June, participants in the Consulting specialisation have been honing their skills to prepare them for a consulting project with PwC Germany, headed by MiM alumna and Senior Associate PwC Technology Consulting Cosma Nouschirvan.
In this interview, Cosma shares her motivation for sharing her experience with the newest generation of EADA students and her recommendations for working in consulting.
At EADA, I learned a lot about communication and strengthening the characteristics of each team member to achieve the best possible results.
How does this project prepare MiM participants to work in consulting?
The project enables the students to get in touch with and experience the general set-up of consulting, and work as a consultant for the first time. The project is based on a challenge that the whole industry — our clients and we as consultants at PwC– are facing. The experience empowers students to not only get a taste of what daily work as a consultant is like, but to build up skills such as structured elaboration and research, client communication and the execution of a pitch.
What do you apply in your day-to-day work at PwC that you learned at EADA?
EADA focuses on teamwork and group activities throughout the year. Working closely together with students with different professional and cultural backgrounds taught me a lot in terms of communication and strengthening the characteristics of each team member to achieve the best possible results. When I joined PwC, I felt prepared for the project team set-up in which we work.
I know exactly how the students feel - as an alumna, I am someone they can always reach out to.
What would you recommend to students looking to get into consulting?
The consulting industry offers countless opportunities and consultancies differ a lot in terms of small and large representatives, regional specialists as well as global all-rounders, but also in regards to culture and people management.
In general, I recommend students define for themselves which components are most important for them and in which field they want to pursue a career. Having a clear understanding of the different players helps to focus in the application phase.
What does it mean for you to come back and work with current MiM students at EADA?
I am delighted to get the chance to shape the university experience for current EADA students. My continued close contact with the programme staff after graduation was the starting point for this collaboration, and it is a pleasure for me to pass on my experiences to participants
Why is collaboration between students and alumni so important?
I know exactly how the students feel – especially now that the programme is coming to an end and they are facing the application process. I was in their position just one year ago, and I want to share my experiences and helpful tips. As an alumna, I am someone they can always reach out to to discuss career opportunities.
What do you find most rewarding about working with the next generation of talent?
It is fantastic to guide such ambitious and highly motivated students and to see their growth first-hand as they develop a better understanding of the topics covered each day. I am already looking forward to hearing their pitches at the end of the week!