Interview with Nuria Boot: Bridging the Gap between Academia and Impactful Consulting
We have had the pleasure of sitting down with Nuria Boot, a talented individual who made the leap from academia to the world of strategy consulting at Strategy& Amsterdam.
Q: Let us start with your background. Could you tell us about your academic journey and what motivated you to choose Strategy& Amsterdam?
A: My academic journey began with studying Econometrics in Amsterdam. Studying the quantitative models fueled my passion for economics, which is very tangible and about evaluating alternatives and making better decisions. After working in economic policy in Brussels for a while, I decided to pursue a PhD in economics, focused on the strategic behavior of firms and banks and how their ownership structures affect decision-making and outcomes.
Q: What made you consider transitioning from academia to strategy consulting?
A: While I loved the intellectual challenge of academic research, I also realized that the lengthy project and publication processes did not quite match my impatient personality. I craved a more action-oriented and team-focused environment that would put me on a steep learning curve, without compromising on the intellectual challenge. Strategy consulting seemed like the perfect fit.
Q: Choosing the right firm is crucial in making such a transition. What drew you to Strategy& Amsterdam?
A: Two main factors led me to choose Strategy& Amsterdam. First, and most importantly: the people. From the initial coffee chats to the engaging job interviews, everyone I met was genuinely interested in me as a person. The warm and relaxed atmosphere made me feel right at home. Second, the firm's focus on projects with a societal impact -- such as risk-focused work in financial services and impactful projects in the public sector, healthcare, climate & economics, and energy transition practices -- resonates deeply with my personal interests and values.
Q: Networking and mentorship are vital during a career transition. How did Strategy& Amsterdam help you kick-start your career at the firm?
A: During my career transition, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with numerous colleagues at Strategy& Amsterdam, and their support played a crucial role in kick-starting my career at the firm. Even before officially applying, I took the initiative to engage with a few consultants to understand the culture at Strategy&. The recruitment process provided me with more opportunities to connect with various people through coffee chats, interviews, and a buddy system, so by the time I received my job offer, I had already spoken to 12 consultants. These conversations taught me a lot about whether Strategy& was the right fit for me and about areas where I could make meaningful contributions. After joining the firm, my formal and informal mentors have been instrumental in helping me transition into my new role and gradually take on more responsibility along the way.
Q: The learning opportunities must have been significant. How would you describe the on-the-job learning experiences at Strategy& Amsterdam?
A: At Strategy& Amsterdam, I am surrounded by smart and motivated individuals who bring out the best in me. Whether it is learning from peers, juniors, seniors, or clients, there is always someone I can learn from. With (usually multiple) daily interactions and check-ins with my team, everything I do feels like a team effort, which is a refreshing change from the relatively solitary academic world.
Q: What skills from your PhD trajectory have you found transferable to your work at Strategy& Amsterdam, and what complementary skills have you learned at the firm? What has been your most valuable learning experience at Strategy& Amsterdam so far?
A: A PhD teaches you resilience and stimulates curiosity, both of which I believe are essential for making a great consultant. Besides that, "hard" skills from my academic research, such as explaining complex concepts, structuring problems, and analyzing data, are directly transferrable to solving business problems for clients. At Strategy&, I have learned to become more comfortable with making recommendations, even when time and data are limited, which is a crucial skill in the fast-paced consulting world. My most valuable learning experience has been improving my client interaction and communication skills. Effectively conveying insights and recommendations to clients is at the center of my job, and I feel that it has been a continuous learning journey.
Q: It is wonderful to see how you have embraced the team-oriented environment and it sounds like your transition to strategy consulting has been both rewarding and fulfilling. What advice would you give to others considering a similar career transition?
A: My advice would be to network and engage with the firm even before joining. Your job is such an important part of your day (and life!). Building connections and understanding the company's culture and projects will help you make a more informed decision. Also, be open to learning new skills and embrace the fact that you will be on a continuous learning journey that keeps you on your toes!
Amsterdam Recruiting Team
Thank you for your interest in Strategy&. The Amsterdam Recruiting Team looks after all recruiting activities for our Amsterdam office. We are here to help you with any questions you may have about the firm, our activities on campus and the application process. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance.
