We are in a fast-paced environment, allowing us to develop ourselves rapidly

It is a Friday afternoon. Rain is pouring down as is typical for Dutch weather. Everybody is extremely focused the get the last things done before the weekend begins. Meanwhile the trolly with drinks is already being brought to the floor of Strategy& in the PwC building in Amsterdam. No one looks up as the sounds of rinkeling glass passes their desk. All the consultants are busy making their deadlines for the projects that will shape the future.

Luckily, we were still able to speak to two consultants about how their first couple of months are in Strategy&: Robin Vergouwen and Michele Tonelli.

What is your background and why did you choose Strategy& Amsterdam?

Michele Tonelli: ‘I am a qualified CA(SA) with a degree in corporate finance, for the last 3 years I worked in the banking, insurance, and broader financial services sector at PwC South Africa. I chose to continue my career at Strategy& Amsterdam as I had always had an interest and drawing towards strategic consulting. My years in a more quantitative role both helped me build up the business acumen I needed to navigate the financial services sector and at the same time highlighted the importance of strategy within this industry. Strategy& was uniquely positioned in the market to be able to both consult at a strategic level, but also use the backing of the PwC network and its many functions and business lines to implement and bring that strategy to life.’

Robin Vergouwen: ‘I studied Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at University College Utrecht and completed a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at the Free University of Amsterdam. After graduating, I worked for 1,5 years at a MedTech scale-up that focused on innovations for improving surgical performance. In that position I got exposed to strategic issues in healthcare such as the challenge of measuring quality, the trend towards value-based healthcare, and conflicting interests in profit distribution. Not surprisingly, I chose to apply at Strategy& because of its established footprint in the healthcare sector. I still wanted to work for a general strategy consulting firm as I want to explore and learn from other industries as well. I see strategy cases as dynamic puzzles because on one hand, you are solving a quantitative puzzle through which, on the other hand, you aim to predict and influence human behavior (e.g. consumers or other companies). The combination of both aspects makes the work interesting on multiple levels and enables me to develop myself on a broad range of skills.’

How did Strategy& help you kick-start your career at the firm?

Michele Tonelli: ‘I remember my first “coffee chat” with a director before I joined, what stood out to me was that the reality of the work we perform was laid out in full transparency. At no point was I ever pointed to a simple job description. What this did was help me align my expectations and my understanding of where I could see myself fit into the bigger picture. Throughout my interview and onboarding process there was a level of enthusiasm for where I would best fit in and where my strengths could be used and the reality of this is seen daily. Directors and partners propose you for projects where they believe you will be a good fit or where you will have the opportunity to develop in areas you want to grow. This means you are constantly learning and building on your existing skill base which is so rewarding.’

Robin Vergouwen: ‘It started with an introduction day at the office and after that I was immediately staffed on a project. I received daily coaching from my job manager and every two weeks we sat together to discuss feedback, which helped me to grow into my new role rapidly. I also got assigned a junior and senior mentor who I speak to every ~6 weeks. We discuss any issues that arise as well as my short- and long-term ambitions. On top of that, I participated in a four-day training in Munich together with Strategy& colleagues from all around EMEA, soon followed by a slide writing training and an Excel training, both held in Germany. And there were many social activities through which I quickly got to know my colleagues: team dinners, Friday afternoon drinks, a soccer tournament with other firms, a trip to Mallorca with the entire Amsterdam office, a beach party with our PwC colleagues, and multiple weekends away with all (senior) associates.’  

How would you describe the culture in the office? Can you give an example where this is reflected?

Robin Vergouwen: ‘The office is full of open, friendly, and ambitious colleagues who have a broad and genuine interest in each other and in the world. We are in a fast-paced environment, allowing us to develop ourselves rapidly. Besides, we have a supportive culture. If the pressure is high, we are all in it together and we work together to finish high quality work on time. Also, we support each other in chasing our ambitions: whether that is applying for an MBA or other educational program, setting up a new committee, or getting involved in a specific project, there is support from other associates as well as partners to help us achieve our goals.’

How would you describe the culture in the office? Can you give an example where this is reflected?

Robin Vergouwen: ‘The office is full of open, friendly, and ambitious colleagues who have a broad and genuine interest in each other and in the world. We are in a fast-paced environment, allowing us to develop ourselves rapidly. Besides, we have a supportive culture. If the pressure is high, we are all in it together and we work together to finish high quality work on time. Also, we support each other in chasing our ambitions: whether that is applying for an MBA or other educational program, setting up a new committee, or getting involved in a specific project, there is support from other associates as well as partners to help us achieve our goals.’

What has been your best experience at Strategy& to date?

Michele Tonelli: ‘The Mallorca trip. Shortly after joining, I had the opportunity to join the office on a trip to Spain. Off the back of a covid-induced, remote working environment that I (and we) had all experienced over the last few years, it was so refreshing to meet and connect with people in a social setting. These types of events are plentiful at Strategy& and you will always have the opportunity to interact outside of work with your colleagues.’

Robin Vergouwen: ‘The Health Academy: an internal day during which the partners presented their vision and ambitions for the transformation of healthcare in the short and long term. It was inspirational being together with a group of thought leaders and discussing the future of healthcare and our role in it.’