Starting a career during a crisis is challenging but, a strong corporate culture, built on empathy and collegiality, makes it nonetheless possible and even more exciting!

After graduating from university, I was looking forward to starting my work life as a Consultant at Roland Berger. In mid-March, I'd be within the Operations Competence Center. When COVID-19 began globally spreading, I asked myself how the job entry would look with numerous ongoing changes in work and private life.

Indeed, the scheduled two-week kick-off training with new consultants from all over the world had to be postponed but, I was wholeheartedly welcomed in the Hamburg office on my first day. After getting equipped with IT, I was virtually set-up and assigned to my first client project straightaway.

Of course, starting a project virtually, during a pandemic is quite different. Thanks to digital tools such as video conference calls and screen sharing, we quickly managed to ramp up our project and our client adapted to the new remote setting, accordingly. Also, I was well received and quickly onboarded by my project colleagues. Their guidance made sure I was apt to Roland Berger working conditions and standards. This has helped deepen my skills through this successful project.

Additionally, my mentor put in a lot of effort and was consistently available to me. Sensitive to the COVID-19 situation, he was very responsive and ensured I was prepared. With his help, I feel I had a successful job entry. I felt welcomed by many colleagues virtually and was invited to online meetings, such as competence center exchanges or a virtual Hamburg office get together. Even though working from home, since my second day and without completing a previous internship at Roland Berger, I feel acquainted and comfortable with the corporate culture already.

Despite the "new normal" during this crisis, I really enjoyed my first weeks at Roland Berger. I am thankful for the great support I received throughout my remote job entry. I am very excited about my next projects and I am looking forward to meeting all my colleagues in person as soon as possible!