Anika, Senior Expert

Tell us about your path to Roland Berger!

Born in Erfurt, I am very loyal to my home. During my dual studies in Eisenach, my journey has equipped me with valuable experiences that deepened my understanding of delivering high-quality service working in my first job for regional development office in Weimar. I initially took a leadership position in a tourism office in beautiful Thuringia. However, after thoughtful reflection, I made the difficult decision to resign after 6 months.

It was a pivotal moment for me; I realized I wanted to embrace new challenges and opportunities for personal growth in a larger city—Munich. and I was curious for personal growth working in an international environment. I found a headhunter locally who placed me in my first consulting job. I am grateful for the supportive network around me. The mentors, coaches and sponsors I connected with helped me gain clarity and prepare for the interviews. This experience was fantastic; I learned a lot both personally and professionally while it is extremely valuable building a network within consultancy that continues to support and inspires me with their diverse perspectives and shared experiences. This has shaped my further path repeatedly, both personally and professionally.

Starting my career in consulting was transformative. It immersed me in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where I honed my analytical skills, learned to structure complex problems, and built a robust network around the world.

What motivated you to be the first in your family to start studying?

My motivation to be the first in my family to pursue higher education stemmed from my teachers and my ambition. They believed in me and even accompanied me to TU Ilmenau to help me explore the university environment. While my parents provided unconditional support, they initially encouraged me to consider an apprenticeship and gain practical experience. However, my curiosity to learn and explore more drove me to take a gap year after high school. During this time, I traveled and gained valuable experiences through various part-time jobs. Engaging in conversations with others about their apprenticeship and university experiences helped me clarify my path. Ultimately, I decided to study business in my home region to build a broad foundation while remaining close to my family.

What would you have liked to know earlier?

I wish I had known earlier about the various funding opportunities available to gain valuable (foreign) experiences early on. Programs like Erasmus and various MBA scholarships offer financial support that can significantly enhance the educational journey. Additionally, traveling with consultancy and participating in exchange programs or scholarships can help catch up on these experiences, further broadening one’s horizons.

Is there anything you would do differently with your current knowledge?

With my current knowledge, I would have been bolder in seeking help from others. In addition to standard approaches from the employment agency and advice from those close to me, I would have expanded my sources. Instead of tests at the job center, I would have taken a strengths test to better understand my abilities. Additionally, I would have explored not only regional universities but also online programs from institutions of various sizes, focuses, and curricula. I would have actively sought out role models, conducted interviews with them, and formed a peer group to reflect on my choices and experiences.

What was particularly important to you as a FirstGen student during your job search/decision for an employer?

As a First-Gen student, it was crucial for me to find an employer that offered both support and challenge, as well as an international environment to broaden my horizons. I sought a workplace where I could feel a genuine sense of belonging to a team, surrounded by inspiring individuals who motivate me to grow and excel.

Why did you decide to pursue a career at Roland Berger?

I pursued a career at Roland Berger after receiving an intriguing job alert on LinkedIn. Conversations with former colleagues confirmed that the company's values aligned with mine and that my skills could make a meaningful impact. I was impressed by their commitment to new ways of working and their focus on fostering collaboration and creativity within a structured environment.

My diverse experiences in various dynamic settings have provided me with a solid understanding of (team-) transformation. With a specialization in systemic coaching and agile working, the opportunity at Roland Berger to contribute to innovative, flexible, and sustainable work practices in the area of New Work was an ideal fit for me.

What has been the best experience you’ve had at Roland Berger so far?

It was the opportunity to express my creativity while being surrounded by a professional atmosphere. It is fantastic to work with colleagues who are always willing to listen to new ideas and collaborate on innovative solutions.

What advice would you like to give to FirstGen students?

Define your own vision early on and reflect on it annually, as it may change over time. Engage with your resources, strengths, and desires to determine the role and environment that suit you best. Understand what career means to you and what is personally important. Seek guidance from a mentor who has valuable experience or a coach who can ask the right questions. To keep costs manageable, consider test coaching through, e.g., International Coaching Federation.