Kevin, Consultant
"I would advise students to start thinking about their own wishes and potential goals as early as possible and to independently research career opportunities."
Tell us about your path to Roland Berger!
I come from a typical working-class family and first learned about management consulting and Roland Berger during my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration through one of my professors. As part of a module, we worked on a classic consulting case as an exam project, dedicating an entire day to the task. It was at this time that I discovered my interest in the world of consulting. I gained skills in entrepreneurial thinking early on through my father's craft business, where I helped out in various areas as a teenager. Additionally, through internships abroad, such as at Porsche and Tesla, I frequently interacted with other students who were also considering a career in management consulting.
What motivated you to be the first in your family to start studying?
One of my biggest motivations was to achieve the goal of obtaining a university degree, which had not been pursued in my family before, in order to fulfill my professional aspirations. I wanted to improve my job prospects and saw studying as the best way to achieve this goal.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was the information gaps surrounding selection processes at universities, application procedures for relevant internships, and specifically the application process in consulting, including preparing for case studies. I found a way to close these information gaps through independent internet research, including using PrepLounge, as well as through discussions with fellow students and professors.
Is there anything you would do differently with your current knowledge?
Looking back, I would have engaged more intensively with the offerings of universities and the option of scholarships during my Abitur years. Today, I know that there are differences between universities in terms of career offerings and support. While graduating from a particular university is not necessarily decisive for a career in consulting, being able to engage with university offerings in a targeted way for career orientation would have certainly provided me with additional value.
What was particularly important to you as a FirstGen student during your job search/decision for an employer?
During my job search, finding a friendly environment and diverse professional backgrounds among my colleagues was particularly important to me. For example, during my internship in the digital team, I worked together with mathematicians, psychologists, and data scientists, which gave me a great opportunity to expand my horizons.
Why did you decide to pursue a career at Roland Berger?
I was excited about the opportunity to work on projects worldwide. The values of Roland Berger – entrepreneurial spirit, excellence, and empathy – also played a significant role in my decision. Even during my internship, I felt that I resonated with many colleagues who also embodied these values. Additionally, the reputation of Roland Berger, especially in Germany and Europe, influenced my decision.
How was your start at Roland Berger? And how do you like it now after some time in the company?
After my internship in the digital team and the subsequent job offer, I first completed my studies and have been with Roland Berger since June 2023. Starting was somewhat easier thanks to the experiences and contacts from my internship, as I was already familiar with basic processes. Additionally, I was able to build an international network of colleagues and form friendships through a two-week kickoff event, and these are still of great value to me today. Over time, I have been able to further expand my network within the company and I particularly look forward to seeing my colleagues again on days I'm in the Munich office (often Fridays).
What has been the best experience you’ve had at Roland Berger so far?
The best experience for me was working on an international project with a young automotive manufacturer abroad. The collaboration within the team and with the client on exciting current topics in the automotive industry, along with the associated learning curve, was an experience I will remember for a long time. Another highlight for me is the annual summer event with colleagues, which fosters great exchange and cohesion within the team.
What advice would you like to give to FirstGen students?
I would advise students to start thinking about their own wishes and potential goals as early as possible and to independently research career opportunities. Thanks to the internet, it is easier nowadays to access relevant information. I also highly recommend participating in career events organized by universities.
