Kristina, Project Manager
"Don't stress too much and be proactive. Even if the university degree or the first career step doesn't directly lead to the "dream career" or the "dream company," there are always opportunities to shape your own path."
Tell us about your path to Roland Berger!
Before joining Roland Berger, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology at a university of applied sciences and then switched to university for my M.Sc. in Business Psychology. During my studies, I also completed various internships and spent a semester abroad in Norway. After working at two smaller consulting firms, I started at Roland Berger in the Transformation Practice as a Senior Consultant.
What motivated you to be the first in your family to start studying?
I am fortunate that my family has always motivated me to try new things, to utilize the potential they saw in me, and to endure uncertainties. This helped me start my studies without knowing exactly what to expect, how everything works, or what career my studies would ultimately lead to.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was that I did not have a clear career goal and no clear idea of what different business areas actually do. For this reason, and also to finance my studies, I tried to fit in numerous internships and student jobs during my studies – including in the HR department of a consulting firm. After this experience, it became clear to me that while the field if HR wasn’t for me, I was excited about the consulting business. Through the internship, I learned that many consulting firms value a university degree and very good grades in certain subjects, and that other activities, such as working in a student consulting group or studying abroad, could also be helpful in finding my way into consulting. During my Master's program, I then tried to implement these points in my studies.
Is there anything you would do differently with your current knowledge?
With my current knowledge, I would put less pressure on myself during my studies. There will always be people who know exactly how their career should look and what they need to do to achieve that goal. But even if your path is not so straightforward, there are always opportunities to inform yourself at university or with companies and to respond with your course selection, internships, or similar.
How was your start at Roland Berger? And how do you like it now after some time in the company?
My start at Roland Berger was very pleasant. Many consulting firms offer an intensive onboarding phase that helps bring everyone up to the same level of knowledge and settle into the company. I particularly like that we often work on projects with colleagues from different backgrounds, allowing everyone to contribute their specific experiences.
What advice would you like to give to FirstGen students?
Don't stress too much and be proactive. Even if the university degree or the first career step doesn't directly lead to the "dream career" or the "dream company," there are always opportunities to shape your own path.
