Kate Pittam, Graduate Management Consultant, London
Where did you study and what first attracted you to EC Harris?
I studied Business Economics at the University of Exeter. I was attracted to EC Harris by the variety of sectors it operates in, its international spread and its culture. The firm also has an excellent reputation in the market and I knew working here would provide me with unparalleled opportunities to develop my career.
What is your current role and what are its main responsibilities?
As a Graduate Analyst Consultant, I work alongside experienced management consultants as part of the Strategy and Transformation team. Essentially, I’m training to become a management consultant and this involves assisting with research projects for both internal and external clients while developing my knowledge of the tools management consultants use. My responsibilities vary from project to project but I always ‘own’ a part of it. Early responsibility is just one of the great things about being at EC Harris.
Tell us a bit about a project where you’ve learned a great deal.
I am just finishing off working on a project for one of the UK’s largest food retailers and its supermarkets across Europe. We’ve been looking into where and by how much they want to grow over the next four years – and where savings could be made. It’s been an incredibly challenging and interesting project as it’s improved my research, client liaison, interpersonal and organisational skills. I’ve also learnt a lot about the company, the markets in which they operate and the food retailer market across Europe.
Talk us through what you might do on a typical day.
All of my days so far have been really different and I don’t feel like I ever have a ‘typical day’. However, generally, they involve meetings, working on a number of different of projects, liaising with project teams and juggling lots of different things at the same time.
How has EC Harris supported your training and development?
The graduate induction week was a fantastic start to my training and development. I learnt a lot about the business and what would be expected of me as a Built Asset Consultant. Since then, I’ve received training from other members of my team every day on everything from research methods to everyday things, like how to book a room. I also spent a day on a Presenting Professionally course which was run by external experts. It was absolutely fantastic and greatly improved my presenting skills.
What qualities do you need to be successful at EC Harris?
You need to be hardworking, sociable, motivated, full of energy, able to juggle tasks and willing to take on any challenge.
What are the most important/noticeable aspects of its culture?
I find the focus on team working incredibly strong. Everyone always makes time to help each other. The firm strives to be the best in its field and lead the market. It’s fantastic to be part of such an aspirational and high-performing company. Everyone strives to achieve the highest standards and performs to the best of their abilities.
Have you enjoyed any social activities at EC Harris?
The Graduate Induction Programme in Milton Keynes was a great opportunity to meet and get to know the other graduates. Days training combined with nights out made it a fantastic few days – both professionally and socially. ECHQ has a free bar every Thursday and Friday night which is a great opportunity to catch up with people you already know and get to meet new contacts across the business. We’ve also had a team social in my first couple of weeks which was really good fun and helped me get to know and bond with my team on a social, as well as a professional, level.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Hopefully still at EC Harris and progressing my career through the higher levels of responsibility. I hope to have worked on and helped win major projects for the company and be seen as an expert in my chosen area.