Starting a career at Strategy&, the strategy consulting business of PwC

Nout Knabben recently joined Strategy&, the strategic consulting arm of PwC and one of the premier players in the strategy consultancy space globally. He joined the consultancy as an Associate after participating in the firm’s ‘A Lens on Luxury’ business course in Milan. In the run up to the 2018 edition of the event for graduates, Knabben reflects on what the event brought him and his first few months at the advisory firm.

Why did you choose strategy consulting? 

While I have always had an interest for entrepreneurship and considered joining the start-up scene, I also felt that getting a better understanding of business, and taking on a job that focusses on a steep learning and development curve, would help kick start my career and better position me for a start-up position in the future. Strategy consulting offers me the combination of all these aspects together, besides gaining experience across a broad spectrum of industries. In addition, strategy consulting is known for its fast-paced and dynamic environment, and one which offers a continuous intellectual challenge.

How did the business course help you with the decision for consulting and Strategy&?

‘A Lens on Luxury’ gave me the opportunity to get an insight into the culture and work at Strategy&. I immediately felt that this was a place where I could further develop myself by doing lots of projects in different industries. Moreover, I felt that the entrepreneurial character of the consulting firm and the hands-on mentality of the consultants I met offered me an excellent combination of where I saw myself going in the future and what I felt I needed as a new start.

After completing the business course in Milan, I had clearly made my choice; Strategy& was my preferred employer in the consulting industry. I was lucky enough to come through the application process, after which I started as an Associate last November.

How have your first few months been after starting at Strategy&?

Strategy&’s focus on learning and development was apparent from day one. My first day at Strategy& began at the airport, as I embarked on our induction training. I joined new starts from all over the EMEA region for a week in Munich, where we received extensive training in problem solving, modelling, as well as developing presentation skills. During my second week, I joined the Amsterdam office’s induction program and was allowed to participate in the Strategy& All-Hands event with all of our 3,000 European colleagues.

Over the last few months, I’ve been trained in the ‘core consulting skills’, such as hypothesis based problem solving while also receiving ‘content’ training, to help develop an understanding of, for example, capability driven strategy. So far, I have already completed two projects in two different industries and I’m looking forward at further broadening my skillset and horizon!

A Lens on Luxury business course 2018

Applying for the ‘A Lens on Luxury’ business course is possible up to Monday 5 March by sending in a CV and motivation (in English) and grade lists (undergraduate and graduate). Candidates are selected and invited for the selection interview on the basis of the applications. The selected candidates will receive two case interviews on one of these days. A select group of 20 students will be invited to participate in Milan.