Inspiring work environment Paulien van den Berg (27) has been working for Monitor Deloitte since October 2020. Monitor Deloitte focuses on strategic issues where innovation is key. ‘I have a background in engineering. I did a bachelor Industrial Engineering at the University of Groningen and a master Complex Systems Engineering & Management at the Delft University of Technology. I already knew what it was like to work at Deloitte, since I did an internship there which I enjoyed very much. I like working with ambitious, smart and fun people, so the choice was clear. During the lockdown I applied for a job at Monitor Deloitte, Strategy & Business Design.’ Florine Bruijn (23) has a background in Economics and started in the Customer Strategy team at Monitor Deloitte in March 2021. ‘During my bachelor in Economics & Business Economics at Maastricht University, I took part in an exchange program to Singapore, and after graduation, I pursued a Master in Management at Singapore Management University. I have always been interested in strategy, consumer behaviour, and innovation. Prior to joining Deloitte, I have worked for an international advertising agency in Singapore. I knew Deloitte from network events in The Netherlands and in Singapore, and what particularly appealed to me is its dynamic learning environment. I enjoy working for a company that grows with you and Deloitte is always evolving. This is demonstrated by the fact that you can join a number of initiatives that allow you to make a positive impact on colleagues, clients and society. Moreover, our team is very international, with colleagues coming from many different countries, creating a very inspiring work environment.’

Complex issues at the highest level Assignments at Monitor Deloitte are diverse, challenging and extensive in scope. ‘As a Strategy Consultant you’re involved in complex issues at the highest level’, Paulien says. ‘What should a company do to achieve more growth or sales volume in ten to twenty years? We try to help our clients with the direction they could take, by discussing their ambitions and aspirations, that we convert into a strategy for the future. You can register for various projects in all kinds of industries. I’m specialised in renewable energy, so that is the topic of some of my projects. But I’m expanding my horizon with issues in other industries. What is the potential of algae for the EU? What should an oil company do to be futureproof? Every project is different and short term, from three weeks to three months, so you get to see and do a lot. It’s wonderful to work really hard with your team and then look back on a successful project.’

Steep learning curve Florine: ‘Strategy icons such as Michael Porter, Roger Martin, John Hagel, Larry Keeley and Michael Raynor are the founding fathers of Monitor Deloitte. There’s an abundance of knowledge and expertise within our department. People are very open-minded, enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Working collaboratively with an inspiring team at the intersection of strategy and innovation, fosters a steep learning curve. You get full support, but every new project is an adventure. Recently, I worked on a proposition design project for a major bank to help them target a new client segment. But I also supported a big player in the field of furniture with their global competitive analysis. To me, the variety in projects is something that attracts me to Strategy Consulting, as it enables you to constantly grow your knowledge both in breadth and depth. Moreover, for every project you get to work with other team members, so you learn new things from different people all the time.’

Strategy Consulting at Deloitte Working as a Strategy Consultant is not a typical 9-to-5 job. But a good work-life balance is key at Deloitte. ‘You will probably hear this from every strategy consultancy’, Paulien smiles. ‘But Deloitte actually takes this seriously. Every fortnight you can enter an anonymous survey with questions about your learning curve and work-life balance. The results are shared with all team members, so your voice is being heard in case you’re out of balance temporarily.’ Florine adds: ‘Also, you get really useful feedback from your personal coach, who will be working with you on a personal development plan. This enables you to voice your interests, goals and aspirations, and helps you shape your learning path at Deloitte.’ Deloitte may be a big firm, but a personal touch, involvement and empathy are key in employee relations. Florine: ‘There is plenty of room for your own ambitions and aspirations, and everyone is so accessible and supportive. There’s a strong commitment to keep up the positive dynamics. For instance, after a busy season we all unwind together.’ Paulien: ‘So you get to know each other even better. I would say that within the short time that I’ve been working here, my colleagues have become my friends.’

CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT You share your expertise with the 1500 colleagues of Deloitte The Netherlands Technology & Transformation department. In this department, innovation and personal development are very important. View all Technology & Transformation vacancies [https://careersatdeloitte.com/vacancies/technology-transformation] and connect your future to Deloitte. View all Technology & Transformation vacancies [/vacancies/consulting]