Rhea Singhal 

As part of the Graduate Coffee Chats series in collaboration with Foresight Business Group, TBR Correspondent and Foresight Chief Strategic and Financial Officer Rhea Singhal spoke with Anoushka Qazi, a Management Consulting Senior Analyst at Accenture, to gain insight into life as a graduate in the consulting industry.

Management Consulting Senior Analyst – What Does It Involve?

Accenture, a global professional services leader, helps businesses, governments and organisations streamline operations, integrate digital solutions, and drive large-scale transformations. Anoushka specialises in change management within the consumer products industry, working closely with clients to ensure business transformations happen smoothly and seamlessly.

One of her projects involves a UK-based client undergoing major shifts in supply chain planning, HR and data management. Effective change, she explains, hinges on securing employee buy-in. “You can’t implement change without bringing people on the journey with you,” she says. Her role bridges the gap between strategy and execution—assessing how employees currently work, gauging their openness to change and guiding them through the transition.

She compares her work to persona mapping, stepping into the shoes of employees to understand their needs and concerns. One of her biggest challenges is shifting mindsets, as resistance to change is natural. “I totally understand the resistance to change. It’s about getting people to think about the long-term,” she shares. This highlights a core aspect of change management: overcoming short-term discomfort to achieve lasting improvements.

Finding the Right Fit in Consulting

For graduates entering Accenture, the first year offers exposure to different areas—Financial Services, Software & Platforms, Talent & Organisation, Strategy, Tech Consulting and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Enterprise Value (EV). This flexibility allows new hires to explore different areas of interests before specialising.

“I knew I was very people-oriented. I like working with people and the human resources element,” Anoushka explains. Initially, she explored financial services but realized it wasn’t the right fit. Still, she values that experience, as it gave her a broader perspective and an edge in understanding different industries.

 “Even though I didn’t love it, what I learned there still gives me an edge—it’s not time wasted. The one thing common across every industry is dealing with change, and you build skills that transfer everywhere.”

This adaptability is crucial in consulting. Some graduates enter with a fixed idea of their career path, but Anoushka emphasizes the value of starting broad and flexible. 

“The nice and scary thing about consulting is that you start as a generalist. You pave your own way. I studied BESS in college, which was quite broad, so I said, ‘Let me go in as a generalist,’ and two years later, I found my passion for change management.”

Why Consulting?

For Anoushka, the appeal of consulting lies in teamwork and variety. She enjoyed group projects in college, which naturally translated to her work at Accenture. “Consulting is all about teamwork—there are layers of support from analysts to consultants to managers.” The dynamic nature of consulting also keeps things engaging, with new challenges and projects keeping the work fresh.

Her involvement in student groups like ISCG and DUCG helped her pinpoint her passion early on. “Only after working on projects with these societies did I realize I enjoyed it.” This further underscores the importance of extracurricular experiences in shaping career interests.

What I Wish I Knew in College

While many students prioritise academics, Anouskha emphasises the importance of being involved on campus to develop your soft skills.

“The leadership, teamwork, public speaking and time management skills I developed as President of DUCG really stand out in my job today. Don’t underestimate those skills!”

She also highlights the relevance of everyday academic tasks. “Say you’re writing an essay—think about the skills you’re using: critical thinking, simplifying information, getting feedback, rewriting. That’s exactly what you do in consulting.” While technical expertise can be learned on the job, adaptability and communication skills are what truly set candidates apart.

Her advice? Take on opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. 

“Any opportunity to step outside your comfort zone—like public speaking—go for it! It will stand to you.”

For students worried about a lack of experience, Anoushka reassures them that it’s not about having the perfect resume. 

“Don’t feel pressured. We know you’re coming straight out of college. Extracurriculars are differentiators! They make your application stand out. Even part-time jobs show skills like time management. Focus on what you learned from your experiences—it’s all about self-awareness.”

The Intern-to-Grad Process

Anoushka transitioned from an intern to a full-time graduate role at Accenture. Following her remote internship during COVID, she underwent a review process that included self-reflection and a discussion with a senior manager before receiving a graduate role offer.

For those applying directly, the process involves:

1. Online application
2. Online assessment centre (problem-solving exercises)
3. Second assessment centre (collaborative tasks)
4. Final interview with a senior manager – “This is where you show your personal flair and ask questions. It’s more about problem-solving approaches than technical knowledge.”

Work Culture: College 2.0

Accenture fosters a highly social work environment, easing the transition from college to corporate life. “They bring in new grads every few months, so there are always events happening. There are clubs for everyone—book clubs, film clubs and more.” This community-driven culture helps new joiners feel at home.

She also appreciates Accenture’s inclusivity. “I organised Accenture’s first-ever Eid event! I’m passionate about women’s leadership and organizing panels. If you care about something, you can make it happen here.”

Beyond project work, Accenture encourages employees to explore additional interests through “plus ones,” which allow them to work with different teams. “You can tailor your experience based on what interests you.”

Travel is also a major perk. Accenture recently reintroduced a four-day trip to Madrid for global collaboration. Additionally, Anoushka frequently visits the UK for client site visits, reinforcing the firm’s global network.

Advice for Students 

Finally, Anouska concludes the coffee chat by offering the advice below:

1. Mentorship: Anoushka emphasises the value of mentorship, both in college and at work. She encourages students to seek guidance, even informally. “In Accenture, if I liked a manager I worked with, I’d ask to catch up—even if we weren’t on the same team anymore. You’d be surprised—people genuinely want to help!”
2. Asking questions: Consulting thrives on curiosity, but Anoushka advises structuring questions thoughtfully. “No question is a stupid question, but don’t rush into it! Take time to reflect and structure your thoughts. If you’re stuck, frame it like: ‘I’ve done this, but I have a question about X.’ That way, it’s clear and productive.”
3. Put yourself out there:  “The best thing you can do is put yourself out there. Whether it’s public speaking, leadership roles, or networking—every experience will help you in ways you don’t even realize yet.”

For students considering consulting, Anoushka’s journey highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.