On 18 February 2025, we teamed up with global consulting firm AlixPartners, to host a transformative Consultancy Careers Insight Day at their London office. This event aimed to demystify the consulting industry for students, offering a rare glimpse into the profession and providing essential skills for future careers.
A Warm Welcome to the World of Consulting
The day kicked off with a warm reception at AlixPartners' office in the heart of London. Students were introduced to the firm's rich history and its pivotal role in assisting both thriving and underperforming companies to create and maintain value.
Insights from Industry Experts
The day offered the unique opportunity to engage with AlixPartners professionals who shared their personal career journeys and insights into the consulting world. This highlighted the diverse pathways within the industry, emphasising that there is no single set career path. The firm's culture promotes awareness, learning and the open exchange of ideas, encouraging early-career professionals to own workstreams and share their perspectives.
We were also delighted to hear from Onur during the event, a member of AlixPartners' IT function. We helped to place Onur as an IT Service Desk intern in 2022 and he is now enjoying a permanent role at the firm whilst also studying for his Cyber Security university degree.
"Seeing a talented young person that we helped to place as an intern now enjoying a successful permanent IT role at the firm is wonderful. It fills us with pride to see students thrive. This is exactly what Open Palm is about - opening the doors for young people to realise their potential. We truly value our partners such as AlixPartners, who make these career days and work opportunities possible." - Sophie McBaiden - Trustee and Co-Founder at Open Palm
"Onur is a very impressive young man and really inspired the next generation of young people. It was a pleasure to see." - Jaisha Bruce - Trustee at Open Palm
Hands-On Problem-Solving Exercise
A cornerstone of the event was a practical problem-solving exercise where students were presented with a real-world business dilemma. Working in teams, they applied their analytical and business skills to create solutions, mirroring the collaborative approach consultants employ in actual client engagements. This exercise not only honed their problem-solving abilities but also provided a tangible experience of the consulting process.
"For many students, it was their first time tackling a real-life business challenge. This career day transitioned students from theory to practical application and encouraged both analytical and creative skills. It's wonderful to be able to contribute to these impactful days, working with valued partners such as AlixPartners to equip young people for the workplace. The young people thoroughly enjoyed it!" - Ralph McBaiden, Trustee and Co-Founder at Open Palm
Networking and Skill Development
Beyond the problem-solving session, the day included networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with professionals and peers. These interactions fostered the development of communication and interpersonal skills, essential competencies in the consulting industry. Participants also gained insights into the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in a consultant's career.
Empowering Underrepresented Students
Our mission is to create an equal start line by closing the opportunity gap for young people who are underrepresented due to their racial or socio-economic backgrounds. By partnering with firms such as AlixPartners, we provide students with access to industries they might not have otherwise considered. These career events and work experience programmes offer game-changing access to top employers, enabling students to expand their networks and equip themselves with skills essential for future success.
Hearing from young people
The impact of the day was clear from the student feedback. One student said, "I found the day really interesting. The business problem-solving activity was good because it was an issue that's faced in the current consulting market. I liked networking with my peers and I now know that consulting is a good career to go into." This underscores the event's success in making the consulting field more accessible and appealing to a diverse group of students.
Nurturing the next generation of leaders
Our continued collaboration with AlixPartners demonstrates our commitment to nurturing the next generation of consultants. By providing platforms for students to engage directly with industry professionals and participate in practical exercises, we are jointly paving the way for a more inclusive and well-prepared workforce.