Hi Soroor! Can you share a bit about what you have been up to since your graduation?
I've always been excited to jump into work and use what I learned in school. That eagerness paid off, and I started my dream job as a management consultant right after I graduated in June 2023. Since then, I've been figuring out how to balance my new job with my personal life, which is quite different from my student days. I've been busy with work, traveling, and getting back to reading for fun, which I've missed.
Staying connected to Lund University has been important to me too. I've been involved in a few case competitions that my company's hosted, which has been a fantastic way to stay in touch with the campus vibe and give a little back to a place that gave me so much.
What motivated you to pursue a master’s degree in international strategic management?
What drove me to pursue a master's in international strategic management was this sense of having a solid foundation from my bachelor’s but lacking a clear framework to organize what I knew. After my bachelor’s in International Business, I wanted to shape my understanding in a way that allowed me to remain versatile. I wasn't ready to narrow down my focus to one niche without first exploring various industries and projects.
After my bachelor’s in International Business, I wanted to shape my understanding in a way that allowed me to remain versatile.
When I discovered the master's program at Lund, it clicked for me. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to add structure to my knowledge while keeping my options open. And it turned out to be even better than I expected. The coursework blended theory with practical application beautifully. In addition to that, working with companies on our thesis project felt very much like the real work I'm doing now, which was an incredible preparation for my current role.
Today you work as a management consultant at EY, what does your everyday work routine look like? What is your favorite part of your job?
As a management consultant at EY, my daily routine is dynamic and varies significantly, which is one aspect I find particularly exhilarating. Each day brings a new set of challenges and opportunities, ensuring that no two days are alike. Currently, I am fully engaged with a client project focused on the deployment of their customer experience journey across various operating markets. My role involves regular interactions with market representatives to coordinate pilot programs and global rollouts, acting as a liaison with the global team of which I am a part. Given that the project revolves around a digital product, I've gained valuable insights into technical aspects, enhancing my ability to manage stakeholders from both digital and business domains. Working with an international client means that my work environment alternates between remote work from home or our local office in Malmö, with occasional travel for team-building activities.
What I cherish most about my position at EY is the autonomy to shape my career path. From the outset, I expressed a desire to work on international projects, and EY has supported that ambition.
In parallel with my project work, I am actively involved in EY's graduate program, which includes participating in community meetings with fellow graduates across Sweden and engaging in professional development courses as part of the graduate program. Additionally, I contribute to internal roles aimed at improving our internal processes and assisting with account management.
What I cherish most about my position at EY is the autonomy to shape my career path. From the outset, I expressed a desire to work on international projects, and EY has supported that ambition. Now, I collaborate with over 60 markets on a daily basis, navigating the complexities of cross-cultural and linguistic differences. This global exposure allows me to learn from diverse perspectives, work with individuals from various nationalities and educational backgrounds, and tackle problems with a broad, inclusive approach. It's this aspect of my job—coupled with the challenge and the reward of international work—that I find most fulfilling. And honestly, a day hasn’t gone by without thinking “oh I Love my job!”.
How did the International Strategic Management programme prepare you for your role in consulting? Were there any specific courses or projects that were particularly influential?
The International Strategic Management program at LUSEM provided a comprehensive foundation for my career in consulting, beginning with an excellent course on the fundamentals of strategy. This course clarified the concept of strategy and equipped me with concepts that I continue to apply in my professional life.
The hands-on experience gained from this course mirrors the work I do now, and in hindsight, it underscores the value of the master's program in preparing me for my consulting role.
It's challenging to single out one course as the most influential, given the program's well-coordinated structure that encompasses various facets of business. Nonetheless, the course titled Strategic Thinking and Acting in a Complex World stands out as particularly impactful. This wasn't a course focused solely on theoretical knowledge for exam purposes; it was about learning to craft actionable plans, understanding processes, and collaborating with teams to devise effective solutions for real companies. The hands-on experience gained from this course mirrors the work I do now, and in hindsight, it underscores the value of the master's program in preparing me for my consulting role.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates who are considering a career in management consulting, particularly those with a focus on international strategy?
For those considering a career in management consulting, particularly with an international strategy focus, my advice is to truly value the theories you learn in school. It's a common belief that there's a wide gap between academic theories and practical application, but a strong theoretical foundation is crucial when starting out in consulting. Familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts; you'll find that they are often referenced by experienced consultants and can provide a common language for discussing complex issues.
It's a common belief that there's a wide gap between academic theories and practical application, but a strong theoretical foundation is crucial when starting out in consulting.
Moreover, the problem-solving approach and teamwork skills you develop in school are directly applicable to the consulting world. A significant portion of consulting work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to identify problems, devise strategies, and plan for the future. Take the opportunity during your studies to hone your problem-solving abilities, manage relationships with people, and adapt to change. Flexibility is essential, as you may find yourself needing to alter or abandon plans due to new developments.
In essence, make the most of your time in academia to build a robust skill set that includes theoretical knowledge, problem-solving expertise, and the ability to navigate the complexities of stakeholder management and change. These skills will serve as a strong foundation for a successful career in management consulting.
Lastly, network, network, network. Networking is an invaluable aspect of professional development, and its importance cannot be overstated. As a student, it's crucial to seize every opportunity to expand your network by attending job fairs and various events. These connections can open doors to potential job opportunities and provide insights into different industries and company cultures.
When it comes to applying for jobs, remember that the selection process is bidirectional. It's not just about companies choosing you; you also have the agency to choose them. Be thoughtful about where you submit your applications, considering whether a company's culture and approach to work resonate with your personal values and career goals. We devote a significant portion of our lives to our careers, so finding a workplace where you feel satisfied is essential. Being content in your work environment not only impacts your day-to-day well-being but also influences your performance and professional growth. Therefore, take the time to research and understand the character of the organizations you're interested in to ensure they align with what you're looking for in your career journey.
What is your fondest memory from your studies at LUSEM?
Looking back on my time at LUSEM, it's quite a challenge to pick just one favorite memory from the collection of moments that made up my four years there. My experience was filled with friendships, inspiring meetings with ambitious peers, and a sense of community that I believe will lead many to future success. Yet, among this abundance of experiences, two periods stand out clearly in my mind.
The experience of working with companies, the deep thinking required to present our research, and the long writing sessions late into the night—though fueled by a lot of coffee—mark a period of intense commitment and happiness.
Firstly, the Case Competition courses at LUSEM, led by Mats Urde, Ola Mattison, and Ulf Ramberg, hold a special place in my heart. My passion for case competitions was immense, and the evenings we spent analyzing cases and putting together presentations were exciting. Seeing my peers and myself get completely absorbed in the excitement of competition, dreaming of participating in larger events, created an environment where I flourished and felt deeply connected to my goals.
Secondly, the time spent working on my master’s thesis with my thesis partner, Mindaugas Bruzas, under the guidance of Thomas Kalling, was incredibly fulfilling. The experience of working with companies, the deep thinking required to present our research, and the long writing sessions late into the night—though fueled by a lot of coffee—mark a period of intense commitment and happiness. These memories are a representation of the valuable educational journey at LUSEM and are held dear as some of the most significant and enjoyable parts of my studies.
