Transitioning from an MBA to a Big Four consulting firm

Full-time MBA alum Sheena Verma shares how the teachings broadened her professional and personal outlook and aided her career progression to a Big Four Consulting Firm post-MBA.

Why WBS?

Deciding to pursue a Full-time MBA at Warwick Business School (WBS) in 2022 was a pivotal moment in my career. After five enriching years in the financial services and global consulting industry in India, I craved a platform that would allow me to get out of my comfort zone, explore diverse sectors and industries, and help me accelerate my professional trajectory.

WBS, where I had previously completed my MSc in Finance & Economics back in 2016, was a natural choice due to its esteemed faculty, innovative programme design, and the global exposure I had experienced during my earlier course. These aspects profoundly influenced my decision, promising an environment where I could enhance my skills in people and change management, project management, and leadership.

My key highlights from the MBA

My MBA journey at WBS was filled with several experiences that enriched my professional and personal life. Looking back four main highlights stood out for me:

International Elective

First was the week-long intensive international module for Design Thinking and Service Design delivered at Aalto University in Finland, which opened my eyes to different customer-centric approaches in business. The practical activities, both in and out of class, were not only engaging but also instilled a deep understanding of applying these concepts across various industries. I have to say, having an opportunity to soak up the Scandinavian culture alongside learning was incredible as well.

LeadershipPlus

Second was the transformative LeadershipPlus Module. Through innovative real-life activities designed to simulate business challenges and professional relationships, I learned about managing diverse teams, navigating constant change, being comfortable with uncertainty, and fostering ethical leadership. The best part was the friendships and professional bonds formed during this period with my diverse syndicate members which allowed me to learn from them every single day while feeling I belonged.

Strategic Consulting Project

Third, the Strategic Consulting Project that I worked on for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) along with two of my classmates and friends, was a capstone experience. We applied our year-long learnings to deliver strategic recommendations for the JLR Leadership, on a real-life project, providing me with a unique insight into the luxury automotive sector, an industry which was completely new to me.

Global Exposure

Finally, the global exposure that I experienced was truly the most significant highlight of the MBA. Our cohort, comprised of about 35 nationalities,  provided a rare opportunity to learn and work alongside some of the most accomplished professionals, from various cultural and professional backgrounds, and all walks of life. This diverse environment was not only a learning platform but also a source of lifelong friendships and professional networks.

Joining a Big Four Consulting firm following my MBA

After completing my MBA in 2023, I was exploring options that allowed me to be part of a business’ journey of changing and transforming as a response to new economic and technological disruptions while prioritising sustainability and staying accountable to its larger role as a global industry leader and market player.

I returned to India and joined a Big Four Consulting firm as a Senior Consultant to support their Global Strategy, Analytics & M&A business. Here, I am actively involved in developing business strategies and driving change management critical for business transformation and organisational change in today's ever-changing fast-paced environment.

My role heavily focuses on helping leaders and teams navigate industry disruptions, adopt modernisation, and leverage the power of Gen AI for business growth, by developing innovative and sustainable solutions through effective client and stakeholder management and project management.

I am also an advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively seek opportunities to volunteer both within my organization and outside, to increase awareness, address issues, and strengthen allyship, to make workplaces and the society at large a more inclusive and fair space for all.

The global exposure, critical thinking, and collaborative skills gained during the MBA have been instrumental in helping me manage complex projects and interact with industry leaders worldwide. Through modules like Managing Sustainable Energy Transitions, I also learnt the importance of sustainable business growth and strategy. The teachings of the MBA have forever changed the way I approach problems. It has also equipped me with a very broad skill set that overlaps across multiple domains and areas of expertise and gives me the advantage of seizing varied professional opportunities across sectors and industries.

Reflecting on my MBA journey

The MBA at WBS was more than an educational achievement; it was a gateway to a myriad of new opportunities that broadened my professional and personal outlook. The intensive course honed my problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, allowing me to confidently navigate complex challenges and seek rewarding professional opportunities. The global network of friends and colleagues I built continues to be an invaluable asset that I am very grateful for, enriching my journey with shared knowledge and opportunities.

The experience was transformative, bridging my past experiences with my aspirations, and preparing me to achieve my ambitions and become a change leader. It was not just about the skills and knowledge I gained but also about the people I met and the perspectives I embraced. Each element of the programme was designed to propel us toward becoming proactive, thoughtful, innovative, and ethical leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in the world. It was truly life-changing and I am so glad that I went through with it.