Louise Johnson

The Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme is a really unique opportunity that enables Business School students to gain a greater understanding of what it's like to work in a certain industry. I was lucky enough to be matched to a Management Consultant based in Newcastle which was great as Management Consultancy is what I aspire to do after graduation. Having no experience myself in this field, the scheme has enabled me to understand more about what Management Consultancy is about and has given me the opportunity to build contacts within this area. Michael has put me in touch with various other professionals, allowing me to build my network of contacts.

I was lucky enough to be offered a day shadowing Michael in Leeds in February. I observed meetings with his clients and contacts at Rebuilding Society, KPMG and Brown Butler. This gave me a greater insight into the role that Michael plays as a Management Consultant and the importance of building relationships with clients. I was also able to apply the theory I had learnt during my degree to real business scenarios; we discussed trade with China and other East Asian countries, small business growth and the strategies businesses can adopt. Following the success of the shadow work day in Leeds, I am in the process of arranging for another shadow day, this time up in Newcastle where his company is based. Here I will be able to gain a greater understanding of what Michael does day-to-day.

Without the Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme I would not have had the opportunity to partake in shadowing a Management Consultant. 

Another area that the Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme has really helped me with is my CV. I am in the process of applying for a year in industry and am at the assessment centre stage for various applications including IBM and Morrisons.

Michael has helped me to improve my CV; helping me to improve the layout as well as highlighting the importance of making each point add value so that employers can see the person behind the CV. I really feel that his insight into what businesses look for has really helped me to put character into my CV and I've made steps forward in the right direction.

Michael has also offered me general advice about interviews and assessment centres. Before my assessment centre at IBM, for a business industrial placement which I am hoping to secure, we had a meeting to discuss what I could do to really perform on the day. The Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme has allowed me to get a second opinion on everything work related from a professional outside of the university, which is extremely valuable.

The Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme has enabled me to gain invaluable advice from a professional businessman that has already and will continue to be useful for my career progression.