"I started on the Columbus graduate scheme in 2014. I remember my first project well – it was with a large manufacturer."

"Me and two other graduates were seconded onto the client's project team. We were joined on-site by an LSA and 2 Senior Consultants from Columbus. Initially, we were working in Worcester – 3 weeks out of 4 and then we came back to do a week of learning and development, which then moved to 4 out of 5 days." 

"It was an 18 month project, so a big piece of work to be involved with as a young graduate which was great"

 "The Graduate training programme consisted of a full ERP company build, and the project was led by the consultancy manager for a fictitious company. We built a full working ERP system in dynamics each having our own workstream. We also did some work understanding the role profiles of people who would be using our system. It's vital to understand the end user’s perspective i.e. what would the warehouse manager care about in a successful implementation. Alongside that experienced consultants would also come in and train you on various subject matters in their areas of expertise. You’d be working towards your Microsoft qualifications and certifications getting yourself up to speed."

"On the Associate scheme we did a 2-week Collaboration, we flew out and had 1 week in Denmark, in Copenhagen - learning consultancy skills and presentation techniques with graduates from Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Then the following week we had learning workshops on rapid value, business process modelling and methodology."

"The journey to LSA took me around 8-9 years. The promotions get called out in team meetings, – a few people moved up positions at the same time as me, so we shared the congratulations."

"My first full project that I got to work on was when I was a Senior Business Consultant previously with the same client. I joined the later phases as a Lead Solutions Architect – with catch ups with my mentor just to check in when I got to a new bit I haven’t come across before we’d touch base."

"Around 12 months before I’d been promoted into the LSA role, I started on a project that initially began in 2022, and I worked closely alongside the Senior LSA Manager, he had started inviting me into the regular LSA meetings so I could get a feel of what to expect. So, I was transitioning into this position with support from my mentor." 

 "The LSA – is responsible for ensuring the solution hangs together and the individual workstreams are working in collaboration to give the best outcome for the customer. The role also mentors less experienced consultants which is something I’m passionate about."

"Columbus has got really good relationships with its customers so whilst the role is complicated – you don’t have to worry about any internal politics you can just focus on the role."