Consulting firm ConQuaestor launches the Young Executive Program (YEP).. In this track, starting consultants develop into full-fledged management consultants in two years. Business Manager Brenda van Baasbank is responsible for the development of the YEP. She explains what makes this program so special.
"The YEP combines the critical thinking of university graduates with strategically strong and pragmatic solutions for business. This program provides entry-level consultants with the right tools for a successful and broad start to their careers."
Challenging issues within the financial domain
ConQuaestor, part of Team EIFFEL, is a professional partner in the field of management consultancy and interim management within the financial function. The Young Executive Program provides a solution for organizations through the deployment of young, talented consultants who create change, improvement and renewal. The program focuses on ambitious starters with zero to two years of work experience, who want to develop within management consulting.
The Young Executive Program literally responds to market demand. To clarify this demand, Brenda is talking to different companies. She says: "The Young Executives work for two years on challenging issues on the CFO's agenda. For example, you can think about the transition to a new ERP system, optimizing organizational structures, process improvements, cost optimization, data analysis or support with ESG integration."
Ideal combination of theory and practice
The program has a structured structure. In addition to working on assignment, Young Executives also develop their content knowledge and soft skills. And all this at lightning speed. Brenda explains: "The first year you focus on learning the consulting skills you need as a successful management consultant. You train skills such as project management, consulting skills and organizational sensitivity. You also get training in essential hardskills, such as generative AI, Excel and PowerBI."
The second year focuses on leadership development. Brenda: "The sophomores become buddies of the freshmen. You receive various leadership trainings, which you can immediately apply in your buddy role. As a Young Executive, you are on assignment from day one and can choose to specialize, for example in the direction of Financial Transformation or Data & Analytics. This way, you can immediately apply the theory you learn during the trainings in practice."
Room for growth and personal responsibility
Brenda sees the personal guidance and customized approach at a boutique consulting firm like ConQuaestor as a big advantage for starting consultants. "There is little hierarchy so you quickly interact with your colleagues and manager. As in any company, there are frameworks, but within them you get a lot of space and you can really make an impact. There is at least one day a month for your personal development through peer review and training with other Young Executives. You get guidance from experienced senior consultants and coaching from the organization."
"In the Young Executive Program, you gain four years of experience within two years."
Growing at a fast pace
"Whether you are involved in operational management, program, project or process management or change projects, the YEP will give you a super-fast start to your career," Brenda continues. "You get the chance to develop broadly within the finance function and gain experience with a variety of clients. These can be large corporates, but also large companies and public institutions. Young Executives develop at a rapid pace, because you gain up to four years of experience within two years. It is a unique management consulting program through which Young Executives make a valuable contribution to the various challenges within an organization."
Interested in the Young Executive Program? Then click here for more information and opportunity to apply for the YEP.