In a nutshell
We’re exploring some of our people’s journeys to Newton, looking at their experiences of the application process, why they decided to apply and what the first few months in their careers have been like. One of the misconceptions around consulting is that you need to have studied a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subject at university to have a successful career as a consultant. We chatted to Cordy, a History of Art and Architectural History graduate from the University of Edinburgh. Here’s her advice:
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WRITTEN BY
Cordelia Swift
How did you find the application process coming from a non-STEM background?
I think the most important thing to observe about the application process is that it is exactly that, a process. Throughout your application, Newton is assessing different skills and capabilities. They don’t look to hire people who all think in the same way and are instead interested in diversity of thought. Therefore, a section of the process that one person finds challenging, another can excel at.
You might assume that, as a non-STEM student, the numerical testing stage was the hardest step for me. Admittedly, it was harder than several of the numeracy-based graduate assessments I’d completed for other firms, but the knowledge I had from studying Maths A-level was more than sufficient. I would say that you need a basic level of numeracy to join Newton as a consultant, but it is by no means the only skill required for the job.
Also, don’t get disheartened if you don’t finish the numerical test—most people don’t and still pass.
What was your mathematical ability coming into Newton and have you been supported in growing your knowledge in this area?
As mentioned above, I studied Maths at A-level and, from what I’ve seen so far, most of the work we do doesn’t require a higher level of maths than this. Instinctive understanding of some of our work might be greater for a few of my STEM colleagues, but I don’t think this has any effect on ability and delivery.
The biggest gap I noticed between myself and people who studied STEM subjects was actually in Excel capabilities. Due to the nature of my degree, I simply hadn’t had much experience of using Excel when I first joined. However, Induction (a three-week course for all new joiners) levelled the playing field and taught me the essential Excel skills that I would need early on. I have since taken the opportunity to develop this further, through both on-the-job experience and the wide range of online courses that Newton has access to.
What skills have you brought to the team because you come from a non-STEM background?
I cannot reiterate enough that successful consultants can come from all different educational backgrounds, because the skills needed in the profession are so varied. I think that the most obvious skill I have personally brought to the team is clear communication.
Part of what we do is taking complex challenges, developing a solution, and then relaying this to the client. Sometimes communicating our thinking back to the client in a clear and concise manner can be difficult, but this is where I think my humanities background has been uniquely advantageous. An essential part of studying an essay subject is being able to communicate your point accurately and impactfully, something I’ve been able to transfer to my project work at Newton.
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What advice would you give to people choosing to apply from a non-STEM background?
My main piece of advice to non-STEM students applying this year is that it is easier to succeed than you might think. Don’t get bogged down by all the associations of consulting with STEM. The amount of variety we see in our project work means we need to have a real breadth of skills—a STEM-only team wouldn’t have the diversity needed to create the most impact.
I’d also say see your differences as strengths. You might be in a selection day with a lot of STEM students for example, but don’t be deterred by this. Instead, think of how it works in your favour—how can you pull out your people and communication skills, or your ability to analyse and interpret words rather than just data? Bringing a fresh perspective and manner of thinking can be so advantageous if you choose to capitalise on it.
As a final point to anyone going through the application process this year, remember that you can use the people who are assessing you. Don’t be afraid to ask them for clarity, guidance or to let them know that you are unsure. They’re looking for people they can work with in a constructive manner, and this doesn’t always mean being right first time.
