An insight into the life of a Consulting Associate at RSM

Name: Jessie Brannigan

Job Title: Consulting Associate

Office: Dublin

Joining date: March-September 2016 as a Co-op and 10th September 2018 as an Associate

Department: Consulting

College attended: University College Cork

Couse undertaken: Commerce

SUMMARY OF ROLE

I first joined RSM in March 2016 as a co-op, on a six-month placement as part of my course in UCC. I returned in September 2018 after my final year, back to the Consulting department.

Since May 2021 I have been on secondment working onsite within the HR team of a large public sector client. The work is very varied and fast moving and I am learning loads about Public Sector HR every day.

Prior to my secondment I worked in the Consulting department in RSM, working on many different assignments across a wide range of clients, including Public Sector, Private Sector and Semi-state clients. I primarily worked in the Forensic Investigation Services unit of this Department where I was the assistant on many workplace and protected disclosure investigations. The work was extremely varied, challenging and really interesting.

WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU DEVELOPED THROUGHOUT THE RSM GRADUATE PROGRAMME SO FAR?

In any one day I could be working on recruitment, HR advisory, training and development and investigations. So I have really learned how to multitask and how to jump quickly from one job to another, which I suppose is the essence of consulting!

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?

Shortly after I arrived as an associate it was RSM World Day, this involved the whole company taking the afternoon to complete a treasure hunt game in the city. That evening we all gathered in a pub and watched the video highlights of the game with some food and a drink (or two). It was such a lovely way to meet my new colleagues and I really felt welcomed back after my six month placement the year before.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR?

I think it was the transition from being a co-op to an associate - I had far more responsibility which I do not think I was prepared for. There are a lot of things they do not teach you in college! Something as simple as writing your first email to a client or creating your first invoice can be a daunting experience when it was never taught to you. But like all things, once you’ve done it once or twice you don’t think about it anymore. Also, there is such a great support team here in RSM and, from my experience, the Consulting team in particular. I was never afraid to ask a million questions!

WHAT’S SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT WORKING AT RSM?

How varied the work is – every day I am doing something different. On a Monday morning I do not know what I’ll be doing even by Monday evening, which I love. I feel that would be very difficult to get in another company. When I tell people what I do each day they are genuinely surprised at how diverse my workload is!

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AT RSM?

As I have only recently been seconded, my focus is to really immerse myself in Public Sector HR and to learn as much as I can. I also recently obtained by CIPD accreditation so I am looking forward to putting that into practice in my role!

WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO APPLY TO RSM?

Really do your research for the interview. Be aware of the service lines RSM offer and keep up to date with RSM news through social media and their website, there is plenty there to keep you well-informed!

DESCRIBE RSM IN 3 WORDS

Evolving, dynamic and inclusive.