Meet Laura, a Management Consulting Analyst in Accenture

What and where you studied: Master of Biomedical Engineering – Trinity College, Dublin

Dates of graduate programme: February 2026

Bio:

I'm Laura, a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture in Ireland. I graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. I joined the graduate programme in February 2026 and have been working on life sciences projects ever since. I love that my role lets me sit at the intersection of science and business, helping clients solve real problems in an industry I genuinely care about. On a personal level, I’m a huge fan of all thing’s sports - playing hockey, tennis and golf in my spare time. 

1. Why did you choose this industry, and this company in particular?

When I began my degree, consulting wasn't on my radar. I initially saw myself pursuing a career in R&D within the medtech or pharmaceutical industry. However somewhere along the way I realised that what I enjoyed most was solving problems, listening to the challenges people faced, identifying the root causes, and working collaboratively to deliver meaningful solutions. 

Consulting started to feel like the right direction - a way to apply that same thinking at a bigger scale. And the more I looked into it, the more Accenture stood out. A company that was leading the consulting industry in technology and AI, with a reputation for putting their clients first. That combination was hard to ignore. What really sold me on the programme was hearing directly from those who had completed it. They all spoke so positively about their time at Accenture, which gave me confidence that it was the right place to start my career.

2. Can you describe a typical day in your role? What are your favourite parts of the work you do?

There's genuinely no such thing as a typical day, which I love. Some day’s start with reviewing a project timeline in the morning with my manager, hopping on client calls in the afternoon, and then reviewing a deliverable before end of day. Other days are quieter and more focused - researching new lab processes, sharpening my knowledge of the life sciences landscape, or exploring how AI and technology are shaping the industry.

Because I'm working in healthcare and life sciences, there's always a layer of context that makes the work feel meaningful. Even when it's something operational or process-focused, you're aware that it connects to something bigger - how a laboratory runs, how a pharma company brings a product to market, etc. My favourite parts are probably the client interactions, when you get to discuss problems, brainstorm solutions, and present findings with people who are experts in their field. It's a bit nerve-wracking at first, but it's also where you learn the most.

3. What skills have you developed since being part of this company's programme?

Stakeholder management is one that comes to mind. Coming from an engineering background I was used to being analytical, but consulting has sharpened how I communicate that thinking - how to take something complex and present it clearly to people who may have different priorities, different levels of technical knowledge, and different ideas about what success looks.

I've also developed a lot of skills in areas I didn't anticipate when I was sitting down to write my application. One of the biggest skills has been AI – not just understanding what it can do in theory but knowing how to apply it in a real consulting context. Working on projects where AI is central to the client recommendation means you pick that up fast, and it's something I now feel genuinely confident in. On top of that, my practical skills have come on hugely - project management, Excel and PowerPoint. Those tools are essential to how good consulting work gets delivered, and getting sharp on them early really matters.

4. What have been the most challenging parts of working life since taking up this programme? Is there anything you wish you knew before starting?

The adjustment to full-time work is real, and I don't think anyone should underestimate it. It's not just the hours - it's the mental shift of being 'on' in a professional sense, and then actually switching off at the end of the day. I also play sport most evenings, which I love, but learning to balance that with the demands of a full working week took some figuring out. 

Coming from an academic background, I was used to deferring to people with much more experience. But in consulting, your fresh perspective is genuinely valued - and the sooner you realise that the more you'll get out of the experience. At Accenture, your perspective as a graduate coming in with fresh eyes is seen as an asset, not a limitation. I wish I'd known that earlier - I would have been quicker to challenge assumptions and put my hand up to share my point of view.

5. Would you recommend the graduate programme at this company to others? Why?

Absolutely. If you want to hit the ground running and be trusted with meaningful work early in your career, this programme delivers that. I've learned more in a few months here than I could have imagined. What I'd particularly highlight for anyone with an engineering or science background is that your degree is not a disadvantage - it's actually a differentiator, especially in a space like Life Sciences consulting where technical credibility is a necessity. Accenture and clients actively value that kind of background.

The culture is also genuinely good. People are busy, but they're supportive. I've never felt like I couldn't ask for help or flag when something wasn't clear. Beyond the work, I've also made some great friends through the programme. We've also already been on trips to Belfast and Clare together, which says a lot about the kind of community Accenture fosters - it's not just a job.

6. What advice would you like to give to future graduates who are just starting out?

Say yes to things before you feel ready. Every opportunity that stretches you a little beyond your comfort zone is where the growth happens, and there are plenty of those moments in the early months of a graduate programme.

Also, invest in the relationships. Get to know your colleagues, your project teams, the people in other parts of the business. The work is important, but so is the network you're building. Those connections and friendships will matter more than you expect as your career develops.

And finally, be patient with yourself. Starting a new job is hard, and starting your first real job is even harder. Give yourself permission to be a beginner for a while. You won't be one for long.