Written by Consultancy.co.uk
This month, Kealan Brouwer joined The Next Organisation as a strategic consultant. How does he like his new working environment, what is he involved in and what experiences and ambitions has he brought with him? We asked Kealan.
Kealan started his career in consultancy with broad and valuable experience at the firm Doen'r, where he worked on a variety of assignments for government agencies, non-profit organisations and large commercial companies such as Just Eat Takeaway.
After completing his master's degree in Strategic Management, Kealan decided to look for an organisation where he could further develop his talents. He has now found that challenge at The Next Organization, a strategic consulting firm dedicated to commercial transformation and innovation
Consultancy really suits me
"My studies gave me a solid foundation in consultancy, with a strong focus on strategic issues and high-level business," says Kealan. "Soon I noticed that consultancy really suits me."
What made the move to The Next Organisation particularly attractive for Kealan was the room for personal growth and the opportunity to take on responsibilities from the start. Moreover, he felt at home from the start.
"In my first interviews, I got a very positive impression of the company and immediately felt welcome," he indicates. "Despite being a relatively small agency, we work with large, well-known clients. This offers many opportunities, both in terms of growth and interesting assignments."
Working at a boutique
He sees that working at a boutique in the strategy segment offers unique advantages. "You get involved in interesting strategic issues from day one and can work with senior consultants and partners on complex challenges."
"This is a real advantage of working at a boutique. In larger organisations, you often start with smaller, supportive tasks for seniors, but here you soon get to play an active role in strategy and are immediately an integral part of the team."
He also points to the pleasant cooperation and close-knit corporate culture. "There are no long lines, everyone is approachable and there is a lot of room to learn. It helps enormously to settle in quickly and get to know your team well."
First weeks
Kealan therefore looks back fondly on his first weeks at The Next Organisation. "The onboarding was well organised. From day one, everything was ready for me and the team really made time to get acquainted. This made me feel like I had been working here for years."
"What makes the work even more attractive is the diversity of projects," he adds. "I was immediately involved in three different projects, where I was able to think along directly as well as give my opinion on the strategic issues."
Keep improving
For the coming years, Kealan already has clear ambitions. "What I want to have achieved in two years' time? I attach great importance to personal development."
"I hope to continue to improve myself, strengthen my skills and develop further through certifications and gain new knowledge," he explains. "In doing so, my goal is not only to become strategically stronger, but also to further specialise myself and take on new challenges."
As a strategic consultancy, The Next Organisation helps clients at home and abroad to renew and optimise their business models.