Seek — and be — a mentor to carve your tech consulting path

I have something to offer, and so do you. I’m not always that bold. Like everyone else, I have moments when I think I’m not cut out for this, I’m not qualified, or I don’t quite fit in. Time and again, the mentors in my life have helped me let go of that fear and jump in anyway. It’s those moments of believing that have defined my career in tech consulting.

I came to EY at a key turning point. I loved my previous job as an SAP ABAP developer. The people, the projects, the clients: I poured my soul into my work. Two years in, I was ready for the next step. Yet my genuine passion for my work, my loyalty and, admittedly, a little bit of fear were holding me back.

As a big believer in the power of mentorship, I’ve always surrounded myself with a strong network of people I can turn to for advice. One of those mentors gave me the confidence to acknowledge that I really was ready to find that next career-defining role. In true mentor form, she introduced me to a host of people from her own network, including an EY leader who was on the verge of launching a new robotic process automation centre of excellence. By the end of our first conversation, I knew I’d found what I was looking for. Buoyed by a confidence I didn’t know I had, I told him: “You need me on your team.”

Since that moment, I’ve been carving my own path in EY’s tech consulting practice. I’ve never built the same solution twice. Everything I do feels fresh. Emerging trends are moving targets, and that means there’s always a way for me to learn, stretch and grow in this space. I’m empowered to focus on what the client really needs instead of offering a templated solution that may or may not fit.

Here, I can own my career and ask for what I want. All of this has spurred my progress, enabling me to grow from senior to manager in my first four years. Those same mentors who supported my path to where I am today have been with me every step of the way. They inspire me to share that forward and be a mentor myself.

Women in tech consulting are developing insights and solutions no one’s ever considered before. The mentors across my network have helped me push concepts forward, even when I’m afraid. They’ve taught me that none of us needs to have the whole solution, because bringing the start of an answer forward can rally teams to take things further. Mentors have helped me overcome the humbling and fearful moments that came with each progressively senior role I’ve taken. Through their coaching and advice, I’ve stopped asking, “What if I’m getting it wrong?” and replaced that with “What if I’m getting it right?”

All of us are hungry to learn from each other. I experience that in my professional network and within EY, where we actively create safe spaces for people to initiate honest conversations, ask for what we need and embrace every possibility. We’re fostering a culture of belonging that helps us overcome fear and become the best versions of ourselves. That’s something I value just as much as the cutting-edge work itself. Careers come with speed bumps; mentorship helps us keep going regardless.

Most of my career is ahead of me. That’s exciting! Even so, I don’t have all the answers. I believe cultivating a strong network of mentors and finding organizations that foster mentorship is critical to a successful consulting career. I commit myself to learning from others, and to sharing what I have learned back into the world. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats. Mentors and leaders across my network continually remind me of that.