Watch Sam’s story...
Berkeley’s people are talented and enthusiastic. It’s a great place to build a career amongst people you trust and respect. The work is interesting and varied – and people can continue consulting at Berkeley as long as they are doing a great job and developing their capabilities.
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Watch Sam's Story
I wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I was younger. My strengths were in design technology, the sciences, economics and sports. In fact, sport was a really big part of my life. That was one career option, but then again, I also wanted to be a fireman and a forensic scientist.
My love of sport continued at the University of Birmingham, where I played hockey and water polo. Doing a master's degree in engineering was tough, but I really gained a lot from my course. I realised whatever I went into, it needed to have variety. My dad gave me a really good grounding. He was a carpenter and taught me and my brother, Tyler, to appreciate the little things and not to take anything for granted. Life lessons like that I really value. I'm now a dad myself. I love spending time with my wife, Imogen, and our two little ones, Freddy and Ottilie.
My work has been varied. I was a lifeguard for three years at uni, I briefly worked at an investment bank, and I spent over six years with Accenture, but I wanted to be a part of a company that was very close knit. Berkeley treats its people like adults. I work client-side with senior individuals and I feel privileged to be able to help people in some very challenging positions, all whilst I continue to learn and develop my own expertise. And with a young family, it is reassuring to know that most of our work is close to home. My work as a consultant is extremely varied and fast-paced, and I've been lucky enough to work in New York with a big media business.
Meanwhile here in London, I help transform the customer experience for the UK's largest rail operator. These were big, interesting, and ultimately rewarding challenges requiring pace, drive, and empathy. I'm confident that they were left in far better shape than when we started.
I'm probably in better shape myself thanks to some of the clubs at Berkeley. I'm part of the cycling and rugby clubs, as well as one for the classical arts. There's a huge amount of effort that goes in into keeping everyone connected here. There are lunches, evenings out, and weekends away. It feels like you're part of something to be proud of, which for someone who doesn't take things for granted, is an extremely special feeling.
One of our reasons for growing our business is to provide partnership opportunities for our people – we only create partners from within the firm. Other people will ultimately want to take their career in a different direction. We help to build the capabilities, experiences and networks our people need – and we are proud of what our alumni have achieved.
If, like Sam, you want to be part of a close-knit company where you are treated like an adult, Berkeley will feel like home.
