Day in the Life: Desiree, Strategy & Consulting Management Consultant at Accenture

Name: Desiree
Job: Strategy & Consulting Management Consultant

What does a Strategy & Consulting Management Consultant do at Accenture?

In my role as a management consultant within Strategy & Consulting, I work with Financial Services clients to address complex issues related to risk management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable finance. My work is project-based, so each engagement is unique and no two days or projects are exactly alike, which makes the role both challenging and exciting. Currently, I am working on a sustainable finance-related pro bono as a project manager/project lead for an international NGO located in Africa.

Here’s what a day in Desiree's life looks like!

8-9 AM:
I start my day commuting to work; a combination of public transport and cycling (the Dutch way!). Once I arrive at the office, I look for a nice spot by the window, check & respond to any emails, review what’s ahead, and jot down my to-dos and priorities for the day. Before diving in, I make a quick stop at our coffee bar for a flat white. That’s also where I usually catch up with colleagues as everyone settles in.

9-10 AM:
This hour is all about focus. I like to start with small, quick tasks (like submitting my timesheet) before moving into deep work. I always block focus time in Outlook. It helps me stay organized and avoid unnecessary interruptions. During this time, I am preparing for my meetings scheduled for today. Since I am giving a presentation in the afternoon, today I am reviewing my slides and making any final adjustments needed.

10-11:30 AM:
More focus work. This is when I get into the flow and make progress on key deliverables. This morning I need to revise the roadmap and planning of a pro bono project I am leading.

11:30 AM-12 PM:
Team meeting with my project group & pro bono client. We discuss progress, dependencies, and next steps. As a project manager, I need to make sure everyone is aligned and supported in their work.

12-1 PM:
Lunchtime! I usually eat in our cafeteria with colleagues. At the office there are lots of healthy and vegetarian options available, and the complimentary salad bar is my favorite. I wrap up with an espresso to fight the post-lunch dip.

1-2 PM:
Time for meetings: Today, I’m leading a knowledge-sharing session on regulatory updates in the sustainability domain. I’m co-presenting with our colleagues in India, who are showcasing a related tool they developed for a client.

2-3:30 PM:
Back to focus work: Following up on items from earlier meetings (sending out minutes, slides) and progressing on project deliverables. I am also using this time to further work on a dashboard I am building using Agentic AI. This allows me to learn in practice how Agentic AI works and build something valuable for my team.

3:30-4 PM:
One-on-one meeting with my manager. We discuss my development goals, current challenges, and potential approaches to navigate them. These conversations are always insightful and motivating.

4-5 PM:
Meeting with Columbia University students whose research I’m supervising. In this meeting we discuss & review their progress, next steps, help out on any questions they have and help them steer in the right direction. I really enjoy mentoring and supporting their academic-to-practical journey.

5-6 PM:
Wrapping up the day: finishing tasks, checking emails, and preparing for tomorrow. Every Friday, we like to end the week with a drink at our office borrel or at a cafe nearby. This is a great way to connect socially with the team and other colleagues.

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How do you unwind at the end of the day?
After work, I like to switch gears with a good workout whether it’s at the gym, kickboxing, or a group class to clear my head. I find cooking a nice meal afterwards really relaxing, and I always look forward to catching up with my boyfriend over dinner about our day.

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What do you love about your job and your employer?
What I love most about my job is the support I receive to grow in directions that inspire me. I’m given real ownership of my career, with the freedom to explore new areas, learn, and take on meaningful challenges. Working with an amazing international team makes every day enjoyable, and Accenture’s global reach allows me to collaborate across industries and build future-proof skills, especially in the age of AI.

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