Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I'm a consultant and project manager, engaging with international clients on projects that range from 2 weeks to 6+ months. I oversee junior colleagues, manage clients, and manage senior colleagues to ensure timely completion of projects.

There's no such thing as a typical day in consulting. There's a lot of time spent on e-mails, the phone, Powerpoint and Excel. You're speaking to colleagues and clients, as well as thinking up solutions to the problems that they're encountering.

The variety of work and the colleagues that I work with day in, day out.

You really need to be shrewd with time, and develop a thick skin. You will receive critiques from colleagues and clients, and you'll have to deliver news to them too: whether good or bad.

I went on from Sheffield to complete a further Masters and a PhD. I loved science, but wanted to get away from the lab. Strategic consultancy provides a fast paced, team-focused environment. My firm in particular allowed me to stay close to healthcare.

The "soft" skills of communication and time management are key. You also need to be highly analytical and enjoy problem solving.

2008-9 - UCL - MSc Biochemical Engineering
2009-13 - Cambridge University - PhD Molecular Biology
2013-present - QuintilesIMS

I'll stay wherever I am so long as I'm happy with what I do.

Ask around and speak to people that do this. There are a lot of ill-conceived notions about what a consultant does. I interview a lot of people and it's remarkable how few people understand what consulting actually is.