Workforce consultant — Becca Harrington

Becca started her role at PwC after completing an MSc in international human resource (HR) management and comparative industrial relations at The University of Manchester

How did you get your job? 

During my Masters, I explored the career options available for someone with an HR qualification. I applied to PwC's graduate scheme in the workforce team and successfully navigated the multi-stage assessment process - which included an application, psychometric assessments and an in-person assessment centre.

Why did you decide on a career in HR?

HR offers a career of lifelong learning - staying updated on trends and tackling the macro and micro impacts of political and economic situations. I specifically chose HR consulting for its variety, as it allows me to work with a range of clients and sectors. This is great because my job feels like it changes every three to six months.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your job as an HR consultant?

Depending on the client engagement I'm on at the time, I might have check-in meetings with clients to update them on our progress. My day could involve researching, writing reports, conducting investigations, data analysis, or focus group testing. I'm all about creative problem solving that does the best by the people we're working with.

The administrative tasks might be timesheet management, invoicing clients, and staying on top of business development commitments. I also make time to coach junior colleagues and work on proposals for new clients. Sometimes I'll be attending events such as client workshops, networking events, and team strategy days.

How relevant is your degree?

Supremely relevant. My MSc in HR provided a strong foundation, helping me understand the importance of the workforce in achieving business objectives. In particular, the global perspective I gained at Manchester is crucial since I work with many international clients. The skills I learned in research and report writing from my lecturers are also vital in my role - they make up the bulk of what we do for clients.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The variety of tasks is a plus for me. I also enjoy meeting interesting and brilliant people from different sectors and functions. Building relationships with client stakeholders and gaining insights into various industries is also incredibly rewarding. 

What are the challenges?

It's no secret that the consulting industry can involve long hours, especially when working towards deadlines. Maintaining a work/life balance is essential, and I work hard to achieve it. Another challenge is the market dependency of our work, as being adaptable and commercially savvy is crucial during slower periods. You need to be resilient to navigate those peaks and troughs. 

What skills are most important for a successful HR career?

For HR consulting specifically, great stakeholder management, curiosity, and a desire to keep learning are my top three. Analytical and problem-solving skills, time management, and business acumen are also essential.

I encourage aspiring consultants to cultivate an interest in market trends, read financial papers, and attend relevant events. In my final interview specifically, I relied heavily on the knowledge I had on current industry trends and my ability to 'gel' with a team of strangers very quickly. 

What are your career aspirations?

I plan to continue growing and learning wherever possible. I avoid stagnation by regularly assessing my progress and considering new opportunities.

At the end of every performance quarter, I ask myself 'Have I learned significant new things this quarter? Have I felt a healthy level of discomfort? Do I like the trajectory I'm on?' Those questions have set me up really well for continuous growth and professional development.

One day, I think I'd like to try in-house HR or operations to balance my client-facing skill set. 

What advice can you give to others looking at a career in HR?

I encourage students to make the most of networking opportunities with professionals - not by directly asking for jobs, as I don’t think that's always appropriate or realistic, but by seeking advice and learning about companies and their recruitment processes.

Networking with emotional intelligence is key, and when I'm approached by students at events or via LinkedIn, I'm much more inclined to give up my time if they're polite, are making reasonable requests and demonstrate a genuine interest in the advice I'm giving them. 

Another key one is being open to unexpected opportunities. Management consulting wasn't my first choice, but I was impressed by PwC's culture and the fast-paced environment when I did my interview.

Other than a small amount of time, you have nothing to lose by taking a few interviews with organisations that aren't necessarily your 'first choice'. At best, you may find yourself considering a new role in a company that has a fantastic culture and development opportunities. At worst, you'll have practised your interview skills, met some new people and learned something about a role or industry.

Find out more

• Discover HR graduate schemes.
• Explore our tips on assessment centres and psychometric tests.
• See what the recruitment and HR sector has to offer.