Women in tech consulting: four consultants share their perspective

Emilie, Hannelore, Marielle & Iris share what attracted them to consulting and how flexibility, intellectual challenge and continuous learning shape their careers at Addestino.

Coming from backgrounds in bioscience, mathematics, business and civil engineering, they each bring their own perspective to consulting while sharing a common appreciation for the variety and growth opportunities the job offers.

Emilie joined Addestino as a bioscience PhD hire and quickly discovered how relevant her background was in consulting work. “My scientific training helps me frame problems a little differently, and this is a skill that translates directly to client work. Feeding the talent pool for tech consulting through other channels than the typical civil engineering route helps to get a different perspective on our assignments.”

Hannelore, now in her first month as a consultant at Addestino, chips in: “Coming fresh off a business engineering degree at Ghent University, my profile is atypical as well. What I was mostly looking for in my first job was a place where intellectual curiosity would be appreciated. What drew me in is the focus on personal career paths and development. I like that you can shape your own career, that your growth is supported, and that you still have the freedom to develop in different directions,” she says.

Senior consultant Iris , who studied civil engineering, has experienced first-hand how different perspectives can shape discussions and decision-making processes. “The dynamic in a meeting room inevitably changes when more diverse perspectives are involved,” she explains. “Different viewpoints often lead to broader discussions and more balanced decision-making. We’ve gradually broadened our search for talent, looking beyond traditional profiles and focusing more on transferable skills, problem-solving ability and the fit with our Addestino methodology.”

For Marielle, who comes from a maths background, one of our strengths lies in our culture. “Addestino recognizes that everyone brings specific talent to the table and encourages individuals to come up with unique solutions that reflect how they think rather than ready-made ones.”

Beyond the projects themselves, flexibility and support also play an important role in building long-term consulting careers. “The formal mentoring system in the first six months is crucial,” says Emilie. “You have not only senior colleagues to help you get up to speed, but also an outside coach whose sole purpose is to make you feel at home.”

Iris adds: “While project rhythms can vary, there is a strong emphasis on flexibility, allowing you to organize your time in a way that aligns with your personal ambitions. Whether you prefer a more structured routine or a dynamic schedule, there is room to shape your career in a way that feels sustainable in the long run. For consultants looking to build something lasting, that flexibility is a compelling proposition.”