why Monika's unquenchable curiosity and consulting are a perfect match
As part of her dual study program bachelor’s degree in Business (Retail Management), Monika worked as an intern across the business functions of a multinational IT company; then, after graduation, she stayed on with the organization to work in IT project management.
“But after three years I thought: ‘I’m not finished with learning’,” says Monika. “So I began a masters degree in International Business Management at the University of Manchester in the UK, and then joined DHL Consulting after I had completed my studies.” That was four years ago.
Monika Schweitzer
Consulting suits Monika’s unquenchable curiosity perfectly, because it’s a job where she is constantly learning new things and developing new skills. “In general, consulting is an extremely diverse role,” says Monika. “That’s good for me because I like getting eyes on lots of different projects. Also, we get a lot of freedom in choosing which internal topics we would like to work on – that could be for example being part of the recruiting team, being a trainer for other consultants or building knowledge in a new emerging content topic. There is definitely enough room for everyone’s curiosity!
Which Skills Do You Most Need in Your Role as a Project Manager?
In my current role, for each project, I have to focus on multiple aspects simultaneously: the task at hand, the client, and of course, the team. Referring to the task, I have to for example be able to quickly structure problems and break them down into work packages so that my team and I can focus on exactly what needs to be done and hit the ground running as we move from one project to the next. Properly understanding our client’s requirements and addressing all kinds of topics requires good stakeholder management. All this needs to be done while focusing on coaching the team and exposing every team member to the tasks that fit them and let them grow.
What Do You Like About Being a Consultant?
As an in-house consultant, I like the deep stakeholder relationship that I have forged with our client, Deutsche Post DHL. I get to support different areas of the business over the longer term and follow up with how different projects are going, even when we have finished working on them some time ago.
Name One Thing That Impresses You About DHL Consulting.
Well, I like the fact that all voices are heard here. So if we have any suggestions — be it about the work we are doing or measures to support colleagues’ mental health and work/life balance — we have a supportive leadership which is open to receiving feedback.
How Does DHL Consulting Help You Develop the Skills You Have — And Attain New Ones?
One way is by being a member of our internal practice groups. For example, I’m a member of our Digitalization and IT practice group. We meet up regularly to discuss new topics and industry developments in order to stay ahead of the curve, and try to identify and develop new ideas to propose to senior leaders.
Plus, there are more informal, self-organized interest groups which we call ‘tribes’. There’s one that focuses on the Internet of Things, for example, which I’ve been a member of in the past. These tribes come together every few weeks to discuss new developments and related events which colleagues might be interested in attending.
You don’t have to be an expert to join any of these groups. You just have to be curious about the topic they cover, and want to dig deeper into it.
You’ve Started Training Colleagues Who Are New to DHL Consulting. Why Did You Want To Get Involved in That?
First of all, it’s really enjoyable. Second, it’s good for my self-development, because being part of the ‘faculty staff’ — as we’re known — is a new experience for me.
Most importantly, though, it’s been really stimulating to shape the learnings of new consultants who are finding out about DHLC’s different project areas. I think it’s useful for them — and it’s useful for us as their coaches because it’s a good way to get to know new people!
How Would You Describe the Environment at DHL Consulting?
Diverse. I really enjoy the diversity we have here, not only in terms of gender balance but also in terms of different nationalities. During university, I realized that I wanted to work in an international environment, and that’s exactly what DHLC offers. I find cultural differences super interesting.
My passion is food, which is a good way to connect with colleagues from different backgrounds and cultures. For instance, I have friends from China and Korea, and it’s really enjoyable to talk to them about their local dishes – in fact, our passion for Chinese hotpot led to an after work outing to a nearby traditional restaurant. It might seem like a little thing, but it’s important.
What’s your Favorite Food?
Oh, I regularly have new cuisine obsessions! For example, a couple of years ago I went to Vietnam, traveled around and tried all kinds of local food. My current obsession, however, is with Szechuan food. I’ve never been to the Szechuan region but I’d really like to try it, so I can’t wait for the pandemic to recede and for the travel bans to be lifted. When I can go, I’ll be there.
Are There Any Tasty Locations You Been to That You’d Like to Revisit?
I was really impressed by Vietnam. I loved it all: the landscape, the culture, the ease of travel… and, yes, the food, of course! I’d love to go there again and maybe this time see different parts of the country. I’ll also re-visit South Korea, because I only discovered a — new! — favorite dish from the country after my last trip…
Be You: Read more stories from the women at DHL Consulting.
