About the YPPs

Agnes, who holds a Master’s degree in Business and Economics from Linköping University, is now based at Opticos Gothenburg office. Meanwhile, Johan, with a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Lund University, is currently stationed at Opticos Stockholm office.

Why we wanted to be part of Opticos

Both of us were drawn to Opticos because of its entrepreneurial focus, commitment to growth, and the opportunity to work on impactful projects. The company’s dedication to professional development, along with the hands-on nature of the Young Professionals Program, made it an ideal choice for starting our consulting careers. We also appreciated being part of a smaller firm with an “everyone knows everyone” culture.

What it is like to be a YPP

The YPP at Opticos has been an invaluable experience for our professional and personal development. The combination of practical client work and theoretical learning has been a great way to grow. The program provided a platform to collaborate with fellow YPP participants, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Also, the support and encouragement from senior colleagues and former YPP members made us feel like valued team members from the very first day.

A welcoming first week

Reflecting on our introduction week, we were welcomed into a vibrant and friendly environment, quickly engaging in onboarding activities and program courses. We visited both the Stockholm and Gothenburg offices, meeting colleagues and getting introduced to Opticos’ core values and capabilities.

A key takeaway from the introduction was the emphasis on trust as the foundation of the consulting profession. This understanding, combined with Opticos’ core values, has remained a guiding principle when engaging with both clients and colleagues.

Exciting first Client Assignments

We were quickly onboarded to our first Client assignments alongside senior colleagues. Johan’s first project was with a large IT company undergoing a major transformation, focusing on outsourcing IT processes and managing organizational changes. The project was challenging, but the sense of achievement from contributing to such a critical initiative was rewarding, especially as we saw firsthand how our efforts improved their operational efficiencies.

Agnes worked with a client on sourcing a new PLM system, supported by a senior colleague.  Although initially nervous, working closely with an experienced team member provided invaluable hands-on experience. This allowed Agnes to quickly adapt to the client’s needs, gaining confidence and practical knowledge from the outset.

Mentorship from Development Coach

One of the most impactful aspects of Opticos is having a Development Coach (DC) assigned to each of us. We meet our DCs regularly and their guidance through challenges, uncertainties, and bumps along the way has played an important role in our growth as consultants. Mentorship, especially at the start of a career, is essential – and having someone we can turn to at any time for advice or support has been a game changer.

Building personal connections

At Opticos, building personal connections is a big part of the company culture. Whether it is after-work events, sports, dinners, or company-wide conferences, social activities help strengthen relationships within Opticos. This emphasis on building personal relationships has helped create a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning, where colleagues often become friends.

Graduation trip to India

One of the highlights of the YPP was our graduation trip to India. Visiting the Opticos office in Bangalore gave us a fresh perspective on the tech industry in a different cultural and business context. Meeting with various companies broadened our perspective on global trends and their influence on consulting work. Of course, we also had the chance to explore Bangalore, experience the local culture, try new food, and spend time with our Indian colleagues.

What we take into our Consulting Roles

As our YPP year wraps up, we are taking more than just technical skills into our consulting roles. We have gained a solid understanding of what makes a consultant successful. The program emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, both of which are essential in consulting. We have learned that success comes from what we achieve together, which was reinforced through our client work, social events, and mentorship.

In short, the YPP has been a transformational experience, setting us up for long-term success. We have grown as professionals and individuals through mentorship, hands-on assignments, and global exposure. As we look ahead, we are excited to apply everything we have learned as we continue our careers at Opticos.