Six years ago, I played with the idea of becoming a consultant. I started a company and began looking for potential clients. Around the same time, I noticed a job advertisement for CMC Consultant at Progress-PME (at the time). That made me think again and I am glad that I did because after a couple of nice interviews I got the job, and not only that but also many nice colleagues, a network that I wouldn’t have had if I had started solo.

I brought in one of the potential clients and had a flying start. Many assignments have followed since. Initially, the diversity of the assignments was a bit daunting. Knowing that I have colleagues that are experienced in so many areas makes that I can take on jobs with confidence.

Over the years I have realized that for me it is not all about the job but that it is also about the context: the colleagues, work environment, location, and yes, even travel. I have learned a lot from my peers, and I am still learning. How to approach a project, deal with problems, work with people. Courses and training provided by Progress have been a great help here. In doing so I realized that I also enjoy helping others, coach and train people and organisations.

People sometimes ask if being a consultant isn’t a lonely job. On the contrary, I would say. Consultants meet lots of new people in a relatively short period and get to know them well. Progress organises regular team meetings with all consultants and fun meetings with partners and kids. Consultants with experience in specific areas meet in Knowledge Teams to exchange thoughts on relevant topics and advise the Sales and Marketing teams.

So in all, Life As A Consultant isn’t too bad (when you’re working at Progress Lifesciences).