More than just facts, figures and data: Dr. Thomas Uhlemann (Senior Manager)
As a boutique consultancy for the chemical and process industry, 3con occupies a niche in the consulting market that appealed directly to Thomas, who holds a doctorate in chemistry. Since then, the Senior Manager has never regretted his decision to switch from research to industry. On the contrary: “I’ve fully arrived in consulting and don’t regret the step out of the academic world one bit.” A pragmatic and authentic working atmosphere is one of the factors that make 3con his employer of choice.
“The human factor is particularly important to us in the advisory process – which is why, in addition to specialist knowledge, a certain emotional competence should not be missing.”
I have a typical scientific background: bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry, followed by research and a doctorate. Then came the point where I had to make a career decision. For me, joining a management consultancy seemed like a good way to get a broad overview of the entire chemical industry. In this respect, it was my interest in the industry that sparked my interest in 3con. How convenient that there was an event at my university at the time organized by btS – Life Sciences Studierendeninitiative e.V. in cooperation with 3con.
I can still remember that I found the demeanor and wealth of experience of the local partner quite impressive. I also liked the prospect of working in a boutique consultancy. The demands are no less than at the Big 4, but the interaction felt positively pragmatic and simply honest to me as soon as I met them. This was confirmed during the rest of the application process, when I spoke directly to three of the four partners.
Consultants need more than just professional competence
What surprised me during my first steps in the world of consulting was how pragmatic and sometimes obvious the solution to specific problems sometimes is and how much the entire consulting process revolves around the factors surrounding it – for example, stakeholders or change management. turns. Fortunately, these are things that I think we at 3con are particularly good at: We not only find solutions, but also ensure that they are actually implemented. In addition to the technical component, the human factor is also particularly important. Consultants therefore absolutely need a certain level of emotional competence, otherwise it won’t work.
Shaping your own career path
In terms of content, I started with the classic bread-and-butter topics from 3con – These include, for example, organizational structure, site management and production-related services.
I quickly gained practical experience and learned the tools of the trade. It was a great experience to work directly with our partners on projects and benefit from their wealth of experience. As a result, my learning curve was quite steep.
Through various projects, I finally found my way and developed more in the areas of value chain and sustainability. That’s the charming thing about 3con: as a consultant:in , you are not forced into a prefabricated template. Instead, you are given the freedom to set your own priorities and thus shape your own specific profile and career path.
Transparent framework conditions
In general, I think the 3con approach to personnel development is very fair: although applicants start with a wide variety of qualifications, all consultants are expected to have the same. From the moment you start at 3con, it depends on what you achieve here and what accents you set. There are transparent development sheets and honest and constructive feedback from the management at all times. It is clear what you have to achieve to reach the next level. Whether you achieve this in one or three years is up to your personal goals and capabilities.