Beyond IAMCO: Fred

Fred, a native German speaker, studied Politics at Durham University before joining IAMCO in 1999. After four years as an Associate and Consultant, Fred left to undertake an MBA at INSEAD. Following a year as a freelance consultant, he joined E.ON as UK Strategy Manager.

At IAMCO, I enjoyed working across a broad range of industries and geographic markets, and gaining deep insight into strategy development. Working with talented client managers from different organisations, I became increasingly interested in moving strategy forward within an operating company, immersing myself in a particular sector. To facilitate this transition, I decided firstly to undertake an MBA. Subsequently, I took on the challenge of leading the corporate strategy team of E.ON UK.

The wealth of skills I gained at IAMCO has been invaluable since I left the firm. In particular, I regularly draw on the ability to process large volumes of complex and ambiguous information, to distil the key elements and to construct succinct, clear lines of argument and recommendations. IAMCO’s emphasis on undertaking in-depth interviews as part of a project develops your ability to build a rapport with people from diverse cultural and/or professional backgrounds, a definite benefit when working in a large organisation.

An element I particularly valued at IAMCO is the relationship I developed with the Partners of the firm. You are not an anonymous employee, rather you are a valued colleague, and managers make great efforts to ensure that people enjoy a good work-life balance. IAMCO remained incredibly supportive even when I decided to leave the firm and to move into a new role, and I still enjoy a strong relationship with my former colleagues.

IAMCO provided me with an excellent grounding on which to build my future career, and I would recommend the firm to anyone interested in tackling international business issues.