Insights from a Senior IT Consultant: Navigating a Career at BCG Platinion
As a Senior IT Consultant at BCG Platinion, Paulina Lipska reflects on her journey of growth and development within the firm. Starting as an IT Consultant, Paulina gained hands-on experience solving intricate business problems through technology. Now in a senior role, she leads pivotal project workstreams and collaborates directly with clients, ensuring impactful results. Her journey highlights the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and the diverse opportunities BCG Platinion offers to drive meaningful, technology-driven transformations for clients across industries.
To start, could you share some insights into your role as a Senior IT Consultant at BCG Platinion and the key responsibilities you manage in this position?
As a Senior IT Consultant, I work closely with clients to solve complex business challenges through the strategic use of technology. Apart from project work, we actively share our expertise through various events such as Women in Tech, Code Europe etc. where we connect with the broader tech community and inspire others to pursue careers in technology. Internally, we are constantly developing within different capabilities and industry practice areas. Personally, I am an active member of the Tech Advisory and Delivery capability, though I support my colleagues in the Architecture capability as well. This allows me to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and continuously enhance my skills, while also contributing to the firm’s collective knowledge base.
You initially joined BCG Platinion as an IT Consultant and later advanced to the role of Senior IT Consultant. Could you walk us through your career journey and elaborate on how these roles align within the company’s structure?
I started as an IT Consultant, where my primary focus was on delivering specific components of larger projects’ streams. This role allowed me to build a strong foundation in understanding client needs, technology landscapes, and project management. As I gained experience and demonstrated leadership skills, I was promoted to Senior IT Consultant. In this role, I lead significant workstreams within projects, take on greater responsibility in client interactions, and contribute to the development of junior team members. Within BCG Platinion’s structure, the progression typically moves from IT Consultant to Senior IT Consultant, then to Manager, Principal, Associate Director and eventually Managing Director, each with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership expectations.
Find more information on the IT Consulting track.
How did the support from your Project Leader shape your development, and are there any specific instances where their guidance made a significant impact on your work?
When I first joined BCG Platinion, having the full support and guidance from my Project Leader was incredibly important. They helped me navigate the new environment and were always available to offer advice, which made me feel welcomed and part of the team. Even now, despite working on different projects, we stay in contact, showing how seniors in BCG Platinion truly care about your growth and ensure that new joiners feel at home.
What key skills and qualities do you believe are crucial for someone aiming to build a successful career in IT consulting?
Key skills for success in IT consulting include strong problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, and excellent communication skills. Being able to think strategically while also diving deep into technical details is crucial. Consulting also demands adaptability, as each project and client is unique. Project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams are essential. Beyond technical skills, qualities like resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning are important, as the technology landscape evolves rapidly.
Could you share a memorable project or experience from your career that has had a lasting impact on you, both personally and professionally?
One of the most memorable projects I worked on involved supporting a client from the financial services industry in reshaping their enterprise architecture function, transforming their core systems, implementing data governance, and adopting agile methodologies all at once. My primary responsibility was leading the data governance workstream, ensuring that the client's data management practices were robust, compliant, and aligned with their strategic goals. This project was particularly rewarding because it involved collaboration between a large team from both BCG Platinion and BCG, allowing us to leverage a wide range of expertise. We delivered substantial value, gained the client's trust, and significantly enhanced their operational capabilities. This experience was not only a testament to the power of teamwork but also underscored the impact we can have when we work closely with our clients to tackle complex challenges.
How do you approach maintaining a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life?
Balancing professional and personal life can be challenging, especially in consulting. I prioritize setting clear boundaries and managing my time effectively. BCG Platinion supports work-life balance through flexible working arrangements, allowing me to structure my work around my personal commitments when possible. Outside of work, I have hobbies that help me recharge, such as aerial dance, which I find both physically and mentally invigorating, and spending time with my dog, Sparky, who keeps me grounded and brings a lot of joy to my life.
What advice would you offer to someone beginning their career in IT consulting at BCG Platinion or a similar firm?
My advice would be to stay curious and be open to learning. IT consulting is a dynamic field, and every project presents an opportunity to gain new skills and perspectives. Building a strong network within the firm and seeking out mentors can provide invaluable guidance and support. Also, don't be afraid to take on challenges or roles outside of your comfort zone; these experiences often lead to the greatest growth. Lastly, always keep the client’s business goals at the forefront of your work – understanding how technology can solve real business problems is at the heart of successful IT consulting.
Looking ahead, where do you envision yourself in the next 5 to 10 years, both professionally and personally?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I see myself continuing to grow within the consulting field, ideally advancing to a leadership position. I am passionate about driving digital transformations and hope to further develop my expertise in emerging technologies like AI and data analytics. My goal is to lead larger, more impactful projects and contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the firm. Additionally, I aim to mentor the next generation of consultants, helping them navigate their careers and achieve their goals.
On a personal level, my growth ambitions are closely tied to promoting diversity in consulting. My goal is to advocate for and support initiatives that enhance diversity within the consulting industry, particularly in technology roles, which have historically been underrepresented especially by women.
