Recent Graduates

Why would you recommend starting your career at a boutique consultancy like PIR?

I chose to start my career at PIR because I wanted to join a team where I could contribute and grow as much as possible from day one. In a boutique firm like PIR, you are given real responsibility early on and are trusted to drive your own development. From the very start, you are involved in real client projects, working closely with both colleagues and clients, and are seen as a valuable part of the team.

Even though we have different roles and levels of experience, we have a truly collaborative environment where everyone’s ideas and perspectives are valued. That sense of teamwork and openness is something I really appreciate with working at PIR, and you get the support you need from all colleagues, both senior and junior.

As a bonus, you also get to be part of Bloom — a graduate program shared with our sister companies within Newground Alliance. Being part of Newground Alliance and Bloom gives you the best of both worlds: the tight team and high impact of a boutique firm, combined with the reach, network, and learning opportunities of a larger organization. You not only get hands-on experience with real ownership and influence over your work, but also the chance to learn from experienced consultants across different companies, and gain exposure to a broad range of industries.

What attracted you to work with procurement?

I wanted to work in procurement because it’s such a under-valued strategic part of how businesses operate and succeed — something that aligns closely with both my personal interests and my educational background in Industrial Engineering and Management, with a master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

I was drawn to the combination of strategic thinking, real business impact, and the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries and challenges. Procurement offers the perfect mix of analytical work, collaboration, and tangible results, making it an exciting and rewarding field to start my career in. For example, we do a lot of cost optimization projects, and it is very satisfying when you see the actual saving you and your team have generated.

What I’ve also come to appreciate is how diverse procurement really is. Every project is different — from strategic sourcing to transformation initiatives — which means you are constantly developing new skills and gaining new perspectives.

Three learnings from your first year at PIR?

You can make an impact earlier than you think

One of the biggest learnings during my first year has been how quickly you can create real value, even as a junior. At PIR, you are trusted to take ownership from the start, and your work genuinely matters — both to the team and to the client. Being given real responsibility early on has helped me build confidence, develop new skills, and see the direct impact of my work much sooner than I had expected.

Curiosity and ownership drive growth

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. By being curious and asking a lot — even about small things — you learn so much faster. No one expects you to know everything from the start, and showing genuine interest will help you grow both professionally and personally.
Taking ownership of your work opens new doors and creates opportunities you might not even have expected, and it is something that has accelerated my development a lot during my first year at PIR.

The value of being a part of the right culture

PIR’s culture is not only inclusive and supportive but also fun and energizing! The people at PIR are more than just colleagues — they’re inspiring individuals and friends, and the sense of teamwork makes everyday fun and rewarding. The social activities we do together at PIR and the Bloom graduate program have made work feel less like work, and it’s this positive atmosphere that motivates me to always give my best. The culture here aligns with my values, and looking back, I realize how much I’ve learned and enjoyed in just one year!