Peter has worked part-time as an Analyst at NORTH while completing his master's in computer science and engineering at DTU. Now, joining us as a full-time consultant, we asked Peter what synergies he sees between consulting and studying Computer Science.

Why choose consulting?

“Through my studies, I have learned a lot of complex theories and methods related to Computer Science, but being able to apply them to the real world, and create real value for companies is what seems most exciting to me. Later, when I joined NORTH, I found out just how much real value-creating work you get to do, and what I have learned from university serves as a foundation for accomplishing it”.

Why not an IT consultancy?

“Initially, I looked mostly at IT consultancies, but eventually, I stumbled upon NORTH, and when I read about the job as a Technology Analyst, it seemed like it fit me perfectly. Because NORTH is a management consulting company with a focus on technology, it provides a wide array of opportunities for tasks that are not only limited to IT consulting. I really liked the idea of working at the intersection between technology and business, by taking business requirements and translating them into technical solutions to implement. Moreover, instead of only having to provide a solution, I also get to help the client with defining the problem”.

How does an education in computer science and engineering come into play in consulting?

“As a Consultant, I work a lot with Salesforce, and my education helps me understand a lot of the underlying principles of Salesforce development. While Salesforce configuration uses a very high level of abstraction, my education allows me to know which possibilities there are in using the system, even if it is within an area that I am not an expert in. Salesforce has many tools that require a programming mentality. Because we try not to build everything from the ground up, there can be challenges in fitting the client’s business requirements with the standard functions of Salesforce, which is where the programming mind becomes useful. I think the mindset that I gained through my studies is a very valuable asset to my work as a Consultant”.

What tasks at NORTH do you enjoy working on the most?

“I really enjoy that I get to work with cutting-edge cloud CRM technology such as Salesforce. I also appreciate working in small teams because it means I have a lot of responsibility for my project deliverables from day one, even as an Analyst. With Salesforce, it is possible to do a whole lot of development in the span of an afternoon, where you can make a lot of value-creating changes, so even if your team is small, you can still get a lot done. One of the best parts of consulting, especially when it’s combined with technology, is demoing a working solution to the client and seeing the value it creates for them. In general, there are quite a few synergies with my education, and I  keep discovering more as I go”.