PhD in Nuclear Physics = problem solver, analytical thinker and story teller. Dragged from physics research by the sharks encircling Cambridge during the dot com boom (oh, but it was fun!). From coder to security architect to innovation (and many things in between), Sarah has been firmly rooted in tech ever since.
What was your background before joining Altus?
Altus is my first foray into Financial Services, before which my career path was science and tech. After time in academia – Nuclear and Atmospheric Physics – I took up a junior developer job for Californian based SCO – the legendary Unix pioneers, graduating to a security architect role. I later moved to telecoms and my previous role was in the demo and innovation team at Amdocs, using emerging technologies to address industry problems.
What attracted you to Altus?
Change of scene. I wanted to use my knowledge and understanding, obtained in tech, and apply it to real-life problems. I am a problem solver and I hoped consultancy would challenge me.
Tell us a bit about your team.
I am a senior consultant in the Digital Team; the team is stuffed with techies, all of which have strong opinions from solution architecture to crafting pizza ovens. It’s a great mix, and often hilarious. It’s a strong team full of smart cookies. Very supportive and we laugh a lot.
What do you do in your role?
I have been exposed throughout my career to a wide variety of technologies and have needed to understand the key concepts and capabilities so they can be exploited for customer benefit; I apply this experience daily.
I major in Data, and most of my assignments are data focused. Consultancy is primarily a listening role, listen to the clients, understand their pain, and then work with them to find a solution. Every assignment is different.
What do you enjoy about working here?
Variety. I get bored easily, the variety of assignments and the continual need to keep learning means that every day is a challenge (in a good way!). As I said earlier, listening is important, and if you listen well you can genuinely have a positive impact on a business, and the experience of staff.
At Altus Consulting all staff are empowered, our views and ideas really matter and can effect change. This reflects the company ethos, which is strong, welcoming, and supportive.
How has your role changed since being here?
Altus is a nurturing environment, roles tend to evolve. Altus learns what you are capable of, and in-turn you explore and focus on what you enjoy. With this comes confidence, in your skills as a consultant and Altus. My role has changed from consultant to Senior, but that is just on paper. The big change is becoming a “real” consultant, working with great industry leaders and thinkers, and the opportunity to make a difference.
What has made you stay?
Simple, co-workers (they are smart and make me laugh) and variety (I’m never bored).