Desiree Lichtman, a Senior Manager with NECS Consultancy, explains how her passion for learning and the new Chartered Management Consultant accreditation, have fuelled her career.
“I’ve always had a passion for learning. During my 17 years of supporting my clients as a Management Consultant, including the last four years at NECS, I’ve learned the importance of having the knowledge, skills and expertise to succeed and thrive. However, until just a few years ago, there was no globally recognised qualification that encompassed all aspects of our work for clients. The introduction of the ChMC accreditation in April 2021 changed that. This new standard significantly enhanced the professional credibility of being a Management Consultant, with NECS being the trailblazer in the consultancy community. NECS consultancy is one of the first to enable all its staff to attain ChMC and is still the only public sector organisation to do so.
“Having my ChMC accreditation feels like the decades of hard work and obtaining a never-ending list of skill-specific qualifications (i.e. PRINCE2, MSP, Change Management, AgilePM, Leadership, etc.) is finally validated. It has boosted my self-confidence, leading to greater client trust in my ability to deliver and that of my team. Everyone undergoes a slightly different process to gain their ChMC accreditation, depending on where they are in their life and career. I applied via the ‘Experienced Route’ which took 80 hours over 11 months, due to dealing with Long COVID. This proves how supportive and flexible this process can be, as it enabled this great achievement, while I struggled with my health and wellbeing.
“At first, I felt overwhelmed when faced with my blank application form. I found a path to inspiration by reading my Sponsor’s application and attending a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) webinar that showcased individuals sharing their journeys and offering valuable tips. Once I felt truly ready to begin, I reviewed my CV, client case studies and appraisals and the client and colleague feedback forms about my performance. It honestly felt wonderfully energising to revisit my career highlights and finally acknowledge the difference I had made.
“As management consultants, we are continually focused on delivering projects, rarely taking the time to reflect on what we have accomplished in our careers. However, the tight word count for each section of the application form really laser-focuses your mind to recall your most impactful qualitative and quantitative deliverables and achievements. I worked very closely with my Sponsor, who ensured that everything I wrote was succinct and added value as I told ‘my story’.
“I submitted my application and within a few weeks, it was accepted with no changes required. My virtual ‘professional interview’ was scheduled for two weeks later. I practiced possible responses with helpful colleagues, but I was still anxious leading up to the day. Thankfully my 1-hour interview was a positive and enriching experience. I was asked to provide additional examples of implementing equality, diversity and inclusion as well as corporate social responsibility within NECS and for my clients, as well as describe my Continuous Professional Development plan. Explaining the thought process behind my decisions and actions, as well as using the ‘STAR’ technique, helped to ensure I met the interviewer’s response requirements.
“In March 2023, I was thrilled to receive an email from the CMI, with the words “Congratulations, you’re a Chartered Management Consultant!” The email also included a self-promotion pack with electronic badges and advice on announcing my achievement on social media. I was encouraged to use the letters ‘MCMI ChMC’, after my name, which I proudly did immediately. Since that day, I’ve had the privilege of supporting and sponsoring my NECS colleagues in their pursuit of higher career recognition.
“As a member of the NECS ChMC Steering Group, Chartered Champions Chair and ChMC Lead for the London Region, I strongly encourage everyone to take part in this attainable and career-affirming process and embrace learning, whatever your role.”