“Oh, that’s quite a change!” This is the response I often get when I tell people I’m leaving the public sector for the private sector. And, yes, when you go from a salaried position in one of Norway’s largest public organisations to a small consultancy firm, things are bound to be different.
Life is short
I have chosen to work at a consultancy firm with a focus on something I have extensive experience with, namely digitalisation and transformation. But how do you make the switch from hiring consultants to becoming one?
In a nutshell, for the same reasons I’ve changed jobs in the past: The prospect of exciting tasks and possibility to learn something new. Besides, my new employer has values similar to my own: Honesty, bravery and reliability.
Even with a diverse and long career, it’s simply not possible to work at all of the exciting companies out there.
At the same time, there is one thing that I considered when choosing the life of a consultant: Life is short. Even with a diverse and long career, it’s simply not possible to work at all of the exciting companies out there.
As a consultant, I have the opportunity to experience and learn from more people than I would as a regular employee. After all, it’s not often you switch jobs.
Honesty, bravery and reliability
Trifid’s values are honesty, bravery and reliability. My colleagues and I can be expected to be open, predictable and clear. We will challenge established truths, be visible, efficient, brave and sincere. Together we will work as a team, challenging and helping each other, not to mention respecting and appreciating each other’s opinions. We will pursue the best practices and new methodologies, while being pragmatic and adapting to today’s situation.
These are values that are hard to deny. They are clear and easy to identify with. After working for quite a few years, I can honestly say that they are values I can live by. And after the recruitment process at Trifid, I am also confident that my new colleagues will practice these values.
On the other side of the table
I’ve hired and worked together with numerous consultants. The reason was a desire for knowledge and expertise, experience, energy, a new perspective and someone who could challenge the established truths. We wanted reliable deliveries and sensible methods.
In almost every case, that is exactly what we got. Success was easiest when we worked together, had clear tasks and did not just receive any old delivery from the consultants. There is, of course, plenty of knowledge and experience available internally and together we can move mountains.
I’m looking forward to it and to the possibility to work with true experts, both within the company and elsewhere. This time from the other side of the table.
