From school to financial administration, and from a first project at Finsiders to a temporary excursion with a customer... To ultimately return with full conviction. Sara Roose, consultant at Finsiders and boxing trainer in a secondary profession, knows what it is like to hold her own. “Consultancy gives me the variety and drive I am looking for.”
The first round
Sara obtained her bachelor's degree Global Business Management and started her career as an AP accountant in a large company. A logical first step, but not one from which she continued to get her energy.
“On paper I had a good job, but I quickly felt: this was too repetitive. I want more variety, more challenge, to keep learning . And above all: I want to feel that I am making progress.” During that first job she came into contact with consultants. Their dynamism, flexibility and expertise made an impression.
“I thought: I want that too. Discovering new environments, being on your toes again and again . That suits me much better than sitting in the same chair for years.”
No number at Finsiders
Then the ball started rolling Hélène van Finsiders contacted her. Coincidence or not: Sara had heard the name 'Finsiders' before.
“During my training, I was taught by Stephanie, then Academy Manager at Finsiders. That was one of the lessons that stuck with me. So when Hélène called me, I thought: this is right.”
What immediately struck her in the conversations? “The heat. Hélène was genuinely interested in who I am, what I wanted to learn and where I want to go . Geen holle verkooppraatjes, maar mensen die luisteren.”
The first project
Sara's first project at Finsiders was an immediate learning experience, under the guidance of Business Manager Toon Vergeylen .
“I was given the space to grow. First hands-on guidance, but soon confidence and independence . That process gave me so much self-confidence.”
The connection with consultancy turned out to be great. And yet, after her first project, Sara chose an internal position at the client company.
“It was a difficult decision. I felt good at Finsiders, but I thought I would grow better with the customer at that time. In retrospect, I quickly missed the variety .”
From junior to medior: growing with every assignment
Two years later, Sara returned to Finsiders. A conscious choice. “I missed the pace, the drive, the variety and above all: the culture at Finsiders . When another opportunity came up, I didn't hesitate for a second.”
She has now completed her second project as a GL accountant and has grown from junior to medior. “What I appreciate is how well they know you. They know where your strengths lie, but also where you still want to grow . And they ensure that you always get projects that really help you.”
More than a consultant
According to Sara, Finsiders is not just about skills, but also about who you are as a person. “You are allowed to doubt. You are allowed to ask questions. You get a say in which direction you want to go . And when things get difficult, there is always someone there. That is rare.”
The team spirit is also palpable, she thinks. “ The events, the training, the afterworks ,... It's not just for form. You get to know each other, you share experiences, and you feel: we are all in the same story.”
Keep going thanks to boxing
What drives her in her free time is the same energy she puts into her work: Sara gives boxing training as a side job. And yes, that has also changed her view on work.
“Boxing teaches you to to stay mentally sharp, to take action, but also to take initiative . I bring that mindset into my work. You have to dare to jump, take initiative, and not give up at the first setback.”
For those who are unsure about becoming a consultant, Sara has a clear message:
“Don't expect a routine, but yes growth opportunities . Don't expect a comfort zone, but do expect satisfaction. You get to know yourself, you build a strong network and you really make an impact with customers .”
She sees her own future clearly: “I want to delve deeper into GL accounting and excel in it further. And I know: at Finsiders I am in the right place to make that happen.”
