How to improve skills on due diligence projects?

Question

I have done a couple of due diligence projects and find the mode of working is similar and get bored. How do you improve your skills via dd projects and what's the different as a consultant/senior consultant/pm at a dd project (except that the manager handles the client and the whole project story).

Everybody is literally just doing one section.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you're having that experience!

In general, I strongly advise you to speak with your project manager/boss and staffing when you have development desires.

Of course, please be careful to broach these topics with only the right people (those that you think will be receptive) and in the right way (in a “positive”, “solution-oriented” approach).

Make sure you sound grateful, and eager to help the team in any way needed…but also flag you're happy to take on additional responsibility in order to do so!

Answer 2

Some ideas:

Ask for bigger responsibility on the project. Discuss with line manager and make a plan on how you can be set up for success
Training
Learning from experts- have regular 30mins chats with other senior experts and soak in their knowledge
Think of doing something innovative however small that maybe, test it with clients and your team and gauge their reaction

Answer 3

I think that's a pretty common feeling when you are doing the same type of project multiple times. Having said that, depending on the scope of a DD, the type of workstream can vary from financial modelling, primary research, expert interviews, etc. as well as the diligence question in terms of market attractiveness, competitive landscape, value creation drivers, etc.

From a professional development perspective, I would aspire to take on more of the project manager role by owning your own storyline, syndicating with the clients, leading the problem solving including a junior consultant etc.