Kjell Thomsen
Meet Kjell – Associate in management consulting at Boston Consulting Group, MSc in Accounting, Valuation & Financial Management and CEMS Master in Management alum.
Describe your role and what it is that you do overall and on a day-to-day basis.
I work as an Associate in management consulting at BCG, where I am part of case teams tasked with solving various challenges for clients across different industries and functions. As a recent graduate, I’m not tied to a specific industry, which gives me the exciting opportunity to explore a diverse range of case settings and topics. A constant across all projects is the collaboration with talented colleagues, from whom I'm constantly learning on a professional and personal level. While the day-to-day work varies depending on the project, it generally involves generating relevant insights for our clients through both quantitative and qualitative analysis and tailoring the communication of these insights to the needs of the respective audiences.
What interested you about the field/company/role you are currently in?
During my time at SSE, I loved the variety in my day-to-day experiences. Whether it was taking new courses, studying abroad for a semester, or completing an internship, I found myself shifting my focus every few months, both mentally and sometimes physically. This constant change kept things exciting! Consulting offers a similar dynamic, where I can dive deeply into one project or topic and then pivot to something entirely new. What attracted me to BCG specifically is its collaborative culture and emphasis on mentorship, which mirrors the supportive environment I experienced at SSE. Working alongside smart, driven colleagues at BCG has already provided countless opportunities for me to learn and grow, making it a fantastic place to work.
Why did you choose to study your subject area at SSE?
During my Bachelor's, I quickly developed a preference for quantitative, finance-related courses. The MSc in Accounting, Valuation, and Financial Management was the perfect fit to deepen this interest, as it includes several rigorous yet practical courses, such as corporate valuation and financial analysis. Beyond the program itself, SSE stood out to me because of its small, close-knit environment and the flexibility to shape my own curriculum. This flexibility, combined with SSE's international reach, allowed me to pursue a semester abroad in Singapore through the CEMS double degree. The combination of global opportunities and earning a well-respected degree while studying in such an intimate environment makes SSE truly unique among European business schools.
How did your time/education at SSE help guide you to the career journey you have embarked on?
The most decisive factor in shaping my career path was the people I met at SSE. From day one, I connected with students and faculty who had experience in fields I was interested in and who were incredibly supportive with their guidance. SSE's small class sizes made it easy to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Beyond the network, diverse exposure to different career options via guest lectures, field visits, and my work as a research assistant brought clarity to my professional interests. Ultimately, it was the people around me which most strongly helped guide my way into a career in management consulting.
Following the time at SSE, do you have any words of wisdom or advice you would like to share with our current students?
First, enjoy it—the time goes by faster than you think, but the memories will last a lifetime! Second, for international students, I strongly encourage you to step outside the 'international bubble' and embrace Swedish culture. Some of my best memories from SSE are the friendships I built, many of which are with my Swedish classmates. A great way to start is by enrolling in the beginner’s Swedish course during your first semester. After all, if you’re going to live in a country for two years, why not make an effort to learn the language? Even if, like me, you don’t become anywhere near an expert, it’s a great way to connect and feel at home.
What are three words that sum up your time at SSE?
Rewarding. Inspiring. Coffee!