As part of the second year Consultancy module, Noor Mirza completed a real-life project with a live client and presented this work at this year’s Consultancy Conference. Read all about the experience, and what Noor thinks of the Consultancy module as a whole, below.
What have you enjoyed about the Consultancy module?
I enjoyed working with a real life client under real time constraints where the results and outcomes actually go towards something, so the work feels more meaningful.
What was your Consultancy proposal and report about?
Ours was on using acoustic data and common bird census data to analyse bird species and provide future recommendations to Cutacre nature reserve – which is part of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
Who was your real life client and what were your tasks?
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust, specifically Cutacre nature reserve, working with Stephen Cartwright. We were responsible for analysing and assessing methodologies and their corresponding datasets in order to recommend a plan of action in terms of bird species monitoring for the future of Cutacre nature reserve.
“I enjoyed working with a real life client under real time constraints where the results and outcomes actually go towards something”
Noor Mirza
What did you enjoy about working on a live project with a real life client?
I enjoyed speaking 1:1 with the client and getting their feedback. I found that their feedback actually made writing the assignment so much easier.
How do you think the live project sets you up for life after you graduate?
It’s a real consultancy scenario and you work with people who are like-minded as well as people who may challenge you, and that’s as realistic as it gets. The pressure of delegating as well as making sure communications to the client are sent on time, is a high pressure scenario most consultants face, and learning to manage those things is highly valuable.
What did you enjoy about the Consultancy Conference?
I enjoyed meeting the other group and getting to learn about their area of consultancy, and being able to speak to those in industry who could provide good connections for future employment opportunities.
Did you get to meet your live client at the conference? Tell me a bit about what that was like.
It was really nice meeting our client, he was very impressed with our work and he gave us some really valuable feedback that made writing the report so much easier.
What did you enjoy about the guest speaker?
They provided really valuable insight into the world of consultancy and even gave us a realistic outlook on applying for jobs and how jobs are earned.
Can you please share the work you showcased at the conference?
You can view Noor’s presentation below!
What are you hoping to do after university? How do you think the Consultancy module will help you to achieve that?
I’m a GIS technician by trade, so I will be entering the GIS field again as a contractor, and my ultimate aim is to become a GIS consultant, with accolades independent of any organisation. As the project manager for my group during this module, I’ve learned the necessary skills to work with and manage a group, as well as troubleshoot on my own and take responsibility for meeting deadlines.