Starting a new job is always exciting, especially when you’re getting to know a new professional environment. What are the first few weeks like? How quickly do you start working on client projects? And what does it feel like to be part of the new team?
We spoke with Tobias Falten, who joined our System Landscape Transformation (SLT) practice as a consultant at the beginning of the year. He shares some fascinating insights into his first few months at cbs.
Tobias, please introduce yourself briefly. What were you doing before you joined the SLT team?
I studied economics and subsequently worked as an in-house consultant in the SAP Finance space. After a few years, that started to feel a bit too limiting; I wanted to expand my knowledge and skills beyond the scope of a single company. That’s what drew me to consulting: the chance to get to know a variety of clients, processes, and system landscapes. I find the combination of technical depth and complex transformation projects within the SLT field particularly exciting.
Before you started, what were you most looking forward to? And did you have any concerns?
Naturally, before starting, you wonder if you’re up to the new challenges and how long it will take to really get a handle on the subject matter.
At the same time, I was really looking forward to gaining new perspectives. Today, I’d say that looking beyond one’s own horizons is one of the biggest advantages of daily life in consulting. Every company works differently, pursues different strategies, and faces different challenges. It really broadens your horizons.
What stands out most in your memory from those first few weeks?
What really sticks in my mind – in a positive way – is how well the onboarding process was prepared. Everything important was organized before my first day, from the hardware to the necessary system access. As a result, everything was set up and ready to go on day one. There was a clear plan for my onboarding. I had designated points of contact and could always count on support whenever I had questions. As a result, I never felt like I’d been thrown in at the deep end or left hanging; instead, I was able to grow into my responsibilities and initial projects step by step.
What did your first few weeks actually look like?
The first few weeks were a good mix of training sessions, getting to know the methods and tools, and hands-on onboarding. This allowed me to build the necessary technical and methodological foundation while also gaining early insights into client projects. From the very beginning, I could see how transformation projects play out in practice and how the material from the training sessions is actually applied. This helped me grasp connections more quickly and develop a feel for how the various topics, roles, and tasks within a project interact. So, the onboarding process isn’t just about theory; it establishes a direct link to practical work right away.
So, you were actively involved in your first client project almost from the start?
Yes, exactly, after five weeks, I was able to play an active role in my first client project. I find it particularly fascinating how different transformation projects can be. That became apparent very quickly: every project brings its own unique requirements, goals, and parameters. It is precisely this variety that makes the work so diverse and ensures you are constantly learning.
Is there anything you didn’t expect during your first few weeks with the SLT team?
I was surprised by how quickly you can take on responsibility. After the initial onboarding phase, you are assigned your own topics and areas of responsibility. You aren’t just providing support; you are actively helping to shape things. At the same time, there are always experienced colleagues available to offer support and answer questions. It’s a great combination of personal responsibility and support.
What is something you wouldn’t have felt confident doing six months ago?
Without a doubt: facilitating a client workshop myself. When I started, I never imagined that – after such a short time – I would already be presenting to clients and leading a workshop. Naturally, it was a challenge at first, and I was very nervous. But I always had experienced colleagues by my side to provide support with both preparation and execution whenever needed. Looking back, that was one of those moments when I realized just how much you can learn in a short period.
How would you describe the SLT team and the cbs culture?
Open, helpful, and approachable. What impressed me from the very beginning was my colleagues’ willingness to share their knowledge. No matter what question you approach someone with, you get support, or at least a pointer to the right person to talk to.
That is incredibly valuable, especially when you’re just starting out. You don’t feel left to fend for yourself; instead, you quickly realize that everyone is invested in helping you get off to a successful start.
If you could send a message to yourself on your first day of work, what would it say?
Ask questions, try things out, and seize every opportunity to learn. At cbs, there are so many people ready to offer support and share their knowledge. You don’t have to know everything from day one. The important thing is to stay curious and approach new topics with an open mind.
And above all: don’t worry, you’re in exactly the right place.
Do you want to kickstart your career with us?
Then join the SLT Consultant Program and help us shape our clients’ SAP transformations. Find out more and apply now!
