Since graduating from UCL School of Management’s BSc Management Science programme, Nicholas Choo has gone on to become a Risk Consultant in Deloitte’s London office. Having always been inquisitive and passionate about helping people, Nicholas’s current role perfectly encompasses these attributes, as his role involves supporting clients and businesses in identifying and effectively managing risks.
We recently caught up with Nicholas to find out more his time at UCL, as well as the many professional experiences he has gained since pursuing a career in the consulting industry. He also sheds light on some of his most noteworthy projects, including his recent work on a government report, as well as the many exciting projects that are currently in the pipeline.
Tell us about yourself
I’m Nicholas, and I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I grew up following the British education system, completing my IGCSE at HELP International School and my A-levels at a boarding college called KYUEM, where I achieved 2A* and 1A in Mathematics, Economics, and Chemistry. Coming from a business-focused household, with both my parents having studied accounting and finance, I developed an early interest in the subject. As a child, I vividly remember eavesdropping on my parents’ conversations and learning business terms that I later had to Google.
As I matured, my passion for problem-solving combined with my interest in economics and business shaped my educational and career path. I had the privilege of continuing my tertiary education in London, for which I am deeply grateful to my parents. I studied Management Science at UCL from 2020 to 2023, where I was exposed to a myriad of topics related to business, supplemented by data-driven approaches.
Outside of work, I love playing ultimate frisbee and travelling.
How did your career come about?
I am currently a Risk Consultant at Deloitte London, working within the Reputation, Risk, Crisis, and Resilience (RRCR) team. Growing up, I was always curious, frequently asking questions like, “What if X happens? What would happen if Y happens instead?” This inquisitive nature led me to explore various scenarios and the potential risks associated with different actions. Today, I apply this mindset to help clients identify and manage potential risks effectively.
My professional journey began in 2021 with an internship at PwC Malaysia, where I worked in the Risk and Assurance team. During this internship, I learned the fundamentals of Business Continuity, which focuses on how an organisation functions after a disruption. A disruption is defined as an interruption of normal business operations or processes, which can range from short-term to long-term unavailability. My role involved interviewing company stakeholders to map out key responsibilities and technologies of each business function and determining which capabilities should be prioritised for restoration in case of a disruption.
I thoroughly enjoyed my internship, and when I was applying for summer scheme roles in 2022, I knew I wanted to pursue something similar. Deloitte’s RRCR team caught my attention, particularly because Business Continuity was one of their offerings. As I researched further, I realised the broader scope of the team, which increased my interest even more.
The RRCR team provides comprehensive support throughout the crisis lifecycle. Before a crisis occurs, we conduct horizon scanning and benchmark against competitors’ risk profiles to ensure that future strategies consider all current and emerging risks. During a crisis, we offer live response assistance and training to invoke crisis management plans. Finally, after a crisis, we focus on reputational control to reassure necessary stakeholders.
What does a typical week look like for you in this role?
Every morning, I start my day with a walk to the office, usually accompanied by listening to the Financial Times (FT) podcast to get a high-level understanding of current global events. To stay connected with home, I also listen to a Malaysia-based business podcast. Additionally, I perform a quick scan of FT and other news outlets to review the major headlines and check daily market indicators such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and oil prices.
As a consultant, I am responsible for creating materials for workshops and training sessions, with guidance from senior managers or directors. My role involves transcribing their ideas into slide decks and managing the project aspects of the engagement. I always feel fully supported by my project teams, and I regularly have catch-ups with team members to discuss any feedback on my work. Despite being the most junior member of the team, I never hesitate to raise points and suggestions. Senior team members often seek my input, as they need to ensure their industry knowledge is presented in an understandable and relatable manner for people with no or low knowledge of the subject.
Have you always been interested in consulting?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to help people, but the field of medicine never appealed to me. Instead, I found my calling in consulting, which perfectly bridges my passion for assisting others with my interest in solving business problems. Consulting, at its core, is about helping clients address and overcome their business challenges.
What truly drew me to this profession was the incredible variety it offers. The diversity of clients and the wide range of projects mean that no two days are ever the same. Each business operates uniquely, presenting new and exciting challenges constantly. This dynamic environment keeps the work engaging and allows me to continuously learn and grow while making a meaningful impact on clients’ success.
Furthermore, consulting allows me to apply a strategic and analytical approach to problem-solving. I enjoy the process of diagnosing issues, developing tailored solutions, and seeing the tangible results of our efforts. The collaborative nature of consulting, working closely with clients and colleagues to achieve common goals, is particularly rewarding. This teamwork fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, which I find highly motivating.
Additionally, the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of consulting ensures that I am always at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. This constant exposure to new ideas and practices not only enhances my professional development but also enables me to bring fresh perspectives to my clients. The intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to make a significant difference in the business world are what make consulting a fulfilling and exciting career choice for me.
What’s the gender split like in your current company?
I would say it is quite balanced. Deloitte, as an organisation, strongly believes in gender equality and offers various schemes to support individuals in different circumstances. Examples of these initiatives include part-time working arrangements for new mothers, mental health counselling, and neurodiverse networks. These efforts demonstrate Deloitte’s commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace.
Tell us about your time at UCL School of Management
I believe the UCL School of Management is an excellent place to shape your career. The Management Science programme, in particular, combines business understanding with data analytics, making it both relevant and challenging. The course can be best described by its motto, “Demanding but Survivable.” It pushes you to think critically and teaches you to approach business problems from multiple perspectives, whether through data from warehouses, financials from annual reports, or internal forums for worker feedback.
The UCL School of Management stands out for its commitment to excellence. With a distinguished faculty composed of highly qualified academicians, the school offers a rich blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. These professors are not only leaders in their respective fields but are also passionate about their subject matter, constantly engaging in cutting-edge research and staying abreast of industry trends. Their dedication ensures that students receive a top-tier education characterised by rigorous academic standards and real-world relevance, preparing them to excel in the dynamic world of business.
Did you utilise the careers team while studying with us at UCLSoM?
I always knew that securing a good job in London would not be easy. I felt lost during my first year, but thanks to the careers team at UCL School of Management, I gained a solid understanding of the requirements of the UK graduate job market. The team provided invaluable guidance on the initial drafts of my CV and offered coaching support for case study interviews and assessment centre tips. They consistently provided individualised support and supplied me with job opportunities and career advice tailored to the industries and positions I was interested in. This personalised approach significantly contributed to my career development and success.
What advice would you give to students that are trying to break into these big companies and industries?
I believe it is crucial to be genuinely interested in the roles you are applying for. Thoroughly reading the job description and conducting your own due diligence are just as important as studying generic case studies. Interviewers want to see who you are as a person—they are interested in your passions and how you interact with others. In today’s world, collaboration is key, and demonstrating that you are teachable and have excellent teamwork skills will make you stand out.
In my opinion, the most important soft skill when joining any organisation, big or small, is empathy. From a client perspective, it’s about putting yourself in their shoes to understand why they need this work and the value you bring. Internally, it’s about recognising different team members’ working styles and understanding that not everyone learns or absorbs information the same way, and then adapting to those circumstances. Empathy allows for more effective and harmonious collaboration, both with clients and within your team.
Have you got any exciting projects in the pipeline?
Currently, I am assisting a global beverage company in identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation measures as they undergo a major technology transformation programme. Recently, I also completed work on a government-published report aimed at providing vendors and businesses with a comprehensive understanding of the UK sector. I do not see myself settling into a specific industry anytime soon because I thrive on the variety of clients and the diverse nature of the work. I believe that more interesting and challenging projects will continue to come my way in the near future.
Find out more about UCL School of Management’s BSc/MSci Management Science programme.