My 2-Day Life as a Consultant with WBS

Executive MBA (London) participant, Amara, digs into two days living her consultant dreams at the Consultant Experience Weekend.

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d spend two full days living out my consultant dreams—briefcase vibes, boardroom energy, and strategy decks —I probably would’ve laughed. But somewhere deep down, I’ve always been intrigued by that world: the sharp suits, the confident slide decks, and the fast-paced energy of places like Canary Wharf.

Growing up, “making it” often meant landing a role in the Big 4, and, while my path led me into the philanthropy sector, the pull of consulting never quite left. When I first heard about the Consulting Simulation run by Consulting Sim, a group of WBS alumni with real industry experience, I was immediately curious. My course mates raved about it like it was an MBA rite of passage, and the fact that there was a waiting list only made it more desirable.

I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I stayed close to the Careers Team, followed up relentlessly, and eventually secured a spot. Safe to say, I was proud and just a little giddy.

Highlights That Hit Home

1. Stepping into the Consultant’s shoes

The two-day immersive experience wasn’t just a crash course, it was a deep dive into the consulting mindset. We tackled everything from scoping a project and building high-performance teams, to structuring our thinking and presenting a compelling strategy to clients. It was fast-paced, intense, and incredibly rewarding. For someone without a formal consulting background, it felt like unlocking a secret level of the MBA.

 

2. Learning by doing: the simulation

The digital simulation brought it all to life. We had to work as a team to solve a realistic client scenario, balancing budget, goodwill, and deep analysis; all while navigating the personalities and politics of a fictional organisation. It was cleverly designed to mimic the real world, with unexpected curveballs and trade-offs that forced us to think on our feet.

One lesson which stood out: building rapport with stakeholders matters—but don’t let it derail your scope or budget.

 

3. The power of storytelling

One of my biggest takeaways was how consulting is really about storytelling. One of our brilliant facilitators boiled it down beautifully: the best consultants are not necessarily the ones who know the most, but the ones who can simplify the complex and communicate with clarity and impact. That really resonated with me. In a world full of data, what matters is how you package it, how you make it meaningful.

 

4. Teams in action

We also got a front-row seat to what it means to form a high-performing team. The facilitators walked us through the stages, Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing. By Day 2, it was surreal to watch our team move through each phase. On Day 1, we were unsure of how we fit together but by Day 2, we were rallying around one another, delegating tasks smartly and delivering a confident final presentation. The growth was visible and powerful.

 

5. Unexpected lessons from our facilitators

James and Dani were an absolute class act. Their natural rapport, sharp insights, and perfectly timed humour created an environment that was both high-energy and supportive. They bounced off each other effortlessly, like seasoned partners who knew when to challenge, when to support, and when to crack a well-timed joke.

Their dynamic wasn’t part of any formal consulting framework, but it taught us something just as valuable, the power of a strong working relationship. Watching them in action reminded me that great partnerships, whether in consulting or beyond, thrive on trust, mutual respect, and just the right dose of banter.

Final thoughts

The organisers valued the experience at around £400. I’d argue it’s worth much more. It was hands down one of the highlights of my MBA so far. Not only did it demystify consulting, it gave me tools and frameworks I’ve already applied in the workplace. I walked into work the next Monday with a new level of confidence and clarity, not just because I’d spent two days living out a long-held aspiration, but because I now understood the why behind consulting excellence: storytelling, structure, and strategy.

I left the session transformed: sharper, bolder, and with a newfound appreciation for the craft. To anyone considering the simulation: do it. Chase the waiting list. Follow up. Hustle if you must. It’s worth it!