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The goal of the event was to gain more insight into different types of consulting and to be made aware of the possibilities within these specific companies. The participants were shown various types of projects that typify Royal HaskoningDHV, Accenture and First Consulting and each of these companies are operating in different consulting areas. Also in contrast to Expedition Strategy, no strategy consultants were visited.

After arriving at the hotel next to the beautiful Vondelpark, we went to Twenty Third Bar. Which is located on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura. During this part of the tour, everyone became acquainted with each other while drinking a double IPA brewed by ‘brouwerij ’t IJ’ and enjoying the Amsterdam skyline.

The next day started early with breakfast at 07.30. At Royal Haskoning we were welcomed by Louise Levenbach, an alumni of Lugus. During our visit we worked on a case regarding geothermal energy. Our task was to define the best location of an installation, while keeping the costs and stakeholders in mind. After this, we went to the ‘Zuidas’ to visit the big multinational Accenture where we were welcomed by four Groningen Alumni, one of which was Youri de Koster, an old IEM’er. The company gave us a workshop in order to see our more creative side, which was a different experience. After finishing this training, it was time to visit the rooftop terrace of the company where we enjoyed some snacks and drinks in the sun.

For dinner, it was time for a quick pizza, this was needed to make it on time for our first secret activity. After the pizza we went to ABE Club, where a cocktail workshop was provided by Amstel Bar Experts. Here we learned how to make some tasty cocktails! According to the bartender, we were one of the best groups he have had. Was this because we shotted the booze as well as putting it in the cocktails? Or due to our breathalyser contest of who had the highest alcohol percentage? Since the alcohol level in our blood was already significant, the temptation of going into the city centre of Amsterdam was too high, so an additional few beers were drunk at DiscoDolly.

On Friday, it was a struggle for many of us to get out of bed, but we all made it on time at First Consulting. Here we met former IEM’er, Jarno Pons. The case was based on interviews with employees of an electricity grid maintenance company and some problems this company faced needed to be solved. These problems were regarding downtime of parts of the grid and the costs related to this. After the case, a delicious 3-course lunch was provided during which the participants could talk to the employees of First Consulting in a more informal manner.

After this, we stocked on a bit of alcohol, before revealing the second secret activity to the participants. Then we made our way to the secret location on the outskirts of Amsterdam. We, as the committee, were anxious of the participants’ reactions, due to a more alternative unexpected activity being chosen. This activity was namely Pole Dancing. In order to “loosen up, everyone was served prosecco before the workshop started. At first, most participants were a bit sceptical and in shock, but this quickly changed as everyone started having fun and realised how hard pole dancing really is! We are certain that all participants have more respect now for pole dancers, since they experienced how much strength it requires. To finalise the tour, we went to Simpel restaurant, where we all enjoyed a delightful three-course dinner and some fine wine. 

We, as a committee, had a great time organizing the event and leading the group during the event. We would like to thank every participant for making this event awesome and hope your expectations were exceeded. For the students who could not make it or where not selected, the event will be organized again next year!! We hope the enthusiasm is again just as large! 

For more photos of the LCIT click here.