Paris School of Business has developed a privileged partnership with KPMG over the years, offering students from the Master Business Consulting program the opportunity to join KPMG’s Consulting Talent Incubator as part of their work-study experience.
The Consulting teams advise and support businesses in their organizational and digital transformation challenges across all industries and corporate functions (Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Procurement, ESG, Technology, etc.).
To help create value and enhance operational performance, KPMG consultants assist large corporate clients with strategy, design, management, and project security issues.
We spoke with Naila Toudji, a second-year Master Business Consulting student completing her work-study program at KPMG, who shared insights about her academic journey, the skills she has developed, and her professional experience, which is helping her refine her career path in financial and strategic consulting.
Introduction & Background
Can you introduce yourself briefly?
I am Naila, a graduate in Biomedical Engineering from École Supérieure Nationale des Arts et Métiers (ENSAM ParisTech). Passionate about mathematics and the healthcare sector, I decided to explore the world of consulting and strategy to apply these skills to the healthcare and biomedical fields.
What motivated you to choose the Master Business Consulting program at Paris School of Business?
I chose this program for its generalist approach, which allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of consulting—a field that was still relatively new to me. I wanted to develop skills in strategy, finance, and digital transformation while maintaining flexibility in my career path. Additionally, the partnership with KPMG Advisory was a key factor in my decision.
Why did you decide to pursue a work-study program at KPMG?
KPMG is a renowned consulting firm, and joining the Finance Strategy & Performance (FSP) business unit aligned perfectly with my interest in mathematics and finance. This choice allows me to work on strategic and financial issues while benefiting from a structured and enriching learning environment.
Experience in the Master Business Consulting Program
Can you describe the Master Business Consulting program?
The Master Business Consulting program at Paris School of Business is a professional-oriented program that prepares students for consulting careers through a cross-disciplinary approach. It covers various domains such as strategy, finance, change management, digital transformation, and operations. The program equips students with essential analytical and methodological skills to thrive in dynamic and demanding environments.
What key skills have you developed through this specialization?
Through this program, I have developed several essential skills:
- Strategic structuring and analysis (using frameworks such as Porter’s Five Forces, BCG Matrix, McKinsey 7S)
- Market and financial analysis
- Project management and change management
- Consulting tools and methodologies to structure and present impactful recommendations
- Ability to understand and meet client expectations with precision and relevance
How do the courses help you in your work-study program?
The courses help me structure my analyses and apply relevant tools in my assignments. For example, strategy and financial analysis courses allow me to quickly understand client expectations and deliver high-quality work. They also strengthen my credibility with my managers by providing a solid and structured approach to problem-solving.
Paris School of Business processes the collected data in order to manage your requests for information and support you in your orientation. We inform you that Paris School of Business uses your data for marketing purposes to personalize and adapt its service offers to your needs and to establish statistics and marketing profile models. By providing your contact details, you agree to be contacted by our advisers from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 19:00. Your data will be kept for a period of 3 years; to learn more about the management of your personal data and to exercise your rights, please consult the school's data protection policy or send an email to the data protection officer of the school of your choice. Data protection policy
Experience at KPMG
Can you tell us about your main tasks within KPMG’s Consulting Talent Incubator?
As a junior consultant in a work-study program at KPMG, I am fully integrated into the teams and work on high-value projects. My main responsibilities include:
- Financial analysis and modeling
- Market research and industry benchmarking
- Implementation of performance indicators and reporting
- Participation in strategic recommendations for clients
I have also had the opportunity to work on sustainable finance projects, allowing me to explore key issues and regulations in this area, including:
- CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and extra-financial reporting requirements
- Gap analysis to identify improvement areas in financial sustainability
- Carbon footprint assessment (Scopes 2 and 3) to measure and reduce corporate environmental impact
- Climate resilience analysis, studying the impacts of climate change on business models
- Climate and transition risk assessment, essential for corporate strategy and asset management
These experiences have given me a broader perspective on the interactions between finance, sustainability, and corporate strategy.
How has this professional experience shaped your career aspirations?
This work-study experience has confirmed my interest in strategy and financial consulting within the healthcare sector. It has provided me with solid experience, a rigorous working methodology, and a key professional network for my future career.
Benefits of the Partnership & Advice for Future Students
How has the partnership between Paris School of Business and KPMG been an advantage for your journey?
The partnership provides a structured framework and privileged access to career opportunities at KPMG. Additionally, the alternating schedule (four days at the company, one day at school) allows for full immersion and a more effective skill-building experience.
What would you say to a student hesitating to join the Master Business Consulting program and apply to KPMG?
If you want to explore the consulting industry in a stimulating and professional environment, this master’s program is an excellent opportunity. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the field and helps develop highly sought-after cross-disciplinary skills. A work-study program at KPMG is an incredibly enriching experience where you will be integrated into expert teams and involved in strategic assignments. It is truly a career booster!
Paris School of Business processes the collected data in order to manage your requests for information and support you in your orientation. We inform you that Paris School of Business uses your data for marketing purposes to personalize and adapt its service offers to your needs and to establish statistics and marketing profile models. By providing your contact details, you agree to be contacted by our advisers from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 19:00. Your data will be kept for a period of 3 years; to learn more about the management of your personal data and to exercise your rights, please consult the school's data protection policy or send an email to the data protection officer of the school of your choice. Data protection policy