Maximiliane Brecht: Consultant

Maximiliane Brecht

MSc Finance and Economics, 2016

Based in:

Munich, Germany

Strangest interview question:

If you were an animal, which would best match your personality?

First job:

Financial Analyst at Allianz Investment Management

Consultant, QuantCo

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

My role bridges software development and consulting: I advise clients in the health insurance sector on AI solutions and help them understand the amazing work of our software engineers and data scientists.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

Getting a glimpse into all corners of AI software development - from conceptual slides and code to seeing actual processes being improved for our clients.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Embracing my curiosity: At Warwick, I tried out various activities that were not part of my initial plan (study hard and graduate with distinction), but that helped me build a network and develop new skills that I still rely on today.

Structuring my thoughts and writing concisely: I still give myself word limits to avoid long, convoluted texts nobody wants to read.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

Having a passion for financial markets, I wanted to venture into investment banking or investment management. After graduation, I joined Allianz Investment Management but transitioned into strategy consulting to gain experience across industries and functions before committing to one.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

Learn to translate between business and tech: You don’t need to be a developer or a strategy consultant, but it helps to understand the key concepts of how software works and what the business needs.

Sharpen your problem-solving and communication skills: In this field, your value lies in making complex things simple and actionable. Clear writing, structured thinking, and stakeholder management are key.

Build a portfolio of curiosity: Whether it’s trying out low-code tools, experimenting with data analysis, or following emerging tech trends – show initiative and an eagerness to learn.

Network early with tech-savvy and business-minded people: Your future role will often be at the intersection of multiple teams. The more perspectives you understand, the better you’ll be at connecting the dots.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

A former McKinsey colleague once told me: “Join for the topic, stay for the people.” At the start of your career, you can’t predict exactly where you’ll end up, but you can make sure the journey is worthwhile. Surrounding yourself with inspiring people makes all the difference. After all, you’re building your career step by step every day, and enjoying the work (and the team!) will keep you energised along the way.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

Patience and curiosity are key. I used to believe that my first job had to perfectly match my long-term career goals. In reality, very few people stay in the same role – or even the same industry for forty years. With that in mind, I would have felt less pressure and explored a broader range of roles and sectors with more openness. Every experience teaches you something valuable, even if it’s not your “dream job” on day one.