At Consultport, Business Development Trainees have different responsibilities. Their responsibilities include reaching out to new potential clients, managing existing client relationships, and sourcing the right consultants for projects.
Toivo Volk joined Consultport in May 2024 as a Business Development Trainee and has become since then an integral part of the team. Here, he shares his journey and insights into the role!
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you found your way to Consultport?
I have recently completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Aalto University in Finland, alongside the CEMS Master in International Management program at Aalto and the National University of Singapore. As part of the CEMS curriculum, I needed to complete an international internship, which I saw as the perfect way to start my career after graduation.
I was looking for an opportunity in the consulting industry when I came across Consultport on JobTeaser and was shortlisted for the role. It immediately felt like a good fit, and I liked the business model. That’s where my journey with Consultport began.
What motivated you to apply for the BD Trainee role, and what stood out about the company?
I applied to Consultport because it offered exactly what I was looking for: an international and fast-moving environment where I could learn and grow quickly. Having previously worked at a large insurance company, I wanted to experience the agility and innovation that comes with a startup.
The idea of working at a marketplace that bridges the gap between freelance consultants and businesses was interesting, and the opportunity to learn about Business Development and Sales convinced me to apply.
What does a typical day look like for you in this role?
Every day at Consultport brings something new and exciting. On a typical day, I’ll have calls with consultants to understand their expertise and career aspirations, as well as discussions with some of our largest clients to align on their project needs.
I also reach out to new companies, introducing them to the value Consultport can offer. Beyond that, my role involves sourcing the best candidates for client projects and helping companies solve their business challenges. Every day is different, and that’s what makes the role so dynamic and rewarding.
What skills have you developed or strengthened since starting at Consultport?
Since joining Consultport, I’ve improved my communication and relationship-building skills, especially in high-stakes, sales-oriented conversations. Furthermore, I have deepened my understanding of different business verticals I have learned about during university, by being exposed to these in a real-life setting daily with our clients and their projects.
I’ve also improved my time management skills, learning to balance several tasks at once while keeping things on track. Every day brings something new to learn, and it’s great to see how far I’ve come since starting here.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a BD Trainee, and how did you overcome it?
I can’t really pinpoint the biggest challenge. In the beginning, I struggled with meeting clients who were way more senior than me, engaging with them on eye level, and not underselling myself. It was difficult to present myself confidently and position myself as a trusted partner. Also today, this is still sometimes difficult, but it gets better day to day.
Besides that, I am leading a lot of negotiations with both consultants and clients, which can be very difficult. However, I overcame these issues by being fully transparent and honest from the beginning and communicating directly and without too much ambiguity.
Can you share a proud moment or achievement during your time in this role?
One of my proudest achievements was being promoted to Associate after just six months at Consultport. This promotion came with increased responsibilities, being in charge of a part of Consultport’s revenues and continuously reaching the highest number of closed deals. It was a moment that validated my hard work and showed me how much impact I could have within the organization.
How would you describe the culture and team dynamic at Consultport?
The culture at Consultport is really fast-paced, fluid, independent, and friendly. You are given a lot of responsibility early on and are in charge of your own results. You can really drive your own growth and work independently. However, if there is a need for support it is always granted. The team itself is young, energetic, and super international, and I am glad that many of my colleagues have become close friends outside of work.
What do you enjoy most about working as a BD Trainee?
The constant exposure and communication with top management of fascinating companies and top consultants from the most prestigious consultancies have really developed my own way of working and communicating, and I’ve been able to build up a very strong network.
Furthermore, I really enjoy the thrill of closing deals and seeing my impact on the growth of Consultport. The most rewarding aspect of working in a startup is seeing how your daily contributions directly drive progress and make a difference. The role is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone considering a similar role at Consultport?
Apply if you’re ready to dive into a variety of different topics, learn more about sales and business development, and be ready to take ownership and drive growth expectations. The work is demanding but rewarding, and the people make it a great place!
How does this role align with your career goals, and what are you excited about for the future?
The role aligns very well with my career goals since I want to be part of fast-paced and dynamic working environments with high growth aspirations professionally, personally, and financially. I am really excited to see what 2025 holds in place for Consultport, reaching new heights and supporting the growth!
