My Journey with FTI Delta: From Consulting to Pursuing an MBA at INSEAD

I’m Henri van der Walt, a Team Leader at FTI Delta, currently pursuing my MBA at INSEAD. My journey with FTI Delta began almost four years ago when I joined the Johannesburg office shortly after completing my Honors degree in Finance and Accounting at the University of Cape Town.

Back in undergrad, I set three significant goals for myself to achieve within five years: break into management consulting, travel the world, and pursue an MBA at a top-tier institution. Thanks to FTI Delta, I’ve not only met these goals but exceeded my expectations of what the journey would involve.

From day one, I was immersed in diverse projects that challenged me to think critically, adapt quickly, and find solutions to complex business problems across the TMT landscape. Consulting is known for its fast pace and constant evolution, and FTI Delta provided exactly that—exposure to high-impact work and collaboration with talented professionals who pushed me to develop continuously.

Not long after joining, I began working on international engagements, jet-setting across Europe and the Middle East on long-term assignments. These experiences were pivotal in broadening my understanding of the business landscape, fulfilling my ambition to see the world, and deepening my professional expertise. Each new project, whether it was a strategic advisory role or operational transformation, provided valuable lessons that helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Last year, I moved to FTI Delta’s London office, which was another major milestone in my career. Being at the center of one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs allowed me to expand my network, tackle new challenges, and solidify my decision to pursue an MBA as the next logical step in my career progression.

In July of this year, I relocated to Fontainebleau, France, to start my MBA at INSEAD. Saying a temporary goodbye to my colleagues in London was bittersweet—exciting to begin this new chapter but hard to leave behind the people and office that had shaped much of my growth. Fortunately, the transition was seamless, thanks to the support of FTI Delta.

One of the key factors that drew me to FTI Delta in the first place was its commitment to employee development, with the MBA sponsorship program being a prime example. The program represents a support system that empowers employees to pursue further education while still being part of a thriving consulting career.

FTI Delta not only provided financial support but also gave me the flexibility I needed during the application process, granting me educational leave to focus on the GMAT and my applications. In addition, I had unwavering support from senior colleagues, whose references played a crucial role in my acceptance to INSEAD. Having said this, the MBA sponsorship program at FTI Delta is competitive, with employees evaluated on their performance, leadership potential, and alignment with the company's future goals.

For me, the MBA has been about much more than enhancing technical skills. It’s about becoming a more effective leader, expanding my global network, and deepening my understanding of leadership and strategy in an interconnected world. INSEAD’s diversity, with students from every corner of the globe, has offered an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with future leaders across industries. These experiences are enriching my perspective on business and leadership, and I look forward to bringing those insights back to FTI Delta.

FTI Delta’s investment in MBA sponsorship is not just beneficial for employees—it’s a strategic move for the company. By supporting the development of its consultants, FTI Delta is building a highly-skilled, well-connected workforce that can drive innovation and lead effectively in today’s complex business environment. Employees return with fresh perspectives, broader networks, and new ideas that contribute to the firm’s growth. It’s a true win-win: employees like myself gain the tools to accelerate their careers, and FTI Delta reaps the benefits of a more capable and connected team.

Looking ahead, I feel confident that the MBA experience is preparing me for the next chapter in my career at FTI Delta. I’m excited to return with new ideas, sharpened leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the business world. The MBA is equipping me to step into a management role where I’ll lead engagement teams, inspire my colleagues, and drive impactful results for our clients. This journey is not just about gaining knowledge but about becoming the kind of leader who can guide teams toward meaningful success.