From advisory to start-up: Two new Blippar faces share their career journeys

Not all stereotypes about banking and management consulting are true; likewise, rumors about the tech industry can turn into fantasy. In spite of this, when you arrive at Blippar HQ for interview the presence of cardigans, Olive (the office dog), and a wide variety of beers give you a warning that your professional life could be about to change forever.

Bec and David are new employees navigating the move from client advisory to tech start-up (or, rather, scale-up). Coming from Goldman Sachs and Accenture, respectively, they reflect on what drew them to Blippar and how they are settling in.

From Manolos to Chuck Taylors

Bec Lay, Blippar Corporate Development Manager

My career to date has been driven by a few core principles: the desire to learn, be challenged and be part of something great. Investment banking at Goldman Sachs certainly ticked these boxes. It is an outstanding institution that is the industry leader in every sense. However, one thing I started to crave was the opportunity to help build something great.

This small whisper became a resounding voice when Blippar came along, and as it turned out, it was an offer too good to refuse.

The things that drew me to banking - the adrenaline rush of doing a deal, the dynamic, fast-paced environment and working alongside the brightest minds - all still exist at Blippar.

The proverbial cherry on top is the sense of ownership that pervades through the company, from the summer interns through to the technology developers and our Executive Team. The excitement walking into the office every day is palpable, and the unabashedly bold goal to be the world’s visual browser and to make every object blippable is one that unifies.

One month in, the learning curve is steep, the sense of urgency addictive and the ability to influence the direction of the company real. Exciting times ahead!

From Briefcase to Backpack

David Roberts, Blippar Pricing Manager

I suppose I was the perfect target for a consulting company: after graduating with good grades and experience teaching I had a desire to solve problems, a short attention span, and no idea what to do with my life. My time working for Accenture was fantastic - the variety, the exposure, the stretch all led me to grow fast and relish my work.

However, the further into my career I grew, the less change and challenge I found. It happened so gradually that I did not notice at first, but soon enough my days were filling with project management and 'career management'. My effort was higher; my output was less.

I had always assumed no career would be as dynamic as consulting but when I got a call from Blippar the status quo was shaken. I had to assess why I went into consulting in the first place. If it was for change, challenge, and solving a puzzle then it was clear my future at Blippar would bring far more of this than working through the ranks in client advisory.

The startup environment is never stable, never the static; next year Blippar will be a completely different company and I will have had a part in the transformation. So far I am delighted with my decision.