Since graduating from UCL School of Management’s Management Science programme in 2024, Maissa Abu Ayash has gone on to build a career in consultancy, currently working as a Business Analyst at Arthur D. Little. With a focus on risk and resilience, her work spans industries – from helping clients define risk appetite to developing safety initiatives for major European railway operators.
We recently caught up with Maissa to hear more about her role, her path into consulting, and her reflections on the graduate job market. Passionate about tackling climate change and driving social impact, she also shares her advice for current students and graduates navigating their next steps.
tell us about yourself
My name is Maissa. I’m originally Lebanese, but I’ve been living in the UK for the past four years. I graduated in September 2024 from UCL’s School of Management with a BSc in Management Science and a minor in Environmental Engineering.
Since then, I’ve been working at a consultancy firm, where I focus on risk and resilience projects across industries. Outside of work, I’ve been a tennis player (and fan) for most of my life. I’m deeply passionate about making a positive impact on our planet, using the knowledge I’ve developed over the years to address climate change, as well as tackling broader social challenges.
tell us about your role at arthur d. little
I’m currently a Business Analyst at Arthur D. Little, a global management consulting firm. I first joined as an intern and quickly transitioned into my current role within the Risk and Resilience practice. My work ranges from developing Risk Appetite Statements for clients, to integrating Human Factors into railway safety, to supporting enterprise-wide risk management initiatives.
have you worked on any exciting projects in your career?
One of the things I love most about consulting is the variety. Even if the core methodologies are consistent, the clients and challenges will almost always be different.
A recent highlight was working with a European railway operator to develop a safety management programme focused on Human and Organisational Factors. The project involved designing and delivering an executive training course to highlight the impact of issues such as fatigue and stress on all levels of the organisation. On a personal level, it was rewarding to see senior leaders engage deeply with these topics, considering their relevance.
how were your experiences of the graduate job market?
It was a challenging process that demanded a lot of time and patience, which a fresh graduate doesn’t necessarily have… What helped me was seeking support and guidance from others - the more conversations you have with different people, the more perspectives you gain on what possibilities are out there, and what works for you.
what advice would you give to graduates entering your industry?
Practice really does make perfect. Every assessment, interview, or case study you attempt (and fail) teaches you something valuable about what went well and what didn’t, or what you should be focusing on instead.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to advisors, professors, alumni, or industry professionals. Every conversation is an opportunity to make a connection that could point you in the right direction!
Find out more about UCL School of Management’s BSc/MSci Management Science programme