My name is Ben Bilsland, Consulting Partner and Head of Technology Industry. I joined the firm as an experienced professional in 2016. Looking back, I didn’t realise the opportunities RSM would offer for my own development, including participating in the firm’s Industry Eminence Programme (IEP). In time, an industry focus has completely transformed my career.

Why I chose RSM

I trained in audit at a mid-tier firm and spent time working in the big four, working with large corporate clients, including US businesses, media companies and some technology firms. Audit was a brilliant grounding because I learnt how businesses really work, how to deal with senior stakeholders early on and how to deliver under pressure.

After around eight years in audit, I knew I wanted a change. I wanted to move into advisory and work with clients in a practical, proactive way. That’s what brought me to RSM as an Associate Director in Consulting. From day one, I felt something special. The partners around me helped me work out what I was good at and gave me space and support to develop.

Finding my focus

One of the most defining decisions for me was industry specialism, specifically within technology and media. This was an industry I had a personal passion for, given its energy, innovation and creativity.

I joined RSM without a client portfolio, but by focusing on technology and media firms and working closely with my Office Managing Partner (OMP), I was able to build one from scratch. This was a key part driving my progression to Director in 2018 and then Partner in 2020. I joined the Partnership just at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This challenging time tested and shaped me as a leader, but another opportunity came up that genuinely changed the trajectory of my career.

A strategic step into industry leadership

I was part of the first UK cohort of RSM’s Industry Eminence Programme (IEP) in 2021. This is a three-year long programme for senior managers, associate directors and directors across our business. It helps both RSM and our clients stay at the cutting edge of the digital revolution. It’s designed to develop data-driven subject matter experts who want to understand, predict and communicate the market and economic developments that are reshaping the industries we serve.

It was a new programme for the UK, but was well established in the US. I’d seen the impressive impact and insight of the US programme participants. For me, joining the IEP was to invest in deepening my industry expertise, improve my capability to serve clients and develop new links with RSM US. RSM has given me amazing opportunities to develop myself and serve our clients in the technology industry.

Role models, culture and paying it forward

One thing I care deeply about is the impact good role models can have on career development. Reflecting on my IEP experience and how the programme has evolved in the UK, I can see how it has developed a strong group of diverse role models across our industry teams. This matters, because it allows people to see different versions of success and choose what resonates with them.

But role models aren’t just about inspiration. They have a responsibility to pass learning on and create opportunities for others. That thinking is what led Kelly Boorman (IEP graduate, Partner and National Head of Construction) and me to develop the Industry Skills Acceleration Programme (ISAP). The ISAP is a twelve-month programme for managers and associate directors, led by current and IEP graduates, designed to share the foundational skills developed through the programme. This means that the benefits of the IEP are coached more widely across the firm. I’m particularly proud of this initiative – which exists for ongoing development of all our current managers and associate directors.

Building a career with intent

For anyone early on in their career journey who is thinking about specialising in an industry, my advice would be to choose an environment where you’ll learn, feel supported and be your best self. But if you’re confident in your passions, follow them and be intentional.

For experienced professionals, think deeply about where you already add value, what motivates you and how you want to develop – channel your entrepreneurial spirit. If you’re looking for a place that will support you, challenge you and give you room to build industry expertise, RSM has been that place for me.

Careers aren’t linear, but when you stay curious and act with intent, progress becomes something you actively create rather than wait for.

Make an impact, be our future.