Navigating Complexity and Growth: Ed’s Experience in SAP Consulting

For Ed, joining JNC meant stepping into a niche area where technology, commercial insight, and client engagement all intersect. As an Associate Consultant specializing in SAP licensing, his role combines analytical work with business development and client advisory. In this article, Ed shares his experience building specialized knowledge, taking on early responsibility, and navigating the fast-paced world of software licensing.

What does your role at JNC involve?  

My role at JNC is an Associate Consultant specializing in SAP. A typical day involves analyzing clients’ software estates, assessing their current licensing entitlements, and comparing these against actual usage levels using a range of data sources and reports. 

The role also requires a significant amount of research into evolving licensing requirements and compliance regulations. Alongside this analytical work, I am also involved in business development activities, including advising prospective clients on how JNC’s services can support their licensing journey and optimization strategy, as well as maintaining relationships with key accounts. 

What attracted you to JNC when you were looking for a graduate role? 

What drew me in was the niche nature of the industry itself. SAP licensing isn’t something most people know much about before they start and that was part of the appeal. I wanted a role where I’d be building genuine specialist knowledge, not just going through the motions of a generic grad scheme. The three-year program felt progressive and stretching in the right ways, sitting at an interesting crossroads between technology and consulting. 

What has been the biggest learning curve so far? 

Without a doubt, getting to grips with the complexities of software licensing compliance. The rules aren’t static, the industry moves quickly and staying on top of that pace of change is an ongoing challenge. On top of that, business development has been a significant area of growth that I didn’t fully anticipate. It’s a different kind of skill to the analytical side of the role, but an equally important one. 

Is there a project or moment you’re particularly proud of? 

Honestly, the level of responsibility I’ve been trusted with so early in my career. I’ve been involved in major projects where JNC is managing cloud spend in excess of $1 billion, which isn’t something I expected to be part of so soon, and it’s been an incredible learning experience 

I’m also proud of some process control improvements I introduced that the team now uses every day. Seeing something you built become part of how the team operates, that’s a genuinely satisfying feeling. 

What skills have you developed the most? 

It’s been a broad mix. My industry knowledge has grown enormously, but so have my softer skills, communication, leadership, organization and client engagement. The role naturally pushes you across both the technical and commercial sides of consulting, which means you’re constantly developing in multiple directions at once. 

How have your colleagues and mentors helped you settle in?

The support has been brilliant. The consulting team here has a real depth of experience, and people are genuinely willing to make time for you, whether that’s walking you through a complex licensing issue or just sharing how they’d approach a particular situation. That kind of culture makes a real difference, especially in the early months. 

What advice would you give to a new graduate starting their first few weeks?

My advice would be that for any area of interest; there is a pathway you can follow and develop in. Whether that is analysis, technical work, sales, or developing new services, there are always opportunities to grow. 

Personally, I have been given opportunities to expand my capabilities and support the team in different ways, even in areas that were not originally part of the graduate program. 

How do you switch off outside of work? 

Football takes up a fair amount of my time, playing when I can, and watching when I must, which unfortunately means following Reading FC through the highs and the lows. Outside of that, I enjoy the gym, getting outdoors, cooking, and reading. I’m also gearing up for the Three Peaks Challenge in 2026, so that’s keeping me motivated to stay active! 

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn