Contributing to an Educational Revolution
This month, we sat down with Anna Valeria Creitz, Global Head of CSR at BearingPoint, to explore how a leading European consultancy is contributing to an educational revolution. After a career in digital transformation and organizational change, Anna shifted her focus toward purpose-driven impact. In this interview, Anna shares why BearingPoint chose to partner with 42, what makes the school’s model so aligned with their values, and how the company hopes to help redefine the future of accessible, inclusive tech education.
Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your educational and professional background?
Sure, my name is Anna. I work as Global Head of CSR at BearingPoint — this is a second career for me. I used to implement Digitalization and Change Projects and eCommerce Solution with clients and implement new organizational structures and controlling systems, before shifting my career towards something closer to my purpose. I was lucky to study Economics, which gave me a great foundation for my current career.
Can you tell us more about the company you work for and what you do there?
BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. BearingPoint is a forerunner in holistic CSR, viewing it as one of its core responsibilities. This approach has allowed us to create a broader impact on the planet, on people and on society as a whole. My job is to ensure our strategy is carried out globally, together with the local teams, our global team and the leadership.
How did BearingPoint first come across 42? What was particularly interesting about 42?
We were looking for a non-profit organization we could partner with — ideally one that aligns with our values and allows us to give back to the community in a meaningful way. That’s when we came across 42. The concept immediately caught our attention: a tuition-free IT school that is accessible to anyone above 18, regardless of their background or previous experience. We found it particularly inspiring that 42 supports not only young people starting their professional journey, but also those who want to change their career path later in life.
Another aspect that resonated with us was the global network of campuses. 42 has campuses close to our own offices in multiple locations, which makes collaboration much more tangible. Overall, it seemed like a well-established and forward-thinking initiative, large enough to build company-wide CSR activities around, yet still deeply committed to its social mission.
What were the motivations behind BearingPoint’s decision to partner up with 42?
As a management and technology consultancy, we felt that partnering with 42 was a natural fit. Students at 42 are passionate about technology and innovation, which perfectly matches the mindset we value in our own teams. We wanted to give back in an area where we have real expertise — supporting aspiring developers and tech talents on their journey.
Building on the skills students develop at 42, we can provide a broader perspective on how software development ties into business strategy, project management, and client needs. By sharing our experience from real-world projects, we hope to inspire students and help them see additional ways their skills can be applied in various business contexts.
In your opinion, what sets 42 apart from other programming schools?
What really sets 42 apart is its unique, tuition-free model and its peer-to-peer learning approach. Students learn by doing, collaborating, and solving real-life challenges without traditional lectures or teachers. This not only helps them build strong technical skills but also fosters creativity, independence, and teamwork. It also gives them an invaluable skill in today’s world: the ability to learn to learn.
Moreover, the fact that it’s open to everyone, regardless of prior education or background, makes it a truly inclusive program. It empowers people to take control of their learning journey and build a new career path in tech. The combination of accessibility, innovation, and community spirit makes 42 stand out from traditional coding schools.
What are your (or your company’s) hopes for the future of education? How do you see your company contributing towards this in the near future?
We believe the future of education should be more inclusive, practical, and aligned with the skills needed in a rapidly changing world. Lifelong learning and the ability to adapt are becoming increasingly important.
As a consultancy, we see our role in bridging the gap between education and the business world. We want to help students and young professionals understand how technology and management interact, and how both can be used to create real impact. By partnering with initiatives like 42, we aim to contribute to a more hands-on, accessible, and future-oriented learning environment — one that empowers people to take ownership of their personal and professional growth.
A quick word to conclude our interview?
To conclude, we are proud to be part of an initiative that makes a real impact by opening doors to tech education for people from all walks of life. Fostering inclusion and supporting lifelong learning are at the heart of what we do, and we believe that accessible education is key to building a stronger, more innovative community. By working together, we can help shape a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.
