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Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting : Advize Career Interview
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, offers a dynamic career journey from roles at WebMD and a leading Indian e-commerce company to advising startups and ultimately founding their own firm.
The interview reveals a multifaceted role encompassing client acquisition, strategic advising, and performance analysis, demanding adaptability and problem-solving skills.
A technology background or management experience are valuable, although Anik emphasizes the importance of strong programming skills, which can be developed through early career focus or undergraduate study.
Success in this evergreen consulting industry hinges on proactive, dynamic individuals ready to take on diverse responsibilities, while challenges include securing clients and navigating the competitive landscape.
Anik's experiences highlight valuable lessons in scaling teams effectively and the impact of identity on career navigation, especially within the science and technology sector.
The interview concludes with practical advice on entry-level positions and beneficial undergraduate pursuits, emphasizing web development and design skills.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Anik Biswas
Founder
SuperProd Consulting
JIIt Noida, 2009
UCLA Anderson, PGPX
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Computer Science
Consulting
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
International Student, Honors Student
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Career Path Of A Founder At SuperProd Consulting
Anik's career path includes diverse roles in the healthcare and e-commerce sectors, working with companies such as WebMD and "one of India's largest e-commerce companies," followed by a period advising startups for "three and a half four years" before founding SuperProd Consulting one and a half years ago, where they continue consulting with startups. This reflects a journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurial pursuits within the startup ecosystem.
Main Responsibilities of a Founder at SuperProd Consulting
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, describes their main responsibilities as threefold: "finding clients," "advising clients," and "providing reports on a weekly basis." This highlights the multifaceted nature of their role, encompassing business development and direct client service.
A Day in the Life of a Founder at SuperProd Consulting
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, describes their daily work as highly variable, stating that "every day is different" due to the ever-changing needs of startup clients. This variety includes tasks such as analyzing "traffic and various matrices" to improve startup performance, highlighting the dynamic and problem-solving nature of the role.
Most Important Skills for a Founder at SuperProd Consulting
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, emphasizes the importance of a technology-related undergraduate degree, "preferably in technology," or a management background for a startup advisor role. However, Anik acknowledges that "people don't like technology degrees but end up working in product management," highlighting the possibility of developing necessary skills through experience.
Favorite Parts of Being a Founder at SuperProd Consulting
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, most enjoys the "dynamism" of their current role, citing the opportunity to tackle "three different problems" and work with diverse teams—from designers and marketers to product technologists—in a single day. This variety allows for a stimulating career experience encompassing many aspects of the business.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Founder At SuperProd Consulting
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, identifies client acquisition as the biggest challenge, noting the difficulty of proving value to startups and competing with established firms like McKinsey or BCG for well-funded clients. This involves "convincing clients...that you're the perfect fit," a process complicated by the lack of a standardized approach and the financial limitations of many startups.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Consulting Industry As A Founder
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, finds the consulting industry "Evergreen," citing its enduring need for design, management, and marketing expertise and the potential for substantial earnings, exceeding those in fields like engineering. The industry's vast resources and consistent demand are key reasons for Anik's enjoyment, with the potential for high earning cited as a major benefit.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Their Career, According To A Founder At SuperProd Consulting
Anik of SuperProd Consulting describes thriving professionals as "aggressive go-getters" who are proactive and "dynamic," readily taking on "many hats" and multiple roles. The ability to juggle responsibilities and possess diverse skills are key characteristics for success in this industry, according to Anik.
What a Founder at SuperProd Consulting Wishes They Knew Before Entering Technology Consulting
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, advises aspiring consultants to prioritize strong programming skills early in their careers, stating that "it is probably going to be very difficult for you to learn programming on the job." This early development of skills would allow for better collaboration with engineers and deeper understanding of technology projects.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Product Managers
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, suggests entry-level roles such as "analyst" or "associate product manager," with management graduates potentially starting as "management trainees." Anik also notes that undergraduates from "decent universities" with technology backgrounds could begin as "management trainees" before progressing to product manager roles.
Significant Career Lesson From A Founder At SuperProd Consulting
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, emphasizes the importance of scaling a team by hiring contractors when workload increases, stating that "when you're getting too much work, then there's always good to hire a team." This strategy allows for flexibility and efficient project completion by leveraging "like-minded people."
College Experiences That Helped A Founder At Superprod Consulting Succeed
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, emphasized the importance of foundational skills in web development and design during undergraduate studies, noting that "a lot of companies work on these things these days." This early focus on software engineering provided a strong base for their career, highlighting the value of practical, in-demand skills.
How Identity Has Influenced a Founder at SuperProd Consulting's Career
Anik, Founder at SuperProd Consulting, explained how their identity as an international Asian student significantly impacted career navigation, citing challenges like visa issues and the difficulty of maintaining professional networks while needing to return to their home country. The interviewee noted that being a "native European or a native Britisher" offers advantages in the Science and Technology sector due to those regions' central role in the field.
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