Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Strategy Analysts
Arnav, a senior manager at LiquiLoans, unexpectedly transitioned from business development into a strategy role, learning on the job. The biggest surprise was the "chaotic" nature of the work and the significant resistance to change encountered when proposing new strategies, a challenge that requires strong interpersonal skills to overcome and something that a more thorough introduction to the role would have been helpful in understanding.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Overcoming Challenges, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Arnav Sutaria
Sr. Manager - Financial Alliances & Strategy
LiquiLoans (FinTech Startup)
University of Mumbai, 2018
None, professional certification - Chartered Accountant (India)
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Strategic Management and Executive
International Student
Video Highlights
1. Many strategy roles begin with other responsibilities; Arnav started in business development and transitioned into strategy.
2. The role requires significant interpersonal skills to navigate resistance to change from internal and external stakeholders.
3. Success in the strategy field involves learning how to effectively influence and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
Sure. What I learned about the strategy role before entering it was that I wasn't even hired as a strategist. Honestly, I was hired as a business development person.
They told me I would be managing client relationships. I did that reasonably well, even helping management secure two of the firm's largest clients. They were happy and asked me to help with strategy as well.
I didn't know anything about internal strategy when I took it on within my existing role, but I learned as I went. One thing I wish I had known was how chaotic it would be.
I had to speak to so many people and deal with resistance. Often, strategies you propose might be met with resistance because departments have stakeholders benefiting from current processes. Implementing a strategy might initially require more work, even if it reduces it long-term.
Resistance to change is common. This is even true in auditing, where client staff might think the auditor is there to point out mistakes and therefore not cooperate.
I wish I had known how difficult it could be to drive change or get desired results, especially when dealing with internal and external stakeholders. A little introduction or preparation would have been nice.
However, once you're in, you find your way and learn how to deal with people. Even difficult people will usually go along if you make them see reason. So, learning how to deal with people and knowing how difficult they can be is something I wish I had known beforehand.
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