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Audrey, Strategy Consultant at Accenture LLP: Advize Career Interview
A Yale economics graduate's journey to becoming a Strategy Consultant at Accenture LLP is highlighted, revealing a multifaceted career path involving externships at Bain and BCG, followed by a summer analyst role at The Riverside Group.
The interviewee's daily activities are dynamic, encompassing client interaction, data analysis using Excel, and impactful presentation creation.
Success hinges on effective storytelling, transforming data into compelling narratives, and strong client relationship management.
A collaborative work environment, diverse industry exposure, and the ability to adapt to unexpected complexities are key aspects of the role.
The interviewee emphasizes the importance of preparation, a unique perspective, and diverse extracurricular experiences to stand out in the competitive consulting world.
Finally, navigating challenges as a woman of color in the industry is addressed, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and mentorship.
This insightful account offers a realistic and inspiring perspective on a career in strategy consulting.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Audrey DeVaughn
Strategy Consultant
Accenture LLP
Yale University, 2017
UCLA Anderson, MBA, 2023
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics
Consulting
Consulting
Scholarship Recipient
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Career Path Of A Strategy Consultant At Accenture
Audrey's career path began at Yale University with a bachelor's degree in economics and included "two Consulting externships with Bain and BCG," followed by a summer analyst role at The Riverside Group. This experience led to a full-time position at Accenture, where Audrey progressed from Strategy Analyst to Strategy Consultant through demonstrated skill and performance.
Main Responsibilities Of A Strategy Consultant At Accenture
Audrey's main responsibilities as a Strategy Consultant at Accenture involve "interfacing with the client," conducting extensive research and analysis using Excel, and creating presentations for stakeholders. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the role, encompassing client interaction, data analysis, and presentation skills.
A Day in the Life of a Strategy Consultant at Accenture LLP
A Strategy Consultant at Accenture LLP describes "no typical day," but frequently includes client and internal team meetings, along with project-dependent tasks such as "desk research, interviews, and analysis" or "brainstorming, developing solutions, and creating deliverables." The work phases significantly influence daily activities, shifting between research and recommendation stages.
Most Important Skills For A Strategy Consultant At Accenture LLP
For a strategy consultant at Accenture LLP, the most crucial skill is "being able to tell an effective story," transforming data and insights into a compelling narrative for clients. This involves managing client relationships and using tools like Excel and PowerPoint, but the ability to communicate complex information concisely is paramount to success in this role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Strategy Consultant at Accenture
Audrey, a Strategy Consultant at Accenture, most enjoys "building with the team and client team," finding the collaborative aspects—including after-work team dinners and client activities—the most rewarding part of the role. This highlights the importance of strong relationships in a demanding consulting career.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Strategy Consultant At Accenture LLP
A significant challenge in Audrey's strategy consulting role at Accenture is adapting to unexpected complexities; initial project scopes, sold by the managing director, often underestimate the true scale of the problem, requiring Audrey and their team to "adapt to new information" and still deliver on time despite this "uncertainty".
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Consulting Industry As A Strategy Consultant
Audrey, a Strategy Consultant at Accenture, enjoys the "opportunity to work across different Industries" and functions, gaining exposure to diverse business models. The firm's tech focus, with its "fast-moving, ever evolving" nature, allows Audrey to implement innovative strategies and help clients modernize, a key aspect of their fulfilling career.
Who Thrives In The Consulting Industry, According To A Strategy Consultant At Accenture
To thrive as a Strategy Consultant at Accenture, a person needs to be "help[ful] and collaborative," adaptable to "a lot of different uncertainty," and possess strong client relationship management skills by being able to "create connections with a lot of different types of people." These interpersonal skills are key to success in this industry.
What a Strategy Consultant at Accenture Wishes They Knew Before Consulting
Audrey, a Strategy Consultant at Accenture, learned that "an outside perspective...is just as valuable as the perspective of an expert," a realization that significantly impacted their early career by allowing them to confidently contribute creative solutions and "make their voice heard."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Strategy Consultants At Accenture LLP
Accenture, and similar consulting firms, offer structured entry-level roles such as "analyst" or "associate" positions across divisions like technology, design, and strategy. These analyst-level positions are the typical entry point for undergraduate students seeking a career in consulting.
Significant Career Lesson From a Strategy Consultant at Accenture
Audrey, a Strategy Consultant at Accenture LLP, identified "the art of preparation" as a significant career lesson, noting that thorough preparation, even for presentations, led to eloquent delivery and positive client feedback exceeding that of senior team members. This approach, described as "faking it till you make it," built confidence and proved crucial for sharing ideas effectively throughout their career.
College Experiences That Helped A Strategy Consultant At Accenture Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Audrey, a Strategy Consultant at Accenture LLP, recommends balancing academic work with diverse extracurricular leadership roles and unique experiences, such as studying abroad in Tanzania for wildlife conservation. This approach, Audrey explains, provides "a whole host of stories" to showcase one's personality and interests during interviews, making the candidate more memorable and interesting than simply matching a job description.
How Identity Has Influenced a Strategy Consultant at Accenture's Career
As a woman of color in a predominantly white business world, Audrey has found the need to "advocate for self and take up space," constantly proving capability to earn trust. This experience led Audrey to prioritize preparation, mentorship, and seeking support from those who understand similar challenges.
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