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Bobbie, Risk Consultant at CFGI, LLC: Advize Career Interview
A UCLA economics graduate's journey into risk consulting at CFGI, LLC, reveals a dynamic career path built on internships at KPMG, a fulfilling sabbatical, and a remote role.
This career features diverse responsibilities, including designing and evaluating business processes to mitigate various risks, requiring a blend of client interaction, document analysis, and continuous learning.
A day involves juggling multiple projects, combining focused work with collaboration. Success hinges on a positive attitude, strong communication, and a willingness to learn, surpassing technical skills.
The field offers continuous learning, autonomy, and flexibility, but also challenges including imposter syndrome and defining work-life balance.
The industry's dynamism and broad skill applicability are highlighted, as are the attributes of successful professionals: eagerness to learn, flexibility, and strong people skills.
The interview emphasizes the steep learning curve, the importance of consistent effort over emotional highs and lows, and the value of internships and proactive learning in college.
Finally, navigating a male-dominated field and balancing self-confidence are also discussed, showcasing the need for navigating workplace dynamics effectively.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Bobbie Hutchinson
Risk Consultant
CFGI, LLC
UCLA 2018
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics
Professional Services
Consulting
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Risk Consultant at CFGI
Bobbie's career journey began with an economics degree at UCLA, complemented by part-time roles in accounting and marketing, followed by a pivotal internship at KPMG that led to a full-time position as a risk consulting associate. After two years and a fulfilling, multi-year sabbatical involving travel and non-profit work where Bobbie learned Spanish and taught English, a return to risk consulting at CFGI in a remote role provided a satisfying career culmination, reflecting Bobbie's belief that "even these small breaks or sabbaticals are valuable in the long term".
Main Responsibilities of a Risk Consultant at CFGI LLC
Bobbie's main responsibilities as a Risk Consultant involve assisting clients in designing and evaluating "controls," or business processes mitigating various risks, including financial, reputational, and regulatory risks. This requires a blend of client interviews, document analysis ("digging through paperwork...spreadsheets, their financial statements"), and continuous learning to ensure companies maintain safe practices.
A Day in the Life of a Risk Consultant at CFGI LLC
A day for Bobbie as a risk consultant involves juggling "three or four different projects," balancing client meetings where information is gathered and feedback is given with internal collaborations to refine project details. This work allows for flexibility—"it's kind of what I make of it"—combining focused individual work with collaborative discussions to add value for clients.
Most Important Skills for a Risk Consultant at CFGI, LLC
Bobbie, a Risk Consultant, emphasizes that "attitude and soft skills" are paramount in consulting, surpassing technical skills which are readily acquired. Success hinges on "curiosity, willingness to learn," strong collaboration skills, and mindful interpersonal interactions, highlighting the importance of navigating the nuanced dynamics of working with others.
Favorite Parts of Being a Risk Consultant at CFGI
Bobbie enjoys the dynamic and ever-changing nature of risk consulting, stating that "it's rarely repetitive," allowing for continuous learning and problem-solving. The autonomy and trust afforded by the role, coupled with the flexibility to manage work-life balance, are key aspects that make the career fulfilling.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Risk Consultant At CFGI
Despite five years of experience, Bobbie, a Risk Consultant, still faces the challenge of "finding your voice" amongst highly experienced colleagues, battling imposter syndrome and the intimidation of being "usually the one with the least experience in the room". Early career, the consultant also struggled to define "work-life balance" and personal career goals, emphasizing the importance of introspection to avoid being "caught up in the flow of those around you".
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Professional Services Industry As A Risk Consultant
Bobbie, a Risk Consultant, enjoys the professional services industry's dynamism and the broad applicability of its skills; the ability to develop "critical thinking" and "problem-solving" abilities, making the experience valuable for both career advancement within the industry and future career pivots.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Professional Services Industry, According To A Risk Consultant At CFGI, LLC
Bobbie, a Risk Consultant, identifies a successful professional services career requiring "very good students" who are "eager to learn, flexible, and open-minded," adapting to diverse client needs and juggling competing priorities. Success also hinges on strong "people skills," crucial for delivering information and navigating client and managerial expectations.
What a Risk Consultant at CFGI Wishes They Knew Before Entering Consulting
Bobbie, a Risk Consultant, wished someone had prepared her for the "steep learning curve" beyond formal education, highlighting the significant shift from objective academic feedback to the subjective, infrequent, and improvement-focused feedback common in consulting. The transition required Bobbie to redefine success, contextualizing performance within a business's goals rather than solely on personal achievement.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Risk Consultants
Entry-level positions in risk consulting, and consulting broadly, often include "associate" or "analyst" roles, with many opportunities available at large firms like the Big Four accounting firms offering "rigorous training" or smaller firms providing valuable experience. Building a strong foundation through these entry-level positions makes one "very marketable," opening numerous future career paths.
Significant Career Lesson From A Risk Consultant At CFGI, LLC
Bobbie, a Risk Consultant at CFGI, LLC, learned that career success hinges on consistent effort rather than reacting to daily emotional highs and lows; the advice "don't get hung up on the details" helped Bobbie realize that "consistently doing a good job" is key to long-term career advancement.
College Experiences That Helped A Risk Consultant At CFGI LLC Succeed
Bobbie's UCLA experience highlights two key success factors: securing "an internship with the company that hired" Bobbie, and proactively seeking out learning opportunities, including "going to office hours" and engaging with teaching assistants. This resourcefulness and proactive approach to problem-solving, Bobbie suggests, translates directly to success in a career demanding such skills.
How Identity Has Influenced A Risk Consultant's Career At CFGI, LLC
Navigating a male-dominated industry, the risk consultant acknowledges both the support received from "wonderful allies" and the challenges of balancing self-confidence with societal expectations. This includes overcoming "double standards" and actively working to find the balance between being "kind, but not too kind," while avoiding behaviors that might hinder career progression.
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