What a Consulting Manager at a Finance Consulting Firm wishes they knew
Erin, a Consulting Manager, reflects that the most valuable skills in finance consulting are "intangible skills," such as communication, which are not sufficiently emphasized in academic settings; the importance of these skills is only truly learned "when you're on the job."
Communication Skills, Intangible Skills, Technical Skills, Career Development, Workplace Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erin Lewis
Consulting Manager
Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
University of Florida 2013
University of Florida, Masters of Accounting
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Effective communication skills are crucial for success in consulting and are often underemphasized in academic settings.
2. Intangible skills are as valuable as technical skills, but they are primarily learned through on-the-job experience.
3. More emphasis should be placed on developing soft skills like communication before entering the workforce.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I would have to hone in again on communication. I think it's something that you have to learn through real-life examples.
It's definitely not something that is talked about in college while you're in school. I think college focuses more on technical skills, which are obviously valuable.
However, I believe the most valuable skills are those more intangible ones that you learn. You tend to learn them when you're on the job because they're not taught in school.
I think that these skills could be taught a little sooner, before you enter the workforce.
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