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Fahim, Senior Consultant at Deloitte: Advize Career Interview
A career path from UCLA's political science program, enhanced by a semester-long internship on Capitol Hill, led to a fulfilling journey at Deloitte.
This individual's progression from nonprofit and research firm roles to a Senior Consultant position showcases a dedication to financial data and risk management for government clients.
The work involves detailed financial record reviews, developing internal control systems, and collaborating with teams across the country.
Strong communication and attention to detail are vital, along with effective presentation skills and the ability to prioritize responsibilities amidst a dynamic industry offering significant growth possibilities.
A collaborative spirit and proactive helpfulness are key to success, as is leveraging resources and networking, particularly for first-generation college students navigating similar challenges.
Entry-level opportunities exist at both large and small consulting firms, offering diverse pathways into this exciting and rewarding field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Fahim Badal
Senior Consultant
Deloitte
UCLA
N//A
Political Science, American Studies
Professional Services
Finance
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Senior Consultant at Deloitte
Fahim's career path began with a political science degree at UCLA, enhanced by a semester-long internship "on the Hill for the senate committee on banking and finance" through the UC DC program. This led to roles at a nonprofit, an education research firm, and a small consulting firm before joining Deloitte, where the focus on "financial data and risk management" continued in their current advisory role.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Consultant at Deloitte
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, focuses on "risk management" for various government clients at the state, local, and federal levels. Their main responsibility involves reviewing financial records and data to offer recommendations and develop systems—referred to as "internal controls"—that mitigate current and future financial risks.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Consultant at Deloitte
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, begins each workday remotely by reviewing their agenda and meeting with their team of consultants and analysts to coordinate the day's activities, then spends the day in client meetings, "anticipating future issues" and working on risk management and future project proposals, concluding with a team status report. This highlights the multifaceted nature of a senior consultant's role, balancing team management, client interaction, and strategic planning.
Most Important Skills for a Senior Consultant at Deloitte
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, emphasizes that "attention to detail" is crucial for managing the influx of information from clients, government agencies, and internal sources. Equally important, and perhaps even more so, is strong communication, requiring the ability to adapt "according to who you're working with," whether colleagues, managers, or clients.
Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Consultant at Deloitte
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, most enjoys the collaborative nature of the role, stating that "it's really cool to see when we create something together." This highlights the value of diverse perspectives from colleagues across the country, each contributing their "different specialties" to a shared outcome.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Senior Consultant at Deloitte
Fahim's biggest challenge as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte is "prioritization of responsibilities," juggling client work urgency, business development contributions, and ongoing professional development in fields like AI. This highlights the demanding nature of a senior consulting role requiring a balance of immediate tasks, strategic contributions, and continuous learning to remain competitive.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Consulting Industry as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, most enjoys the "various growth possibilities" within the industry, citing significant "career growth and personal growth" in skills ranging from communication to technology and industry knowledge. This continuous learning, fueled by the dynamic environment and interactions with business professionals, is what makes the work so rewarding for Fahim.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry According To A Senior Consultant At Deloitte
Deloitte Senior Consultant Fahim identifies "go-getters" who demonstrate extra effort in "business related pursuits" as thriving in the industry. A positive work environment fostered by "kind people" is also crucial for success, making client and personal work easier.
What a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Consulting Industry
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, wishes they had known the importance of advanced presentation skills, specifically "PowerPoint storytelling," before entering the consulting industry; the ability to tailor presentations to different clients, "some people like heavy information... some people like very clear graphics," is crucial for success in the field.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Consultants at Deloitte
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, advises undergraduate students interested in consulting to explore opportunities at both large firms like "the big four" and smaller consulting firms, emphasizing that "smaller consulting firms...provide valuable experience" and a less intense learning environment. This approach, as illustrated by Fahim's own career trajectory starting at a smaller firm, allows for foundational skill development before advancing to more challenging roles.
Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Consultant At Deloitte
Fahim, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, identifies "Help others when you can" as the most significant career lesson. This approach, exemplified by proactively offering assistance to managers on projects, led to reciprocal support resulting in a subsequent project opportunity—demonstrating the long-term benefits of a collaborative and helpful work ethic.
College Experiences That Helped a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Succeed
Fahim's participation in the University Center for Washington, D.C. (UCDC) program, specifically an internship with the Senate Committee on Banking, provided invaluable real-world experience and broadened their professional horizons. The strong communication skills developed through political science coursework, where "debating and conversing" were central, proved equally crucial for success in their career at Deloitte, allowing them to effectively communicate with diverse individuals.
How Identity Has Influenced A Senior Consultant At Deloitte's Career
Fahim's experience as a first-generation, low-income college student significantly impacted career navigation, requiring "working extra hard" to secure paid opportunities and actively seeking advice from others who had similar experiences. This proactive approach, including leveraging programs like the one providing "three months of free housing," ultimately led to success, highlighting the importance of resourcefulness and networking in overcoming systemic barriers.
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