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Jack, Consultant at Big 4 Consulting Firm: Advize Career Interview
This interview with a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm paints a picture of a dynamic and rewarding career.
Starting with a degree in accounting and an internship that led to a "risk and financial advisory" role, the consultant's work is project-based, involving tailoring technology to client needs.
Each day is different, demanding adaptability and a blend of analytical and communication skills. Agility, resilience, and strong relationship-building are crucial.
The consultant enjoys the growth environment and camaraderie fostered by working with smart coworkers. The biggest challenge involves continuous professional development through seeking out and excelling at increasingly difficult tasks.
Thriving in this industry requires confidence, a growth mindset, and the ability to connect with others. An emphasis on relationship building, leveraging strengths, and taking ownership of work are key lessons learned.
Entry-level opportunities are diverse, welcoming individuals with varied backgrounds, provided they can demonstrate practical skills.
Maintaining a solid work-life balance and approaching new experiences with an open mind are essential for long-term success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Jack Hirsch
Consultant
Big 4 Consulting Firm
Santa Clara University
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Accounting
Technology
Consulting
Honors Student
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Career Path Of A Consultant At A Big 4 Consulting Firm
Jack, a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm, has a degree in accounting from Santa Clara University and secured an internship with their current company during sophomore year; the internship was in external audit, which "was not the most common path," but after realizing it wasn't the right fit, they transitioned into a more fulfilling consulting role in "risk and financial advisory" and has remained there ever since.
Main Responsibilities of a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm
As a consultant at a Big 4 firm, Jack's responsibilities are project-based, where "brains are for hire" to execute projects for clients based on pre-defined specifications. Currently, the consultant's work involves tailoring technology, such as BlackLine, to a company's specific needs, much like customizing an iPhone, but on a much more complex scale, to enhance processes like account reconciliations.
A Day In The Life Of A Consultant At A Big 4 Consulting Firm
A consultant's day-to-day is highly variable and "dictated by...clients," requiring adaptability to their communication styles, whether deeply analytical or more focused on soft skills. Depending on the project phase, work can range from heavy data analytics and technical troubleshooting to writing and implementation, often following a "design build and configure test and train" methodology, with a hypercare period to ensure client satisfaction.
Most Important Skills for a Consultant at Big 4 Consulting Firm
For a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm, the most important skills are "agility" and "resilience" for tackling constantly changing and challenging problems, along with strong communication skills for email writing, presentations, and client interactions. Relationship skills are also "sneakily really important" for being pleasant to work with, as firms prioritize consultants who are not only smart and capable but also enjoyable to be around.
Favorite Parts of Being a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm
Jack, a Consultant at a Big 4 firm, most enjoys the people, especially the "growth environment" fostered by working with smart coworkers and the unique opportunity to build strong friendships with a large cohort of peers in a similar stage of life, which also serves a professional purpose since "half of networking is being friends anyways."
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Consultant At Big 4 Consulting Firm
Jack from a Big 4 consulting firm identifies the biggest challenge as the need to constantly "raise your hand" for more challenging tasks and then "back it up" with excellent execution, especially as expectations rise with experience and promotions. This challenge is seen as a positive aspect of the job, feeling like "a master's degree" in continuous professional development, where one is "driving your own career" and acting as both "challenger and champion."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Technology Industry As A Big 4 Consultant
As a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm, Jack enjoys being involved in multiple industries but especially the tech industry, which Jack has "geeked out on" since childhood; furthermore, Jack appreciates bringing their passion and expertise in BlackLine to the tech industry's "fail fast, and then grow" mentality. Being based in both Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Jack has been able to bring the different subject matter expertise and tech passion to various industries.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Consulting, According To A Consultant At Big 4 Consulting Firm
Jack, a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm, believes that people who thrive in the industry are "confident" and possess a growth mindset, along with being "relationship focused;" furthermore, a successful professional is willing to "push themselves to show up in the moments that matter," while also knowing and admitting what they don't know.
What a Consultant at a Big 4 Firm Wishes They Knew Before Entering Consulting
Entering the Big 4 consulting world as an undergrad was intimidating, and Jack wishes someone had emphasized the importance of relationship building early on. A key takeaway is that "there are a number of ways to succeed" by leveraging strengths and pushing oneself.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Big 4 Consultants
Jack from a Big 4 consulting firm suggests that entry-level opportunities are incredibly diverse, stating "if you can think of a degree, these companies probably hire somebody with that degree," and that relevant experience or passion can override degree specifics, making opportunities available even for those with unconventional backgrounds. Being able to "walk the walk the talk" is key, signaling that practical skills and demonstrable expertise are highly valued over a specific educational background.
Significant Career Lesson from a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm
Jack, a Consultant at a Big 4 firm, learned that career advancement sometimes requires a fundamental mindset shift, saying one must "flip a switch in your brain," rather than relying solely on structured processes. For Jack, this meant enhancing the ownership of the work done on a day-to-day basis, which ultimately proved to be incredibly valuable to their career.
College Experiences That Helped a Consultant at a Big 4 Consulting Firm Succeed
Jack credits a good academic advisor for guiding them toward a challenging but rewarding accounting degree, and also highlights the importance of avoiding burnout, noting how some younger professionals struggle after overexerting themselves in college, but notes that taking time off and maintaining "a solid work-life balance" helped avoid this. Jack believes maintaining an "open mind" and being "willing to go and be a sponge" has been key to success both in school and at work.
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