Jake, Principal, Strategy & Management Consulting at RSM US LLP: Advize Career Interview

Dive into the dynamic world of strategy and management consulting with insights from a Principal at RSM US LLP. This career journey began with an industry-specific internship, blossomed into diverse roles within the manufacturing sector, and ultimately led to a thriving consulting career focused on driving growth, cultivating a positive workplace, and ensuring quality client deliverables.

The keys to success? Technical expertise is a given, but cultivating an executive presence – commanding rooms and guiding stakeholders – is paramount.

Experience the diversity of client engagements, impacting middle market organizations and witnessing tangible change firsthand.

Embrace a bit of quirkiness, thrive on flexibility, and prepare to continuously learn in the face of evolving industry landscapes.

Forget early retirement fantasies; reaching the Principal level means amplified expectations and responsibilities.

Entry points like associate roles offer unparalleled exposure, while those with prior industry experience can leverage that to start as a senior associate or supervisor. The most important lesson?

Always prepare diligently, recognizing the value of humility and continuous learning, while networking extensively to broaden perspectives beyond typical boundaries.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Jake Winquist

Principal, Strategy & Management Consulting

RSM US LLP

College of Charleston

Boston University - MBA

Business Management & Admin

Professional Services

Consulting

None Applicable

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Career Path of a Principal Strategy and Management Consultant at RSM

After graduating college, a key early experience was an "industry specific internship, with a large global manufacturer" which then led to several roles at two different companies in that same industry for approximately 7-8 years, before Jake "hopped the fence into consulting" for another 7-8 years, eventually becoming a Principal, Strategy & Management Consulting at RSM US LLP.

Career Path of a Principal Strategy and Management Consultant at RSM

Main Responsibilities of a Principal Strategy and Management Consulting at RSM US LLP

As a Principal at RSM, Jake's main responsibilities revolve around three key pillars: driving growth for the firm's industrials and manufacturing consulting services, ensuring a positive and challenging "culture and people" environment, and maintaining "quality of work" and client deliverables to meet expectations and regulatory requirements. The goal is to foster an environment where the team can excel and RSM continues to be a great place to work.

Main Responsibilities of a Principal Strategy and Management Consulting at RSM US LLP

Most Important Skills For A Strategy And Management Consulting Principal At RSM US LLP

For a career in strategy and management consulting, Jake from RSM US LLP highlights that while technical expertise in areas like data analytics, finance, or supply chain is "table stakes," the ability to project an "executive presence" - commanding a room, leading discussions, and guiding stakeholders to a desired outcome - is critical for being truly impactful. This second skill, while partially inherent, can be learned and grown through experience.

Most Important Skills For A Strategy And Management Consulting Principal At RSM US LLP

Favorite Parts of Being a Strategy and Management Consulting Principal at RSM

Jake, a Principal at RSM, enjoys the "diversity of experiences" that consulting offers. The role provides opportunities to engage with various clients across different industries, sizes, and problem statements, which is a "huge value prop" for a career in professional services.

Favorite Parts of Being a Strategy and Management Consulting Principal at RSM

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Principal Strategy and Management Consultant at RSM US

Jake, a Principal at RSM, finds the biggest challenge in the role is the need to "be a step ahead" of clients in a constantly evolving environment shaped by AI, automation, global trade, and regulations, demanding continuous research and education to stay informed on leading issues. The role in professional services necessitates domain expertise and industry foresight, requiring individuals in the role to "go the extra mile" to remain valuable to clients.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Principal Strategy and Management Consultant at RSM US

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Management Consulting Industry As A Principal

Jake enjoys working with clients, especially in the middle market, to "really affect change" and directly impact their organizations. Being "in the room" with key decision-makers and witnessing the "incremental material changes" happen live is the most impactful and "coolest part" of the industry for Jake.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Management Consulting Industry As A Principal

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Management Consulting Industry, According To A Principal At RSM US LLP

According to Jake, excelling in strategy and management consulting at RSM requires someone "a little quirky" who embraces change and flexibility, especially regarding travel and schedule. Thriving means being "okay with not having the consistency of your kind of typical nine to five desk job."

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Management Consulting Industry, According To A Principal At RSM US LLP

What a Principal at RSM US LLP Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Consulting Industry

Jake humorously notes that reaching the Principal level at a consulting firm doesn't equate to early retirement and endless leisure; instead, "the expectations have upped a little bit," suggesting increased pressure and responsibility come with the role, albeit in a positive way. Making partner doesn't mean that a career professional gets to own a second home and go golfing all day every day.

What a Principal at RSM US LLP Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Consulting Industry

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Consultants at RSM US LLP

Jake from RSM US LLP suggests that the "easy" entry point into strategy and management consulting is an "associate" role, which offers valuable exposure to diverse clients, industries, and projects. For those with a few years of industry experience, a "senior associate or supervisor level" position might be attainable, leveraging their pre-existing expertise.

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Consultants at RSM US LLP

Significant Career Lesson From a Strategy Management Consulting Principal at RSM US LLP

Jake, a Principal at RSM US LLP, highlights a significant career lesson: "never assume that you're the smartest person in the room," which shifts focus towards thorough preparation to "come across as one of the smarter people in that room," ultimately leading to improved performance in meetings and presentations. This mindset necessitates diligent preparation and rehearsal, showcasing the importance of humility and continuous self-improvement in career advancement.

Significant Career Lesson From a Strategy Management Consulting Principal at RSM US LLP

College Experiences That Helped a Strategy and Management Consulting Principal at RSM Succeed

Graduate school highlighted for Jake the critical importance of networking, starting with making connections with peers in the MBA cohort and broader community, to gain diverse perspectives from outside an individual's typical "lane" and "bubble." RSM's Principal of Strategy & Management Consulting notes that understanding what else is out there and gaining perspectives from others is "really, really important" for career success.

College Experiences That Helped a Strategy and Management Consulting Principal at RSM Succeed

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-winquist/