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Jerry, Senior Consultant at AArete: Advize Career Interview
A career at AArete, as exemplified by a Senior Consultant's journey, reveals a dynamic and rewarding path in management consulting.
The interviewee's unconventional entry, leveraging online resources and analytical skills gained from a benefits consulting firm, showcases the possibility of success through self-driven initiative.
The role demands strong "soft skills," data analysis, and problem-solving, offering autonomy and the opportunity to mentor teams.
While the transition from individual contributor to delegator presents a challenge, the constant variety and learning opportunities across diverse industries make the work consistently engaging.
Success in this field requires adaptability and sociability, along with a pragmatic approach balancing perfectionism with timely delivery.
Proactive networking and industry research are key takeaways, alongside the vital lesson of perseverance in navigating ambiguity and achieving incremental progress.
Entry-level positions typically begin as analysts, often preceded by internships, providing a structured pathway into this exciting profession.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jerry Huang
Senior Consultant
AArete
UCI 2015
UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA
Medical, Sciences & Related, Economics
Consulting
Consulting
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Senior Consultant at Accenture
Jerry's career path wasn't traditionally planned; after graduating from UCI with degrees in business economics and public health policy, and lacking targeted preparation, Jerry "scrounge[d] up all of like these resources just from like Googling and looking online" to break into management consulting. This led to a role at a benefits consulting firm, building analytical skills before transitioning to AArete as a consultant, then senior consultant, demonstrating a successful, albeit unconventional, career trajectory.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Consultant at AArete
Jerry's main responsibility as a Senior Consultant at AArete is "getting from point A to B for clients," meaning helping clients achieve their goals, whether that's "reducing healthcare costs" or system integration, while also managing client relationships and the project team. This highlights the dynamic and client-focused nature of Jerry's consulting work.
A Day In The Life Of A Senior Consultant At AArete
Before the pandemic, a typical week for Jerry, a Senior Consultant at AArete, involved "flying out Monday morning" to a client site, working long hours to complete identified tasks, and returning Thursday. The remainder of the week was spent working from home, continuing progress towards project goals while also allowing for some personal time.
Most Important Skills for a Senior Consultant at AArete
Jerry, a Senior Consultant at AArete, emphasizes the critical importance of "soft skills," particularly the ability to "build frameworks and processes from scratch" and communicate effectively with clients to ensure adoption of solutions. In addition to strong data analysis and presentation skills, the capacity for independent problem-solving and conceptualization is paramount for success in their consulting role.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Senior Consultant At AArete
Jerry, a Senior Consultant at AArete, finds the most fulfilling aspects of the role to be the "autonomy" to "come up with...how [they] want to get things done," and the chance to "invest in others" by leading and mentoring teams. This highlights a career progression marked by both independent problem-solving and a growing commitment to team leadership and development.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Senior Consultant at AArete
Jerry's biggest challenge as a Senior Consultant at AArete has been "making that transition" from individual contributor to delegator, finding it difficult to "let go of some of that" hands-on work after three or four years. This highlights the common career hurdle of relinquishing individual control as responsibilities broaden.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Consulting Industry as a Senior Consultant
Jerry, a Senior Consultant at AArete, thrives on the continuous challenge and variety inherent in consulting, describing it as "always an opportunity for a new challenge" with projects spanning diverse industries and problem types. This constant learning and exposure to new situations prevents boredom and allows for rapid skill development.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Consulting, According To A Senior Consultant At AArete
Jerry, a Senior Consultant at AArete, highlights the diversity of successful professionals in the industry, stating there is "no typical mold," with some excelling in analysis and presentations while others thrive in client management and empathy. Adaptability and sociability, however, are traits Jerry identifies as generally contributing to success.
What a Senior Consultant at AArete Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Consulting Industry
Early in Jerry's consulting career, a Senior Consultant at AArete, a focus on "getting everything perfect" proved unsustainable in the fast-paced environment. The most valuable lesson learned was balancing perfectionism with a pragmatic approach, aiming for "90 or 95%" to meet deadlines and avoid burnout, ultimately improving overall performance.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Analysts
Jerry, a Senior Consultant at AArete, notes that entry-level roles in their field are typically "analyst" positions, suggesting internships as a strong pathway to full-time employment after graduation; the interviewee admits their own career path was "atypical," making their specific advice limited to observations of their company's typical hiring practices.
Significant Career Lesson From a Senior Consultant at AArete
Jerry's most significant career lesson is "persevering until something works out," especially in ambiguous situations where the path forward isn't clear. This approach of making "incremental steps" has been crucial to Jerry's success in navigating complex professional challenges.
College Experiences That Helped a Senior Consultant at AArete Succeed
Jerry, a Senior Consultant at AArete, reflects that undergraduate preparation for career success was lacking, wishing they had "pulled off the eye into what I wanted to do." However, later success stemmed from "putting in the work to really get to know the industry" and "reaching out to people to learn from their experiences," illustrating the importance of proactive industry research and networking.
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