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Lauren, Manager at Large Consulting Firm : Advize Career Interview

Dive into the world of consulting with insights from a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm, whose journey began with diverse college experiences and a master's in business analytics.

This career path led to seven years at Deloitte, mastering responsibilities from team management and subject matter expertise in health security to business development and proposal management.

A typical day involves balancing team meetings with deep work, requiring curiosity, adaptability, and a can-do attitude.

The most rewarding aspects of this role are mentoring and facilitating big, bold ideas with clients, while the biggest challenge lies in maintaining calm under pressure.

The ever-changing landscape of consulting, with its constant flow of new projects and roles, is a major draw. Thriving in this industry demands problem-solving skills, empathy, and teamwork.

A key lesson learned is the importance of presence and authenticity.

To prepare for this career, pursue diverse opportunities in college, leverage alumni networks, and be open to saying "yes." Entry-level analyst positions offer the chance to explore projects, demonstrate academic knowledge, and inject innovative thinking, making this field an exciting prospect for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Lauren Elizabeth

Manager

Large Consulting Firm

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University - Master of Science in Business Analytics and Johns Hopkins University - Master of Public Health

Economics

Professional Services

Consulting

Greek Life Member

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Career Path of a Manager at Deloitte

Lauren began as an economics major with interests in international relations and environmental studies, gaining experience through a sales operations internship at an Irish newspaper where they "really learned a lot about what it meant to be in a corporate environment," as well as paid research and tutoring roles. After working with international students at Wake Forest, Lauren pursued a master's in business analytics and has since spent seven years in consulting at Deloitte, holding four different positions.

Career Path of a Manager at Deloitte

Main Responsibilities of a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm

Lauren's main responsibilities as a Manager at a large consulting firm fall into three key areas: "managing and supporting teams" by setting direction and reviewing work, acting as a subject matter expert in health security policy and financing by assisting other teams and conducting trainings, and focusing on "business development" through responding to information requests, managing proposals, and developing solutions for clients. These responsibilities highlight the blend of leadership, specialized knowledge, and business acumen required in the consulting world.

Main Responsibilities of a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm

A Day In The Life Of A Manager At A Large Consulting Firm

Lauren, a Manager at a large consulting firm, begins the day with "stacked meetings" to set up the team for success, whether that's addressing work products or discussing deliverables with leadership and clients; Lauren then reserves afternoons for "deep work" like reviewing materials or self-education, while also responding to questions and calls throughout the day.

A Day In The Life Of A Manager At A Large Consulting Firm

Most Important Skills For A Manager At A Large Consulting Firm

Lauren emphasizes that a "continued sense of curiosity" is paramount, as most other skills can be taught, and highlights adaptability and flexibility as key for navigating the unpredictable nature of consulting, requiring professionals to disconnect emotionally and efficiently move forward when plans change. To succeed as a manager in consulting requires "a kind of can-do attitude" and a willingness to tackle problems head-on.

Most Important Skills For A Manager At A Large Consulting Firm

Favorite Parts Of Being A Manager At A Large Consulting Firm

Lauren, a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm, most enjoys "mentoring people," especially onboarding new team members and supporting their career growth across different teams, finding immense satisfaction in helping others achieve their goals. Additionally, Lauren is passionate about facilitating "big bold ideas sessions" with clients and leadership to define a vision and then empowering them to reach that shared dream, finding the process both satisfying and fascinating.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Manager At A Large Consulting Firm

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm

The biggest challenge for Lauren, a Manager at a large consulting firm, is "maintaining a sense of calm" and injecting "lightness and levity" into high-pressure situations, such as harsh client feedback or demanding leadership, even while feeling overwhelmed. It is important to make sure to not appear overwhelmed, even if it is how one feels.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Consulting Industry As A Manager

Lauren enjoys the constant change and new experiences that consulting provides, stating that it always feels like "you're getting a new job" due to ever-evolving projects and roles; they appreciate the opportunity to explore different areas, from national security to strategic communications and now policy and budget financing, by simply "saying yes to it all."

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Consulting Industry As A Manager

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry According To A Manager At Large Consulting Firm

To thrive in a large consulting firm, one must be a "problem solver" who is invigorated, not intimidated, by challenging issues, viewing them as "wicked problems" ripe for collaborative solutions; additionally, a successful person has the ability to work with anyone, demonstrating empathy and adaptability, and to be a team player willing to "jump in" and share in both successes and failures, fostering a "we're all in this together attitude".

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry According To A Manager At Large Consulting Firm

What A Manager At A Consulting Firm Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Consulting Industry

Lauren wishes someone had advised patience when first starting in consulting, as there's value in fully experiencing a role before rushing for promotions, and it's also important to recognize "when something no longer serves you" and to know "you can put things down" to pursue new opportunities. Essentially, it is important to strike a balance between pursuing exciting opportunities and gaining valuable experience, while also knowing when to pivot and explore new avenues.

What A Manager At A Consulting Firm Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Consulting Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Consulting Analysts

Lauren, a Manager at a large consulting firm, explains that the typical entry-level position is an analyst role, which serves as an opportunity to explore various projects and demonstrate academic knowledge while bringing a fresh perspective; as a manager, Lauren appreciates analysts on teams because "they typically have the most unique way of thinking" and inject energy and effectiveness by questioning established practices and proposing innovative solutions.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Consulting Analysts

Significant Career Lesson From a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm

Lauren, a Manager at a large consulting firm, cites the importance of being "present and authentic" as a crucial lesson. By showing up as themself and "looking to connect with others on a human level," regardless of the situation or individual involved, Lauren has been able to move their career forward effectively.

Significant Career Lesson From a Manager at a Large Consulting Firm

College Experiences That Helped a Manager at a Consulting Firm Succeed

To set themselves up for career success, Lauren pursued interesting opportunities in college, embracing a "saying yes to anything and everything that interests" approach since "the worst thing that could happen is someone tells me no." Leveraging the alumni network proved beneficial as well, both as a student and in their career, contributing to a diverse set of experiences that helped hone their interests.

College Experiences That Helped a Manager at a Consulting Firm Succeed
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