Meng, Business Solutions Architect at Avanade: Advize Career Interview

A career in tech consulting offers exciting possibilities, as illustrated by Meng Qi's journey from industrial engineering and supply chain management to a Business Solutions Architect role at Avanade.

The path involved internships at Rockwell Automation and Toyota, building foundational skills in client interaction and process improvement.

A Business Solutions Architect at Avanade shapes custom solutions using Microsoft technologies, requiring strong business analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Day-to-day work involves client calls, internal collaboration, and proposal development, offering flexibility and work-life integration.

The most rewarding aspect is acting as a trusted advisor, driving innovation and implementing cutting-edge solutions.

While challenges exist, such as sales rejections and client negotiations, the continuous learning and dynamic environment, focusing on conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving, make the career incredibly fulfilling.

Entry-level roles like Business Analyst or Management Analyst provide a solid foundation, and building a strong network is key to career advancement.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Meng Qi

Business Solutions Architect

Avanade

Georgia Tech, 2014

UCLA FEMBA

Engineering - Industrial

Technology

Consulting

Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member

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Career Path of a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Meng Qi's career path began with industrial engineering and supply chain management, leading to internships at Rockwell Automation ("educating clients on products and selling them") and Toyota ("visiting suppliers and improving their manufacturing processes"). This experience, combined with four years in consulting, ultimately led to Meng Qi's current role as a Business Solution Architect at Avanade, where they leverage both technical and client-facing skills in large-scale Microsoft project implementations.

Career Path of a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Main Responsibilities of a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

As a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade, a Microsoft-focused subsidiary of Accenture, Meng's main responsibilities include "driving and closing opportunities," shaping custom solutions for clients' needs using Microsoft technologies, and working closely with clients to understand project scope and risks. The role leverages Meng's extensive supply chain experience, resulting in global travel and exposure to diverse industries, allowing for daily variety and unique insights into "how companies make decisions and make purchasing decisions."

Main Responsibilities of a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

A Day In The Life Of A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

A Business Solutions Architect's day at Avanade involves a mix of client calls, internal collaboration, and proposal/statement of work creation; the role's flexibility, allowing for "50 hours a week some weeks" and "30 hours a week some weeks", is a key benefit, enabling work-life integration such as attending "pilates class at 10:30".

A Day In The Life Of A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

Most Important Skills For A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

A Business Solutions Architect's success hinges on strong business analysis skills, "being able to listen" and "solve problems," deeply probing client needs through root cause analysis and collaborative problem-solving with various experts to deliver comprehensive solutions. Effective communication of those solutions to the client is also paramount.

Most Important Skills For A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

Favorite Parts of Being a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Meng, a Business Solutions Architect, most enjoys being "a trusted advisor" who empowers clients to improve their digital landscape using cutting-edge solutions, such as manufacturing automation addressing current workforce challenges. This allows them to remain "at the forefront of innovation," constantly learning and introducing "cool gadgets" to clients.

Favorite Parts of Being a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Meng's biggest challenge as a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade is the inherent rejection rate in sales: "Even if it's the best proposal...the client will say no," requiring resilience and learning from setbacks. This is further compounded by the need to negotiate effectively with more experienced clients, highlighting the continuous learning aspect of Meng's career progression.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Tech Consulting Industry As A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

Meng, a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade, thrives in the "Tech Consulting intersection," enjoying the constant disruption and challenge of modernizing clients' systems, often migrating "everything to the cloud through technologies like Microsoft Azure." This dynamic environment fosters continuous learning and innovative problem-solving for both the clients and Meng's team.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Tech Consulting Industry As A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry According To A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

In consulting sales, success hinges on exceptional communication, both written and oral, coupled with keen observation skills to offer objective insights to clients; the ability to build rapport, actively listen, and demonstrate value are paramount, as "what's gonna close a deal...is the people that are there to explain it," requiring strong organizational and time-management abilities to meet tight deadlines.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry According To A Business Solutions Architect At Avanade

What a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade Wishes They Knew Before Technology Consulting

Meng, a Business Solutions Architect, wishes someone had emphasized the importance of conflict resolution skills before entering the industry, stressing that "the client is always right," even when wrong. Mastering collaborative problem-solving, focusing on solutions rather than blame ("How do we shake hands? How do we accept the alternative?"), is crucial for navigating challenging client interactions and achieving successful outcomes.

What a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade Wishes They Knew Before Technology Consulting

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Business Analysts at Avanade

For entry-level tech consulting, a Business Analyst or Management Analyst role is the typical starting point; this involves "case studies" and "problem-solving" during the interview process and then supporting project teams and adding value on projects afterward, a common role "in every organization".

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Business Analysts at Avanade

Significant Career Lesson from a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Meng's most significant career lesson is the importance of building a wide network, "always get multiple perspectives," reaching out to individuals across all levels, from direct supervisors to executives, for mentorship and advice. This proactive networking strategy accelerated their career progression, resulting in two promotions within three years and providing invaluable support throughout their ten-year tenure.

Significant Career Lesson from a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meng-qi-ab10a83b/,