Michael, Analyst at Analysis Group: Advize Career Interview

A Williams College graduate with degrees in math and history, Michael's career trajectory from internships at ScoreBig, Inc. and Booz Allen Hamilton led to a fulfilling Analyst position at Analysis Group.

This role involves data analysis, client communication, and teamwork, demanding strong communication and organizational skills, along with a persistent curiosity.

A typical day varies dramatically from project-based demands to flexible work schedules, but the most rewarding aspects are the supportive colleagues and the opportunity to become a deep industry expert.

While time management presents a challenge, the significant career lessons learned emphasize relationship-building—both professional and personal—and the importance of pushing oneself academically, as evidenced by their challenging undergraduate coursework.

Entry-level positions in this field, often titled "Analyst" or "Associate Consultant," offer undergraduates a chance to support senior team members on client projects.

This exciting career path offers breadth of industry exposure and significant professional development opportunities.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Michael Stone

Analyst

Analysis Group

Williams College, Class of 2016

Fuller Theological Seminary MAT (2021); UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA (2023)

Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics

Healthcare

Operations and Project Management

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of an Analyst at Analysis Group

Michael's career path began with a math and history undergraduate degree from Williams College, complemented by internships at ScoreBig, Inc., where Michael "learn[ed] the ins and outs of how the business was operated," and Booz Allen Hamilton, which provided "a first taste of Consulting" and sparked interest in the field. This experience ultimately led Michael to their current Analyst position at Analysis Group.

Career Path of an Analyst at Analysis Group

Main Responsibilities of an Analyst at Analysis Group

Michael's main responsibilities at Analysis Group include "preparing data analyses and syntheses," communicating findings effectively, and managing client relationships. A significant portion of the role also involves teamwork, including mentoring junior analysts and acting as a resource for their workflow.

Main Responsibilities of an Analyst at Analysis Group

A Day In The Life Of An Analyst At Analysis Group

A typical day for an analyst at Analysis Group, according to Michael, involves morning meetings to discuss workflow, followed by individual work, and afternoon check-ins. However, the work is project-based, leading to "anomalous" days like "being up at two three am trying to get work done for a deadline," contrasting sharply with lighter days offering "a lot of flexibility."

A Day In The Life Of An Analyst At Analysis Group

Most Important Skills For An Analyst At Analysis Group

Michael, an Analyst at Analysis Group, emphasizes that strong communication skills are "absolutely key," adapting to various audiences and mediums for effective collaboration. Beyond communication, the ability to remain organized, work effectively as a team player, and cultivate a "Curiosity that desire to learn" are crucial for success in this analytical role and in any professional field.

Most Important Skills For An Analyst At Analysis Group

Favorite Parts Of Being An Analyst At Analysis Group

Michael's favorite aspects of being an analyst at Analysis Group are the "amazing" people, who became mentors and friends, and the opportunity to become a subject matter expert by "diving really deep" into specific industries. This deep industry knowledge, gained through working on related cases, provides a significant career advantage.

Favorite Parts Of Being An Analyst At Analysis Group

Biggest Challenges Faced By An Analyst At Analysis Group

Michael's biggest challenge as an Analyst at Analysis Group is time management, particularly juggling competing demands from multiple cases and maintaining work-life balance. This sometimes resulted in "late nights" and required prioritizing work over personal life, a situation Michael describes as having "challenging seasons," but learned to navigate for long-term sustainability and job satisfaction.

Biggest Challenges Faced By An Analyst At Analysis Group

Favorite Parts of Working in the Consulting Industry as an Analyst

Michael's favorite aspect of the consulting industry is "the people," finding the colleagues and clients "very kind and considerate, but...so driven," fostering both professional growth and personal development. This career path also allowed Michael to explore various industries before specializing in healthcare, appreciating "the breadth of exposure" and subsequent opportunities for deep expertise.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Consulting Industry as an Analyst

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry, According To An Analyst At Analysis Group

Michael, an Analyst at Analysis Group, highlights teamwork ("you're working in teams"), curiosity and a "desire to learn," and "determination and resiliency" as crucial traits for success in consulting, emphasizing the importance of these attributes for delivering high-quality work and thriving in a demanding environment. The ability to "put the pedal to the metal" is key to success, alongside the ability to learn technical skills on the job.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry, According To An Analyst At Analysis Group

What An Analyst At Analysis Group Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Consulting Industry

Michael advises against comparing oneself to others, emphasizing that "everyone's experience is different" at Analysis Group, a lesson learned after initial struggles with workload management. This self-discovery, coupled with professional growth and mentorship, ultimately led to a successful career path.

What An Analyst At Analysis Group Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Consulting Industry

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Analysts at Analysis Group

At Analysis Group, an entry-level position is titled "analyst," a role Michael filled upon graduating; other firms may use different titles like "associate consultant," but the core function remains supporting senior team members on client projects in a consulting capacity, "helping execute the needs that the team has on behalf of the client."

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Analysts at Analysis Group

Significant Career Lesson From an Analyst at Analysis Group

Michael's most significant career lesson centers on prioritizing relationships; "the most important equation for any job is the people," both colleagues who invest in their growth and a strong support network outside of work, contributing to both professional success and overall well-being. This emphasis on fostering strong relationships, both within and outside the workplace, profoundly impacts career satisfaction and performance.

Significant Career Lesson From an Analyst at Analysis Group

College Experiences That Helped an Analyst at Analysis Group Succeed

Michael's undergraduate success stemmed from cultivating strong relationships with professors at Williams College, "doing everything to develop good relationships," and intentionally choosing challenging coursework outside their comfort zone, even majoring in math despite initial apprehension. This proactive approach to learning, focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving rather than solely grades, proved invaluable in their career at Analysis Group.

College Experiences That Helped an Analyst at Analysis Group Succeed

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-n-stone/