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.
People Skills, Relationship Building, Work-Life Balance, Mentorship, Networking
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, Medical & Wellness
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize building relationships with colleagues: The quality of one's work life significantly depends on the people you work with. Choose a workplace where you feel appreciated and can build strong professional relationships.
2. The importance of a strong support network: Lean on your support system outside of work (family, friends, etc.) for balance and perspective. A strong support network helps manage challenges and promotes better performance.
3. Work-life integration: Prioritizing relationships both professionally and personally leads to better overall well-being and career success. The speaker emphasizes the interconnectedness of these aspects of life
Transcript
Michael, what is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
For me, everything really boils down to the people. This is especially true for the lessons or tenets of building a career and a life that I try to keep in mind.
I think of people in a couple of senses. One, who you work with is maybe the most important part of someone's career. It matters a lot more than what I do necessarily.
If you put the perfect job on paper in front of me, but the people weren't necessarily the right fit, or they weren't interested in investing in me, I would say no. I'd rather be manufacturing pencils if it meant working with people I was inspired by, who appreciated me, and who were willing to invest in and nurture each other's growth and development.
So, I think the most important equation for any job is the people. I advise anyone considering a job, whether it's an analysis group or somewhere else, to always take stock of the folks on the other side of the table.
Not just success or failure, but the quality of one's life holistically, as facilitated by the quality of their career, will come down to those people and the relationships you're able to build with them. That's the first thing.
The second thing is, to the extent possible, depending on people outside of work. Whatever support system and community someone has, whether it's family, close friends, or any other social group or network, those people are really important to lean on.
The extent to which we press into those relational dependencies in our lives has a big impact on whether we enjoy our careers, make the right decisions, and are having healthy, holistic lives.
The times that were hardest for me were when I wasn't necessarily leaning on those people. The times I was performing my best at work were when I was also making sure to prioritize my relationships with the people I care about and love the most, who likewise gave me the space to invest in them.
Ultimately, it all comes down to people, both in and outside the workplace. Prioritize the people, and I think things will work out.