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Michael, Partner at McDermott + Bull: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from sales and marketing internships to a partnership at McDermott + Bull, a leading executive search firm, is detailed.
The path involved entrepreneurial experience running a franchise, providing a unique business foundation.
This multifaceted role demands strong communication, a robust work ethic, and relationship-building skills, while offering flexibility and a dynamic daily routine including client interaction, extensive research, and US travel.
Success requires a self-starter attitude and a willingness to learn from failures, with mentorship highly valued.
Entry-level opportunities exist as research analysts at larger firms or through contingent search firms, with early and extensive internships proving invaluable.
The industry offers constant learning and exposure to senior executives, making it consistently exciting. A fearless approach, embracing risks and viewing failures as learning opportunities, is essential for career advancement.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Finegold
Partner
McDermott + Bull
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
None
Communications
Recruitment
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
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Career Path Of A Partner At McDermott + Bull
Michael's career journey began with sales and marketing internships at CBRE and LogicCallus, providing exposure to "larger organizations." After college, a desire for entrepreneurship led to opening an Earl of Sandwich franchise, providing a "mini MBA" experience running the full P&L before transitioning to executive search, ultimately becoming a partner focused on private equity clients.
Main Responsibilities of a Partner at McDermott + Bull
Michael's role as Partner at McDermott + Bull involves a multifaceted approach to business development, "bringing in new business" by working with private equity firms and leading executive searches, acting as "a liaison between internal recruiting and research." The role also includes significant leadership responsibilities, focusing on revenue generation, operational excellence, and shaping the firm's culture.
A Day In The Life Of A Partner At McDermott Bull
A day in the life of a partner at McDermott + Bull is incredibly varied, as Michael explains: "every day is different." This includes activities ranging from interviewing CEO candidates and client lunches to extensive market research and business development travel across the US.
Most Important Skills for a Partner at McDermott + Bull
For a partner at McDermott + Bull, strong communication skills—"being able to communicate to the boards of these businesses"—are paramount, alongside a robust work ethic to manage client demands and multitasking. Success hinges on responsiveness, relationship-building, and effectively driving team performance.
Favorite Parts of Being a Partner at McDermott + Bull
Michael, a Partner at McDermott + Bull, most appreciates the "flexibility" inherent in the role, allowing for a balance between personal pursuits, like playing golf, and professional responsibilities, exemplified by the need to occasionally "log back in at night". The role's output is directly tied to the level of commitment, reflecting a results-oriented career approach.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Partner at McDermott + Bull
Michael's biggest challenge as a Partner at McDermott + Bull is "figuring out how to grow the business" within a competitive market. This involves strategic thinking on talent development, both "grooming and growing organically" and attracting talent from competitors, to identify "the biggest opportunities to continue to advance the business."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Executive Search Industry as a Partner
Michael, a Partner at McDermott + Bull, finds the constant learning most rewarding, "speaking to CEOs, CFOs, [and] private equity investors," gaining insights into diverse business operations and the perspectives of senior executives. This daily exposure to varied experiences and challenges makes the career consistently exciting.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Recruitment According To A Partner At McDermott And Bull
To thrive in the industry, a self-starter attitude is crucial; it's "very entrepreneurial," demanding a driven, smart, and hardworking individual who can "create their own path" to success, as no one will guide them.
What A Partner At McDermott + Bull Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Law Industry
Michael, a Partner at McDermott + Bull, reflects that a key lesson learned was the importance of mentorship, wishing they had "a really senior person...to show the ropes and teach how to be successful," as much of their learning came from "failure." This highlights the value of experienced guidance in navigating a demanding career path.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Partners at McDermott and Bull
For undergraduate students interested in entry-level positions, Michael, a Partner at McDermott + Bull, suggests targeting "research analyst" roles at larger firms, noting that internships can help secure these positions. Alternatively, starting at a contingent firm and transitioning to a retained search firm is another potential pathway.
Significant Career Lesson From a Partner at McDermott + Bull
Michael, a Partner at McDermott + Bull, emphasizes that career success hinges on embracing a fearless approach; "you can't be fearful," because valuable learning and growth arise from taking risks and overcoming failures, viewing them as opportunities rather than setbacks.
College Experiences That Helped a Partner at McDermott and Bull Succeed
Michael, a Partner at McDermott + Bull, credits early and extensive internships as key to career success, gaining foundational knowledge and experience—"I got a lot of exposure to how things operate"—that many learn only after graduation. This early immersion, including high school internships, provided a significant head start in the professional world.
Career Advice From a Partner at McDermott and Bull
Michael's most impactful experience at WB Care involved attending diverse lectures and exploring various career options, allowing him to understand what he wanted in a career. This "exploratory" approach, involving "different career paths" and "different classes," helped Michael develop a diversified mindset and discover his passions.
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