College Experiences That Helped An Associate Consultant At Mercer Succeed
Peter's undergraduate program's "Consulting specific recruiting program" provided invaluable networking opportunities and case interview training, giving Peter "an understanding whether or not this industry is for me" and the skills needed for job applications. This early network proved crucial later in their career, with these established connections providing support and mentorship that Peter credits as essential to their success, highlighting the importance of building relationships.
Networking, Career Development, Consulting, Mentorship, Job Search
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Peter Yuan
Associate Consultant
Mercer
University of British Columbia
UCLA Anderson School of Management (MBA)
Finance
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
International Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Develop strong networking skills by engaging with professionals in your field of interest.
2. Seek out mentorship opportunities to gain valuable insights and guidance from experienced individuals.
3. Build a strong network of contacts early in your career to create opportunities and support for future endeavors. This can be built through college programs and early career experiences.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad that set you up for success in your career?
One thing that stood out for me in undergrad was the consulting-specific recruiting program. We had the opportunity to engage with former and current consultants. This helped us learn how to network, how to prepare for case interviews, and gave us a general understanding of the consulting landscape and industry.
This program was really beneficial. It helped me understand if consulting was the right industry for me and provided me with the necessary skills to interview for these roles. More importantly, it opened up a network of people I could rely on.
So, when I decided to pursue consulting again during my MBA, I already had a substantial network. I had gotten to know people over nearly a decade, and I could reach out to them. All of a sudden, I had supporters and champions at various firms looking out for me.
The power of your connections and the people you meet is truly something special. Hopefully, no one ever takes it for granted. I'm genuinely grateful for the people who have helped pave the way for my career. It really does take a village to raise an individual.
I'm always grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and past peers. They've all, in some way or another, helped form and shape my career.