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Rakhee, Impact & Evaluation Consultant at Independent Consultant: Advize Career Interview
Rakhee's winding career path, from combining numbers and sports in early roles to a PhD in statistics and market research at leading firms like Hypothesis, and culminating in impact and evaluation consulting for nonprofits, offers a compelling narrative of adaptability and skill development.
The work involves diverse responsibilities, from data analysis and strategic planning to communications and budget management. A typical day is a dynamic mix of meetings, collaborative sessions, and focused work, demanding but flexible.
Success in this field requires strong collaboration skills, the ability to translate complex data into easily understandable information, and a mission-driven approach.
The most rewarding aspects include the flexibility, social impact, and collaborative nature of the nonprofit sector, while challenges include workload management and defining success beyond simple metrics.
Entry-level positions such as associate or intern roles, fellowships, and internships are recommended, particularly those supporting students of color.
A key lesson learned is the importance of self-confidence and building strong relationships, making this a vibrant and fulfilling career for those with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to equity.
Rakhee's journey underscores the value of diverse experiences, mentorship, and self-advocacy, especially for underrepresented groups.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rakhee Patel
Impact & Evaluation Consultant
Independent Consultant
Wellesley College (studied abroad for 1 semester at University College London)
UCLA | M.S. and Ph.D. in Statistics (2011)
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Nonprofit
Consulting
Honors Student, Student Athlete
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Career Path of an Impact and Evaluation Consultant as an Independent Consultant
Rakhee's career path is a "windy" journey showcasing adaptability and diverse skill development, starting with early roles combining "numbers and sports," progressing through economic consulting, a PhD in statistics, market research at firms like Hypothesis working with clients such as Disney and Netflix, and finally culminating in impact and evaluation consulting for nonprofits, including leadership roles at The Broad Center and co-founding initiatives like the Social Studies Accelerator. This demonstrates a trajectory from quantitative expertise to applying statistical modeling and data analysis for social impact.
Main Responsibilities of an Independent Impact and Evaluation Consultant
Rakhee's consulting work encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from "evaluation and data analysis" to strategic planning and "articulating outcomes and their vision," often working with executive teams. This multifaceted role also includes "knowledge management," quantitative and qualitative research, talent management with a DEI lens, and even communications, website development, and budget management within their own organization, showcasing a versatile skillset and adaptability.
A Day in the Life of an Independent Impact and Evaluation Consultant
A day for Rakhee, an Impact & Evaluation Consultant, involves a dynamic mix of "planning meetings," collaborative sessions with colleagues and clients, and facilitating workshops, interspersed with focused work on data analysis, presentation preparation, and research; the work often extends into evenings to balance family commitments, resulting in a flexible but demanding schedule.
Most Important Skills for an Independent Impact and Evaluation Consultant
Rakhee's success as an Impact & Evaluation Consultant hinges on a blend of strong soft skills—collaboration, adaptability ("shifting gears all the time"), and prioritizing personal sustainability—and the ability to translate complex data analysis into easily digestible information for non-technical audiences; this skill, conveying information "in a way that's easy for people to understand," is what sets Rakhee apart.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Independent Impact And Evaluation Consultant
Rakhee, an Impact & Evaluation Consultant, thrives on the flexibility of consulting, enjoying "working on what I want, when I want, with who I want," while simultaneously finding deep fulfillment in the social impact sector. The variety of projects, from environmental work with National Geographic to educational initiatives, combined with the shared values of the nonprofit world, allows Rakhee to contribute meaningfully to causes close to their heart, accelerating the impact of organizations.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Impact and Evaluation Consultant as an Independent Consultant
Rakhee's biggest challenge as an independent Impact & Evaluation Consultant is balancing workload, admitting "saying yes to everything," while the nonprofit sector's slow pace of change and difficulty defining success present additional hurdles; the consultant finds that "getting aligned on those outcomes is hard," particularly when measuring success requires moving beyond simple quantitative metrics.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Nonprofit As An Independent Impact And Evaluation Consultant
Rakhee, an Impact & Evaluation Consultant, most enjoys the collaborative, mission-driven nature of the nonprofit sector, stating that "there's typically just not a whole lot of ego," and the constant learning opportunities it provides. This allows for continuous growth both professionally, through sharing "best practices," and personally, by expanding their understanding of diverse communities and challenges.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Social Impact Industry According To An Independent Impact Evaluation Consultant
Rakhee, an Impact & Evaluation Consultant, identifies key traits for success in the industry: a mission-driven approach combined with empathy, "meeting people where they're at," and a commitment to equity; furthermore, a continuous growth mindset and resilience are crucial for navigating the evolving context and accepting that "maybe it didn't work, and that's okay."
What an Independent Impact and Evaluation Consultant Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Evaluation Industry
Rakhee, an Impact & Evaluation Consultant, discovered that nonprofit data differs significantly from previous experiences, requiring adaptation beyond simply applying analytical skills; "outcomes are not always quantitative". Further, the importance of "relationships you make in your work" proved crucial for career success, coupled with the realization that being oneself during the interview process is key to finding the right fit.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Impact and Evaluation Consultants
For entry-level roles in the social impact field, Rakhee suggests exploring "associate or intern roles," fellowships, and internships—particularly those supporting students of color—as excellent starting points, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities. In data and analytics, Rakhee highlights the importance of analyst and researcher positions, noting that even roles outside one's ideal career path can provide valuable skills ("I learned so many valuable skills").
Significant Career Lesson From An Independent Impact And Evaluation Consultant
Rakhee's most significant career lesson involved cultivating confidence, stating that "once I did that, I was just liberated," overcoming imposter syndrome and allowing authentic self-expression in diverse professional settings. This confidence enabled career advancement across various fields, from analytics to the nonprofit sector, proving adaptability and skill transferability to be key assets.
College Experiences That Helped An Independent Impact And Evaluation Consultant Succeed
Rakhee's college experience prioritized diverse involvement, including athletics and extracurriculars, fostering "time management" and collaborative skills crucial for their career. The pursuit of diverse perspectives, alongside finding "comfort and safety" within shared experiences, proved invaluable in navigating a professional world beyond the privilege of their upbringing.
How Identity Has Influenced an Impact and Evaluation Consultant's Independent Career
Rakhee, a woman of color, attributes much of their career success to strong mentors but also notes often being "the only woman in a space," highlighting the importance of confidence and self-advocacy. This experience has motivated them to become a resource for others navigating similar challenges, leveraging their identity to create a supportive network and advance inclusivity within their field.
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