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.
Data Analysis, Networking, Adaptability, Confidence, Work-Life Balance
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
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Consulting
Honors Student, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Data in the non-profit world may not always be easily quantifiable, requiring flexibility in analytical approaches.
2. Networking is crucial for success, even if traditional networking methods aren't preferred; leveraging existing relationships can be equally effective.
3. It's important to be adaptable in different work environments, but also to maintain authenticity and ensure the role is a good fit for your personality and values. It's okay to interview the employer as much as they interview you.
Transcript
What have you learned about this growth that you wish somebody would have told you before you entered the industry?
I'd say in the nonprofit sector, I initially thought I could apply all my analytics, data, and statistical skills from my past experiences. Then, I quickly realized the data looked different. As I mentioned before, outcomes aren't always quantitative, and you need to be open-minded about how to approach that.
I've learned this over time and adapted how I think about data and evaluation. It's not just about having a lot of data and running models to get predictive analytics telling you what to do next.
As a consultant, I never thought I'd succeed or enjoy it because I truly hate networking; it gives me anxiety. My husband once told me, "Your friends are your network." Even though I don't do traditional networking, like attending conferences or panels, the relationships you build in your work are important. They ultimately support you in the long run.
Working in different environments has been a learning experience. I've been in formal settings, laid-back ones, and everything in between, including corporate, nonprofit, and academic environments. Learning how to adapt and fit in is crucial.
However, I wish someone had told me that it's also important to be yourself. If you adapt too much or push beyond who you are as a person, it might not be a good fit. When interviewing for jobs or projects, I finally gained the confidence to realize I'm interviewing them just as much as they're interviewing me. If they don't like what I offer, it's probably not a good fit for me either. This perspective helps you avoid feeling hurt if things don't work out as planned.