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Rummel, Associate Consultant at Slalom LLC: Advize Career Interview
A Northeastern University graduate with internships at MGM Resorts and Abbott Laboratories, this Associate Consultant at Slalom LLC leveraged a Loyola Chicago MBA to launch a fulfilling career in tech consulting.
The change management focus involves six-month projects developing training materials and supporting client software transitions, demanding strong time management, collaboration, and data analysis skills.
A love for the "people aspect" and project variety, coupled with the challenges of adapting to dynamic client needs, fuels a passion for the booming tech industry's diverse workforce and constant learning.
Success, the Associate Consultant emphasizes, hinges on proactive networking, utilizing college resources, and embracing a flexible, innovative mindset.
Entry-level roles like analyst or associate, sometimes within rotational programs, offer a strong launchpad for undergraduates.
The career journey highlights the value of prolonged internships, the significance of workplace culture, and the power of confident self-advocacy.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rummel Zafar
Associate Consultant
Slalom LLC
Northeastern University - 2020
Loyola University Chicago - MBA (2021)
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Consulting
None Applicable
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Career Path of an Associate Consultant at Slalom LLC
Rummel's career path began at Northeastern University, where their co-op program facilitated internships at MGM Resorts International in brand strategy and Abbott Laboratories in finance, exposing them to "marketing, finance, and strategy." This experience, coupled with an MBA at Loyola Chicago focusing on international business, ultimately led to a career in consulting, a field Rummel found appealing because it "encompasses all of that."
Main Responsibilities Of An Associate Consultant At Slalom
As an Associate Consultant at Slalom, a tech-focused firm, Rummel focuses on the "change sector," working directly with clients and staff to navigate software transitions. Their six-month projects involve developing communication and training materials, and providing support to ensure successful assimilation into new technological environments, demonstrating a people-centric approach within a technology-driven role.
A Day In The Life Of An Associate Consultant At Slalom
A typical day for Rummel as an Associate Consultant at Slalom LLC involves collaborating with both internal and client teams—participating in "daily standups" and client meetings to strategize and implement plans. Significant time is dedicated to research and reviewing materials, "a couple hours a day," to ensure progress toward project goals.
Most Important Skills For An Associate Consultant At Slalom
For Associate Consultants at Slalom LLC, strong time management is crucial, as "you don't really have anyone holding your hand," demanding self-direction. Beyond this, the role necessitates excellent collaboration skills and proficiency in data analysis, along with familiarity with various tech tools like "Salesforce, snowflake, Tableau," though mastery isn't always initially required.
Favorite Parts of Being an Associate Consultant at Slalom LLC
Rummel's favorite aspect of their Associate Consultant role at Slalom LLC is the "people aspect," finding fulfillment in helping others prepare for change and measuring the positive impact. The project-based nature also appeals to Rummel's desire for variety, ensuring continuous learning and growth across diverse industries and teams.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Associate Consultant At Slalom LLC
Rummel's biggest challenge as an Associate Consultant at Slalom LLC is adapting to constantly shifting client expectations and diverse work environments, acknowledging that "whatever you think you know is probably not what your client knows". This necessitates flexibility and a willingness to adjust strategies, even sacrificing personal preferences to best serve client needs.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Tech Consulting Industry As An Associate Consultant
Rummel enjoys the "booming" tech industry's constant learning opportunities and its diverse workforce, stating that "every skill set and experience comes together in consulting and in tech specifically." This well-rounded nature, combined with tech's undeniable future, makes it a particularly exciting and fulfilling career path for the Associate Consultant.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech And Consulting Industry, According To An Associate Consultant At Slalom
Success in the tech consulting industry requires individuals who are "flexible and adaptable," possessing "an open mind" and strong research skills. These professionals must be confident in voicing their "innovative" ideas and not be afraid to "speak up" for what they believe.
What An Associate Consultant At Slalom Wishes They Knew Before Entering The Consulting Industry
Rummel's response reveals the unexpected breadth of a consulting role at Slalom LLC, highlighting the need for adaptability: "you'll do a lot of things that you think you wouldn't" and that day-to-day tasks are heavily client-driven, often diverging from academic training. This necessitates a willingness to continuously expand one's skillset and embrace the unknown.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Associate Consultants at Slalom LLC
Entry-level roles in Rummel's field, consulting, often include titles like "analyst" or "associate," with many firms offering one- or two-year rotational programs providing "a lot more guidance" and mentorship; these programs are a strong option for new graduates as they offer training and the chance to explore different areas before receiving a promotion.
Significant Career Lesson From an Associate Consultant at Slalom LLC
Rummel's significant career lesson centers on proactive networking: "reach out to people, connect, build your network," even via cold messaging on LinkedIn, emphasizing that "the answer's always gonna be no if you never ask." This strategy proved highly effective in securing job interviews and advancing their career.
College Experiences That Helped an Associate Consultant at Slalom Succeed
Rummel's success stemmed from proactively utilizing college resources, including career counselors and professors, for resume reviews and networking opportunities; the prolonged internships, rather than just summer ones, also provided a significant advantage in their career trajectory.
How Identity Has Influenced An Associate Consultant's Career At Slalom LLC
Rummel's identity as a woman of color significantly shaped career experiences, noting a stark contrast between an initial internship where "work probably wasn't as appreciated" due to the environment and the current supportive, diversity-focused company culture at Slalom, where "it's actually helped me come into my identity more". This highlights the importance of considering workplace culture and diversity when choosing a career path, advocating for environments that foster inclusion rather than forcing a premature confrontation with systemic challenges.
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