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.
Diversity and Inclusion, Workplace Dynamics, Career Identity, Overcoming Challenges, Navigating Early Career
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
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Rummel's experience highlights the importance of considering company culture and diversity initiatives when choosing a career path.
2. Early career challenges faced by Rummel as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry emphasize the need for self-advocacy and resilience.
3. Rummel's positive experience at her current company, Slalom LLC, showcases the benefits of working in a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes diversity and inclusion. This demonstrates the impact of company culture on career satisfaction and professional growth.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman of color, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
It's impacted me in both negative and positive ways. I think my financial internship was a lot harder because it was a predominantly male and white industry.
I don't think I was treated wrongly, but I do think my work probably wasn't as appreciated because of it. I felt like I was in competition with my coworkers every day rather than teammates.
But I will say, at the company I'm at right now, they really prioritize diversity and inclusion, and we have a lot of support groups within the company. I think it's actually helped me come into my identity more because I feel a lot more comfortable in the environment that I'm in.
So, I do think it's something that people need to be mindful of when they're looking for careers. It's a harsh reality that I hope we are all working to change. But sometimes, when you're early on in your career, it's better to choose a path that you know will treat you well and suit you, versus trying to fight it. That's maybe not the right thing to say, but I think there's a time and a place for everything.