Willie, Engagement Manager at Connor: Advize Career Interview
A Binghamton University graduate's journey from an Ernst & Young internship to a Connor Engagement Manager role offers valuable insights.
The career path highlights a focus on accurate financial reporting, evolving from auditing to managing royalty revenue reporting. A typical day involves prioritizing tasks, client interaction, data analysis, and team collaboration.
Effective communication and self-awareness are crucial skills, with honesty and a proactive approach to mentorship advice proving key to success.
The fast-paced, collaborative yet competitive consulting environment is highlighted, alongside the importance of networking and balancing ambitious goals with team contributions.
Overcoming challenges like "analysis paralysis" and navigating the complexities of visa sponsorship are discussed, showcasing a dedication to achieving career aspirations.
This experience provides a compelling narrative for students interested in consulting, finance, and effective career planning.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Willie Lee
Engagement Manager
Connor
Binghamton University School of Management
Binghamton University School of Management - MS, UCLA Anderson School of Management - MBA
Communications, Economics
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
None Applicable
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Career Path of an Auditor at Ernst and Young
Willie's career began with an internship at Ernst & Young during their junior year at Binghamton University, followed by a full-time position in their Assurance practice in 2013. After two and a half years, Willie transitioned to a smaller advisory firm, continuing work with people they enjoyed.
Main Responsibilities Of An Engagement Manager At Connor
Willie's career progression showcases a consistent focus on accurate financial reporting; starting in financial statement auditing where responsibilities included "gather[ing] information and mak[ing] sure that everything...are aligned with what they tell us," this evolved into a current role focusing on the accurate reporting of royalty revenues, still involving significant client communication and "a lot of excel number crunching."
A Day in the Life of an Engagement Manager at Connor
A typical day for Willie, a Consulting Manager at Connor, involves prioritizing tasks identified in their Outlook inbox from 7:30 to 9:30 AM, then executing the schedule of client meetings and data gathering. The day concludes with a team recap from 4 to 5 PM to review accomplishments and plan for the following day's activities, showcasing a structured and collaborative approach to management.
Most Important Skills for an Engagement Manager at Connor
Willie, an Engagement Manager at Connor, identifies effective communication as the most crucial skill for their role, emphasizing the importance of "knowing when to ask for help" and openly sharing struggles. This self-awareness, and willingness to seek assistance, highlights a crucial aspect of successful professional collaboration.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Engagement Manager At Connor
Willie's favorite aspect of their Engagement Manager role at Connor is "the human aspect," enjoying collaboration with colleagues—"Associated project manager and a C major and a partner"—and clients, finding fulfillment in teamwork and shared product creation. This collaborative nature, requiring interaction and communication, stands out as a key driver of job satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Engagement Manager at Connor
Willie's greatest challenge as an Engagement Manager at Connor is discerning optimal communication timing, often battling "analysis paralysis" and ego to seek help, despite recognizing the value of others' input. This internal struggle reveals a desire for self-sufficiency that sometimes hinders Willie's effectiveness and enjoyment of collaborative work.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Consulting Industry As An Engagement Manager
Willie, a Connor Engagement Manager, enjoys the consulting industry's "fast-paced environment" and the unique blend of "collaborative but competitive" work culture, finding this combination unmatched in other fields like investment banking where individualistic work styles are more prevalent.
What type of person thrives in the Consulting industry, according to an Engagement Manager at Connor
Willie, an Engagement Manager at Connor, identifies honesty as a crucial trait for success in consulting, noting that "people who normally are very successful… are very honest with their capability," knowing when to seek help and accept feedback genuinely. This self-awareness, Willie suggests, underpins many other essential skill sets for thriving in the industry.
What An Engagement Manager At Connor Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Consulting
Willie, a Connor Engagement Manager, advises aspiring consultants to "be realistic with your goals" while also being "aggressive" in pursuing them. The key, Willie suggests, is to focus on contributions to the team while simultaneously working toward personal ambitions, advocating for "asking for what you want" to achieve a more fulfilling career.
Significant Career Lesson From an Engagement Manager at Connor
A significant career lesson Willie learned is the importance of actively applying advice from mentors and others: "when people tell you something...think about it and take actions." This involved not dismissing advice as generic, but instead experimenting with suggestions to see if they align with one's values and improve results.
College Experiences That Helped an Engagement Manager at Connor Succeed
Willie, an Engagement Manager at Connor, emphasized the importance of networking alongside academic success, advising that "meaningful connection[s]" are crucial for career preparation. The professional suggested prioritizing networking over achieving perfect grades, stating that sacrificing some academic points to build professional relationships is "equally as important" for securing employment.
How Identity Has Influenced an Engagement Manager at Connor's Career
Willie's immigrant identity significantly limited initial job prospects, as "out of a hundred companies...maybe 10 companies sponsor," creating a sense of urgency that fueled their career drive. This urgency, coupled with a strong desire to succeed, ultimately proved advantageous in securing employment.
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