|
In which sports and activities did you participate in college?
I was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and avidly cheered for many Cornell sports teams.
What differentiated KSA from other firms with which you may have interviewed?
Based on the interviewing I did when leaving undergrad, KSA’s recruiting regimen was very thorough. KSA tried to capture a combination of analytical aptitude, professional and educational accomplishments, and personal aspirations, while other interviews mainly focused on professional and educational accomplishments. During my KSA interview I was asked if I could see myself as a principal of the firm one day, which highlights the firm’s desire to attract individuals for long-term careers.
What attracted you to KSA?
First, the people are phenomenal! I got the sense that everyone I talked to during the interview process was focused and driven, but still able to enjoy and appreciate life. Overall, the people I met at KSA were funny, engaging, approachable, and intelligent. Second, I love that KSA has a healthy respect for life-work balance; I believe that is especially important in a profession where you travel two to five days a week.
Do you have any interview tips for college recruits?
Talk to as many people as possible who are in the profession and/or industry you are considering; see how those people got to be where they are. Gather information and insights from others and combine it with your own to make an informed decision about the kind of career you want. Most of all, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
How has consulting been different than you anticipated?
I have been amazed by how much projects differ from one another. You may work on projects with very different work streams, or you may work on similar projects for diverse clients. Either way, you never seem to do the exact same thing, which has made me feel like I’m constantly growing and learning.
One of the most surprising insights I have gained is how critical it is to understand a company’s culture, customs, and history. This is especially important when you are being asked to do work that requires a fundamental change to that culture; you have to be able to motivate and engage the client to change.
What has been the most surprising thing about this career choice?
I have been most surprised by people always asking me what I do. If you ever become a consultant, be prepared to explain your career to family members many, many times! Sometimes I’m even at a loss because my response can vary depending on my current project work.
What has been your favorite client project to date?
I am currently helping a client train its merchants and planners in a new merchandise planning process through a pilot program. As a result of this project, I have honed my merchandise planning expertise and change management skills. Our process is helping the client value both the art and the science involved in merchandise planning.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned at KSA?
You always know a great deal more than you think you do.
What were your goals when you started at KSA? Have you met them?
A personal goal of mine has always been to do something I really believe in and enjoy. I knew I wanted to be in consulting because of its dynamic nature — both physically and mentally. Since joining KSA, I have been extraordinarily impressed by the level of professionalism and ethics displayed at all levels of the firm. KSA is committed to delivering quality work in which we believe. Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve been here for almost a year, and then I’m  reminded that time flies when you are having fun! Another goal I have is to travel abroad for a project, and although I haven’t done so yet, there is still plenty of time.
Tell us something about yourself that people would never guess.
The only food I absolutely detest is bananas.
<< back
|
