We have a lot to unpack in today’s episode! Shaarika Kaul studied Informatics (data science) and Communications at University of Washington and then pivoted to Deloitte and then to AG Consulting Partners where she currently is a management consultant and a technical product manager. On the side, she also cofounded and co-authored Mindful Mansi! Definitely check out her book and the amazing initiatives MPower Media is doing!
Listen to the full episode here: https://linktr.ee/christinepodcast
Got some juicy lessons that I learned during my first year as a consultant! OMG, I made so many mistakes (who hasn’t?), and honestly, I’m pretty sure no one would have guessed the last one, so definitely stick around for that one. I wanted to make this video so any of you that are about to start your job in consulting can be prepared for what there is to come and also to avoid making my mistakes. I also provide you some tips on what you can do instead to avoid these traps!
We have a lot to unpack in today’s episode! Shaarika Kaul studied Informatics (data science) and Communications at University of Washington and then pivoted to Deloitte and then to AG Consulting Partners where she currently is a management consultant and a technical product manager. On the side, she also cofounded and co-authored Mindful Mansi! Definitely check out her book and the amazing initiatives MPower Media is doing!
I love this because we are always asked to know the answers! But how exactly should you answer questions you don’t know? Deflecting is not the way, but there are so many other ways you can respond to clients (or team members!) when they ask a question!
Especially in my first year in consulting, I didn’t know anything about Workday, the industry my clients were in, and “best practices.” I had to start from the ground up but I did draw from my experiences in my past jobs and internships! You always want to be honest and transparent but also be a trustworthy and knowledgeable consultant even when you just graduated. Here are my takes!
What is your go to and how would you rank these yourself in order of preference! Do you have something else you do instead? Share them in a comment down below!
Follow me on Instagram at @christine.innovates for more! I go over technology consulting, technology, consulting, careers, and also my own personal stories and narratives as a young working professional!
My good friend Michelle N. Lam, otherwise known as @mewtripled, once told me this. As random as it sounds, it’s actually very relevant in almost everything in life.
You need to take the first move yourself and take what YOU want. Don’t wait for others to take it before you and then regret you didn’t do so earlier. You want to take that leap of faith even if you don’t know you’ll make it, but at least you’ll know you tried.
That actually was kind of how my YouTube channel started where I was wondering why there was no content on tech consulting available to so many people who actually want to pursue this career. It’s discouraging one informational interview after another that you get a “it depends” but no one giving a true answer (albeit many answers but at least AN answer), so I was like why not? I took the leap of faith and I have no regrets! I managed to build an online community on Facebook called the Technology Consulting Community with over 1,500 members across the works in 70+ countries!
I have no regrets and while this particular quote wasn’t the one that actually got me to press record, @mewtripled came swooping in saying ya just gotta do it and I did. I’ve been loving it ever since!
Follow me on Instagram at @christine.innovates for more! I go over technology consulting, technology, consulting, careers, and also my own personal stories and narratives as a young working professional!
It’s a bit weird to be PROUD of not dating until later in life, but I am proud of it. As a career driven young woman, I made sure to love myself first and really know what I want and need. I wanted to make this video so others don’t have to feel pressured to be in a relationship and it’s okay to value yourself and career more now. While my peers have gone through flings, one night stands, and short term relationships, I’m still with my first and only boyfriend of 3+ years now. We even bought a condo in NYC and have three cats together!
EDIT: many people are saying 21 is not late and I 100% agree. It’s actually why I made the video in the first place! Some context is in college I knew wayyyyyyyy too many people who were constantly hooking up, swiping on tinder, dating around ALL for the sake of just having someone, not feeling left out or not feeling unwanted. Completely your choice if you decide to date around anyways, but this video is for those who are looking for a relationship for the wrong reasons like validation and peer pressure. I even knew someone who faked having a boyfriend because she didn’t want to seem left out. I was also speaking of my experience of everyone around me telling me I SHOULD be dating around even if it’s not serious and to “play around.” I didn’t like how they imposed their own ideals on me. This is what the video was for and I just wanted to reassure those who felt this way that it’s okay!
I hate rankings because I feel like they are all just rankings, but I actually value more about when the culture or firm is for you. These are the ranking from 2020 at vault.com. And no, I didn’t choose this one because #Accenture is at the top, haha. I think what is important to see when it comes to rankings is to really determine why you are interested in a particular firm. Is it for the prestige and reputation? Is it for clout? Or do you actually like the company’s culture and what they offer for you and your career?
When many people went to me and asked why not #mckinsey, #bain, or #bcg, mine was frankly on culture and work life balance. Also they weren’t known for tech. For #big4, I didn’t want to be in an accounting firm. #Deloitte was probably the only one I would consider due to its dedicated consulting sector and decent tech consulting offerings.
In the end, I chose Accenture for their culture, people, and branding! How many professional services do you see flash in purple? Purple in marketing is meant to be #innovation. It wasn’t purple just for fun.
Which firm is your top firm? Our even #boutiquefirms which I feel don’t get enough attention! Coming from a boutique firm, I loved my experience knowing everyone and honing my craft in data analytics. It’s a better option for many people! I personally chose Accenture so I could explore and expand my skillset and reach beyond just #dataanalytics.
A question many ask me is what exactly should new consultants expect in their jobs! I’m splitting this into two videos with one on what to expect after receiving a job offer and on what to expect when starting a project to set yourself up to for success. This is all you need to make sure you succeed as a consultant, and how to even be a consultant if you have no experience. All my tips, tricks, and advice for you!
Part 1 You got a Job Offer in Consulting! Congrats! NOW WHAT? : https://youtu.be/uQaxWhdUzcc
Do you know what an ERP is? I’m actually a Workday Financials functional consultant, and I do software implementations on Workday. Workday is also an ERP system. A lot of what many companies already have are ERPs, and more than ever due to the pandemic, CLOUD ERPs are taking off. And that’s exactly what Workday is!
If you are interested in technology consulting, software implementations of ERPs are HUGE. One thing I like about it is it’s their backbone for business, so when you are doing an implementation, you are truly understanding how a client does business and learn about how industries and companies differ.
Comment down below on what are some ERP systems you know of! Bonus points if they’re a cloud ERP!
If technology consulting or consulting in general speaks to you, make sure to follow me and also check out my YouTube channel that focuses on technology consulting, consulting, careers, professional & personal development, and money for the young working professional!
https://youtube.com/c/ChristineWong
This is a highly requested video from anyone who landed a consulting job! This is exactly what you need to be aware of and what you should expect to set up your career for success!
Christine Y Wong 