Dear You; Thank You

It has been a bug that I cannot get out of my head.

Ever since I have been completing case studies, I've been hooked! Through following the bouncy ball, I discovered the profession of Management Consulting, and what a whirl it has been!

Through these experiences, I have learned much about the world of Management Consulting and how much it truly encompasses. I began my journey through the very helpful and brilliant World Wide Web (Shout out to Mconsulting Prep!).Although I knew I could not stop there; I wanted to learn more about what comprises the Industry. I had read many articles and web posts regarding the topic and now wanted to start interacting with Consultants to further my knowledge.Since then, I have set out to see how I could achieve this in the most effective way.

Having no experience in gathering information via the use of interviews, I decided to cold email Gael MacLeod. She graciously agreed to sit down with me over coffee and go over her experience in the Management Consulting world. Her real world examples, paired with her experience as a City Councillor, created an amazing combination allowing me to gain valuable insight from her. We spoke about the various industries that management consultants work in, along with the repetition of problems that many see in their line of work. One segment of our conversation that stood out to me was a keyword I have constantly heard on my 30+ one-on-one interviews with Management Consultants. That keyword being Relationship Building. Through our talks, Gael explained the process that every consultant experiences of putting your self out there and ensuring your clients that you are able to handle the situation. This includes knowing that much of the work of a management consultant revolves around relationship building. This stuck with me. Even if I am able to work the tools of my trade well, I must start viewing this as a tool to use effectively.

"Much of the work involves relationship building"

Since then, I have set forth a few goals for my self. I want to begin by learning how to bring the most value to the Management Consulting world and to understand it truly from the position of those that are doing the work. I also want to learn & grow from my network in an organic way and to work on my leadership skills.

What truly assisted me in growing my network was the ability to ask my strong and fearless network for introductions to prominent individuals in their spheres. I was able to be myself and genuinely learn from all those that I have met over the past year.

The reason above has motivated me to write this article today. In an attempt to appreciate those around me. I have had nothing but positive interactions with many of the consultants that have graciously given me their time. From those who are Principal to varying degrees of positions at their respective firms. Geographically, I have interacted with those around the Lethbridge and Calgary area, to some even broader than that! I truly and sincerely thank you and am indebted for your time.

I would also like to share the prominent gems I have picked up thus far. So if this post reaches another individual in a similar position as me, who is looking into the Management Consulting world, I hope this brings value to you!

Over all of my informational meetings. I learned many things as well as had many readings recommended. However, with the art of being concise I will share with you three key phrases that kept coming up:

1. Relationship Building - This has shown me how to effectively and genuinely network, as well as to understand what it is that you can bring to the table. It has forced me as a student going into my final year, to really pair the most polished use of technology, with the wisdom of experience.
2. Real World Scenario's - There is no substitute for an MC sharing their stories with you. In my various case experience, it was great to be able to relate the theoretical case to an engagement a consultant would be in. As a recent 1st prize winner (along with my team) of the KPMG Business Case Competition, I was able to pull examples from the various stories I have heard from my informational meetings. I know it now plays a vast role in ensuring I have a more realistic view of the recommendations as a consultant might make them.
3. Redirecting and Re-positioning - The art of being able to redirect a conversation to receive the most information has proven itself to be an efficient method of gathering information when done effectively. I have also learned the value of positioning yourself appropriately and being able to redirect the conversation in order to get the most relevant information available.

Through this article, I hope I was able to show my gratitude in the best way I know how. To pass on the experience gems that I have gained through the many consultants that have given up their time for anyone that might be looking more into the Management Consulting world. So to you; Thank You.

As this practice of mine continues I would love to hear your thoughts as well. Do you agree with them? Perhaps you have three key phrases of your own that you believe are more prominent within Management Consulting world. Let's grab a coffee and we can chat about why you believe others might be more prominent!