Jane Licurse, a former McKinsey consultant and Harvard Business School alum, shares her journey into consulting and the intense preparation behind it. She discusses the unique challenges of consulting interviews and the importance of a strong personal narrative. Jane opens up about the demanding nature of consulting careers, especially post-COVID, including the struggle with burnout and the value of soft skills. She also emphasizes the significance of storytelling and influence in professional growth, making her insights crucial for anyone considering a career in consulting.
The podcast provides an in-depth exploration of the consulting industry, highlighting the critical skills and qualifications needed for success in this field.
Jane Licurse discusses the reality of burnout in consulting, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance amidst demanding workloads and high expectations.
Listeners gain insights into the value of business school, particularly for those transitioning into consulting or healthcare sectors and the potential return on investment in their education.
Deep dives
Investing Made Simple
The importance of having a streamlined investing experience is emphasized, highlighting the convenience of using a platform that consolidates various investment options such as stocks, bonds, options, and crypto into one user-friendly interface. The platform’s appeal lies in its simplicity, making it accessible for those who prefer not to juggle multiple sites and manage several passwords. Additionally, the opportunity to earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) on cash shows the platform's financial benefits, making it an attractive option for both novice and experienced investors alike. With a high rating from trusted financial sources, it has garnered a positive reputation among users.
Understanding Consulting Careers
The discussion delves into the insights about pursuing a career in consulting, comparing it to more traditional paths in investment banking and finance. The hosts introduce an experienced guest who shares valuable first-hand knowledge about consulting roles, the daily responsibilities, and the types of projects consultants typically undertake. To provide clarity, they aim to answer common questions regarding the consulting industry, including what qualifications are beneficial and the significance of advanced business education. This segment provides a foundation for listeners considering their career options on Wall Street.
Navigating Business School
The podcast highlights the potential benefits of attending business school, particularly for those looking to transition to sectors like consulting or healthcare services. The guest shares personal experience regarding the value of their business education, mentioning scholarships and financial support that eased the burden of tuition costs. The conversation explores whether pursuing a graduate degree is worth the investment, especially in terms of future earning potential and job opportunities. Insights on how business schools prepare students for long-term career success, rather than just immediate job placement, are also discussed.
The Consulting Landscape
A comprehensive overview of the consulting industry is painted, detailing key players, current market trends, and the types of services rendered. The definition of consulting is clarified, explaining how consultants address client problems that cannot be solved internally, often involving strategic decision-making and operational improvements. The roles within a consultancy are described, illustrating the hierarchy and various responsibilities from junior analysts to senior partners. Further, the process of client engagement and the analytical skills required to execute consulting projects is emphasized.
Challenges and Realities in Consulting
The realities of working in consulting, including the high-pressure environment and the potential for burnout, are candidly discussed. The guest shares personal anecdotes regarding long hours, high expectations, and the impact of travel on personal and professional well-being. The need to maintain professionalism and manage workload effectively is addressed, as well as the importance of maintaining healthy work-life balance. The conversation also touches on the significance of communication and interpersonal skills in navigating team dynamics and client relationships within the consulting framework.
In today's episode we break down everything you've ever wanted to know about consulting ranging from a day in the life, how do projects get staffed, what to expect in the interview and more. We also have an honest discussion about business school, burnout and more with former McKinsey consultant and Harvard Business School alum, Jane Licurse.
Jane Licurse is an Executive Coach (focusing on influencing through PowerPoint) and the Strategic Advisor to The City of Cambridge’s City Manager. She previously served as Executive Director of Strategy and Chief of Staff to Boston Medical Center Health System’s EVP (currently CEO). Before that she served healthcare clients as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company.
Jane received her MBA from Harvard Business School and BA and MS from Brown University in Biomedical Engineering.
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