Careers

 

 Jessica - Consultant

Q: What info did you learn about Lenati that was compelling?

A: As I first started doing research and learned how they had been nominated for best workplace which is really meaningful as I was looking to start a new career. I think that I’m at the point where work/life balance is really important to me: having that supportive, collaborative environment is really important so that was a great first sign. And then, just feeling like everyone I reached out to was so helpful and willing to talk with me. Just feeling like the people were really approachable and helpful.

Q: What factored into your decision to join Lenati?

A: There were a few things. The first was that Lenati contacted me which gave me a little insight into how thoroughly they were looking at candidates. I hadn’t applied to the position but they had read through all of the resumes from the students in my program and picked me out based on my background and skillset. So that kind of set the tone that Lenati had already researched me and set me up to want to learn more about them because I hadn’t really been looking at consulting; I didn’t want to be travelling five days a week and consulting had kind of gotten nixed from my career goals.  So that was the first. Then upon more research, I agreed that my background and experience coupled with my MBA was going to be a really good base to start a consulting career at Lenati. Lastly, I was looking for a new challenge, an atmosphere of learning and Lenati seemed like the perfect place to deliver on both of those - a place to learn how to be a great consultant, be in an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and have a really great support system while diving into work immediately.

Q: What is something you would share with friends about Lenati?

A: The people. I haven’t met everyone yet but I’ve loved talking to every single person I have met. There hasn’t been anyone in the group that I was looking forward to the conversation ending. The size is also important. Being small helps you know you’re not going to be on the bench and you’re going to be working pretty quickly and doing important, substantial work.

My classmates who have also taken consulting roles at larger firms are either on the bench not doing anything or they’re doing internal projects or support work. They’re not really getting their hands dirty with clients. So I feel like at Lenati, you’ll have a chance to do that more quickly, more steadily and more deeply.

Q: What are you looking forward to?

A: The new job butterflies ending. I’m looking forward to the learning process. I feel like that’s what it’s all about at this point.

Q: How has it been getting started?

A: I wasn’t sure what to expect because I was feeling like I was getting thrown out there; that I was going to have to figure it out on my own. But after today, I met with my lead about the project and he made me feel 100 times better by helping me figure out what the whole process looks like, beginning to end. And I feel like I certainly could ask him anything without judgment yet still feel pushed that I need to get over some of the fear and leave behind the concern that something will be “wrong.” It’s a balanced atmosphere.

Q: What advice would you give to graduates?

A: If you’re able to take the summer off after graduating and catch your breath between school and starting a new career then it’s a good opportunity because you’re probably not going to have the chance to take two months off again maybe until retirement. And talk to people. It helps you get a better sense of the culture and what the work is going to be.