Tell us about your job
My job is centered around creating value for my client through strategic advice and problem-solving support. It involves understanding my clients’ challenges and extracting insights from otherwise unstructured information.
It's a dynamic and intellectually stimulating profession that requires adaptability, and a passion for helping organizations thrive.
What’s your background?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Sociology. I joined Oliver Wyman’s Hong Kong office full time after a summer internship with the firm. Prior to that, I also briefly interned at other companies, among which were a tech giant, as well as a startup in Hong Kong (it’s way bigger than a startup now and it holds some of my fondest memories).
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely! My own background is often considered “different” in the field. But one of the greatest aspects about consulting is perhaps the fact that it embraces all backgrounds. I draw from my Sociology background the ability to structure research in both qualitative and quantitative ways, as well as a strong focus on creating coherent and logical narratives (credit to the essays). Both skillsets proved central to my daily work. I believe our background can facilitate our work in sometimes surprising ways.
That being said, consulting is, in a nutshell, a ceaseless journey of learning. Regardless of our background, there will always be a learning curve.
What three pieces of advice would you give to your younger self as a student?
Be proactive. Consulting is a team sport. One of my key takeaways has been the unparalleled importance of interpersonal connections. So be proactive when you meet a new contact, or when you are stuck and need some pointers.
Embrace curiosity. My time in consulting taught me to be fearless towards the unknown. Venturing into uncharted territories can be terrifying at times, but the initial uncertainty often matures into new perspectives and new opportunities. Going back, I likely would’ve sat in that music theory lecture, picked up a minor in industrial design, and done even more travelling.
Make sure advice comes in a set of three. It makes my argument more compelling and memorable.
Tell us about your best moment at Oliver Wyman
It’s the moment when I heard that the model that I built is being implemented and verified on the ground. Numbers in the model turn into real and tangible items. It reminds me that the humble work I do isn’t for nothing.