Charles Barrett (Class of 2009)—Intern with Innosight—Boston
Hey everyone. I'm out in Boston for the summer interning with Innosight, and Nate asked me to share some thoughts about my experience. I think some of the best advice on how to stand out was given to us by Jeff Dyer. He told us to run a sprint when you first get to a company and are establishing your reputation. Later, you can slow down to a marathon pace and settle in for the long haul. I am definitely sprinting right now, so things are pretty busy.
I think one of the most important things my managers are looking for is the ability to be very detail-oriented but at the same time understand the big picture. Knowing what level of detail to give in your analysis based on your audience and the circumstances is extremely important.
My work is all really interesting. For example, Innosight holds a CEO Conference every year where 20-30 CEOs and major executives get together for a day and participate in discussions led by Clayton Christensen, Mark Johnson (Chairman of Innosight), Scott Anthony (President of Innosight), etc. This year's attendees are really interesting, and I spent some time doing background research for Scott on innovative things these companies have done in past downturns.
What we learned in the Strategy program has been invaluable here. Innosight is really all about helping clients create sustainable growth by aiming at where the target will be, not where it is now. Our program focused a lot on helping us think about how industries and markets will evolve over time. I still remember when we drew all the normal consulting frameworks up on the board and then talked about how these gave snapshot views of industries at one point in time. Only frameworks like Clayton Christensen's (and others based on Shumpeter's work) give an industry perspective over time.
A little background on how I got the internship: I applied to Innosight through their website (no eRecruiting posting). The first interview round was over the phone with an associate, and the second round was over Skype with five very senior people (the President, partners, and a principal). If I could do it all over again, I would definitely still come here. The work is interesting, and I get to interact with all these thought leaders. For example, just about a week ago, Clayton Christensen came in and talked to us. I know it sounds geeky, but I felt like I was meeting a rock star. It was actually way better than meeting a rock star because Clay seems even smarter in person than on paper. How many rock stars sound better in concert than on CD?
Boston is a great city. Having grown up in the south, it feels strange to be somewhere that is only 70-75 degrees in the middle of summer. There are three large singles wards, and we currently meet in an Episcopal Divinity School (with holy water and everything) because our building burned down in May. The stake is actually 58% single, so many of the stake leadership positions (Relief Society presidency, Young Men's presidency, etc.) are filled by singles.
I would love to hear what everyone else is up to, so be sure and contribute to the newsletter. Thanks guys (and gals).
Neal Watterson (Class of 2010)—Intern with Aon Consulting—Chicago
Chicago is a great place to be during the summer. The weather is pleasant and there is always something to do in the city. Some of the highlights have been sailing, beach volleyball, and visiting the Aquarium. Working on the Global Strategy Team for Aon has taught me valuable insights into the business world. I have been working on a variety of projects including: acquisitions, investigating a new service line opportunity, providing strategic insight into the health care reform, as well as building a program in excel that will be used extensively in creating financial reports and graphs for senior executive meetings. I enjoy the variety as well as the analytical problem solving required for the projects I work on. I have found that my classes at BYU have greatly enhanced my experience as I draw from them in tackling each project. I have also identified areas for improvement which has helped shape the classes I will take in the remaining semesters at BYU. More than anything I enjoy the people I work with. They are smart, hard working and fun to be around. Not a day goes by that I am not laughing—usually at Nate Lawler and the pranks that have been played on him. All and all, I have greatly enjoyed my experience and look forward to returning to BYU in the Fall.
Jeff Brownlow (Class of 2010)—Intern with Bain & Company—Dallas
Since joining Bain I have tried to be in early and don't leave too early. Getting to know everyone in the office and being as flexible as possible when plans change etc. My manager seems to appreciate a positive and upbeat attitude everyday. High quality work and no stress. He wants to know that he can call on me 'in the heat of battle' and know that I'll jump right in, do it fast, and do it right. I think looking back I would offer the advice of trying to carry yourself with sense of purpose and gratitude. The fact is, most guys who get an interview (and even some who don't) are capable of doing the job. It's hard to pat yourself on the back if you land a spot or to beat yourself up too much if you don't, simply because of the high level of subjectivity during the process. Humility and gratitude regardless of what end you land on are key to doing well.
Currently, I'm staffed on a team that is working for a CEO of a massive consumer products company who is under a ton of pressure. Getting to work on the issues that keep him up and night is pretty darn interesting. Even though my experience has been great I would have to say that my least favorite thing is the high level of variance. While I like variety, one day you're getting crushed and the next you're looking for things to do.
I have been very surprised at how much relevant class material is in helping me on day to day assignments. If I had respect and appreciation for David Bryce and Jeff Dyer and what they've put together in the strategy classes before coming to Bain, my feelings are now 5X what they were. I definitely feel like the most prepared guy in the room often. I don't mean to say that I'm the smartest or the best, but that the case studies and skills I learned in my strategy classes are extremely useful.
I originally met a couple of Bain guys at a career fair at the Wilk. I was intrigued, so I sought them out afterward and started making friends with other guys from the firm. I did 8 or 10 cases and applied.
The things that I like about Dallas are the cheap housing, the weather is moderate, people think big and are active, and Dallas has a very family centered culture. The LDS population is strong. I've been playing a ton of golf and loving it. I'm reading Great Expectations by Dickens and studying for the GMAT.
Questions
We sent out questions to Charles, Jeff, and Neal that we thought would be interesting to hear about. If you have any others you think would be good, please send them. Here is the current list of questions:
1) What are you trying to do or doing that is helping you stand out?
2) What are some of the key factors that your manager is looking for from you?
3) If there was one thing you could pass along to us that you have learned what would it be?
4) What's the most interesting thing you've done?
5) What do you wish you'd known before hand?
6) What do you least like about the job?
7) Does anything from class apply to what you're doing?
8) How did you get the job?
9) Would you go back if you could do it over again, why?
10) Anything you like about the city (Also, what don't you like about the city and how is the LDS culture there)
11) Any hobbies you're working on--things you like to do, books you've read lately that you'd like to recommend, etc.
12) What questions, if any, do you have for everyone else?
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