Elijah Alvardo talked with Brett Weiss, a Consultant at Kaiser Associates earlier this semester. Read on to discover what he learned and how he prepared.
Informational Interview Q&A
Company Questions:
Q: Based on my research of your organization’s approach, I have been impressed to learn about “The Kaiser Difference” . Can you tell me more about that?
A: Kaiser places a lot of value in research, not just secondary but finding a deeper understanding of the client’s industry. They stay relevant in many spaces such as healthcare due to the connections made with industry leading professionals. This allows them to give more refined suggestions to clients and increases their credibility.Q: Next year marks 40 years since your organization was founded. What do you think most accounted for the longevity and global impact you all have been able to sustain?
A: Networking and changing with the times. The firm is constantly adapting to technology in how they operate and in the industries that they serve. This in addition to their desire to make long-lasting connections with their clients have contributed greatly to their success.
Interviewee Questions:
Q: Where did you start your career in this industry? What contributed to your success in that position? What is a typical day like as a consultant in your organization?A: Most start as an analyst and pass work up to the consultants. Above them are the directors who acquire clients. Projects usually take 6-10 weeks depending on the type project. This typically begins with conducting research about the industry and the client specifically for approximately two weeks. This is done through expert interviews, surveys and secondary research as well. Around the 3 week mark a consultant will begin preparing a deliverable (course of actions that will yield desired solutions) and test and refine it.
Q: What do you like most about your job? What do you like the least?
A: As a consultant you are rewarded for being curious. In this position, asking and answering interesting questions in different industries. One also gains full exposure into different fields and gains a good understanding of the inner workings of many industries.
Q: Is there anything you found surprising when you first started?
A: The amount and way in which research is conducted. There is a lot of work done behind the scenes that someone right out of college may not be as thrilled about.
Q: Have you experienced a heavier emphasis on working independently or collaboratively?
A: Most work is conducted independently but consultants come from different careers and have unique specializations which can be useful in different situations.
Q: As you are aware, COVID-19 has brought unforeseeable disruptions to countless aspects of operation like supply and demand. Has your position or the firm’s operations changed much as a result of the current pandemic?
A: Brett explained how the profession is generally thought to be resilient in the midst of these types of situations since businesses are still operating and actively looking to operate more efficiently. He admitted that It did slow down for the first four months, but projects began to come in more steadily afterwards.
Q: Where is the best place to stay informed of opportunities with your organization?
A: LinkedIn
Q: Small Firm vs Big Firm:
Consultants at smaller firms tend to stay busier as they are more involved with the client from start to end. This also means that there tends to be more learning. Also, one is able to grow closer to colleagues but at Kaiser, with its world-wide locations it still provides the opportunity to work with people on projects very far away.
Though the experience that a senior-level associate might be able to share, speaking to more recent graduate may allow you to gain a more accurate and current depictions of what the position or company you are researching expects.
Once a connection has been made, professionally request an informational interview.
“Good (morning/afternoon), (employee’s name), my name is (your name), a senior studying Economics at the University of Maryland. After looking over your profile, I have some questions regarding your organization and your position. Could we conduct an informational interview in the near future?”
While waiting for a response, have your available times ready and prepared to share. Be cognisant of times during the day when you feel most confident speaking with people and when you will be in a location suitable for carrying a conversation professionally.
Prior to the call, conduct research. Use this as an opportunity to explore the organization’s culture, reputation, operation and qualification among other things.
When the time comes to have the call sound informed, interested and confident. Remember to stay engaged, responding when appropriate and taking. Although it may be difficult, try to show some personality over the phone.
Before ending the call, remember to thank them and if desired, ask whether they would like to stay in contact.
Q: Have you experienced a heavier emphasis on working independently or collaboratively?
A: Most work is conducted independently but consultants come from different careers and have unique specializations which can be useful in different situations.
Q: As you are aware, COVID-19 has brought unforeseeable disruptions to countless aspects of operation like supply and demand. Has your position or the firm’s operations changed much as a result of the current pandemic?
A: Brett explained how the profession is generally thought to be resilient in the midst of these types of situations since businesses are still operating and actively looking to operate more efficiently. He admitted that It did slow down for the first four months, but projects began to come in more steadily afterwards.
Q: Where is the best place to stay informed of opportunities with your organization?
A: LinkedIn
Q: Small Firm vs Big Firm:
Consultants at smaller firms tend to stay busier as they are more involved with the client from start to end. This also means that there tends to be more learning. Also, one is able to grow closer to colleagues but at Kaiser, with its world-wide locations it still provides the opportunity to work with people on projects very far away.
What was the process to prepare for the interview?
LinkedIn is one of the greatest resources for networking. By searching for a company one can see individuals currently employed there with those with similar backgrounds (worked previously at the same company or attended the same university as you) highlighted first.Though the experience that a senior-level associate might be able to share, speaking to more recent graduate may allow you to gain a more accurate and current depictions of what the position or company you are researching expects.
Once a connection has been made, professionally request an informational interview.
“Good (morning/afternoon), (employee’s name), my name is (your name), a senior studying Economics at the University of Maryland. After looking over your profile, I have some questions regarding your organization and your position. Could we conduct an informational interview in the near future?”
While waiting for a response, have your available times ready and prepared to share. Be cognisant of times during the day when you feel most confident speaking with people and when you will be in a location suitable for carrying a conversation professionally.
Prior to the call, conduct research. Use this as an opportunity to explore the organization’s culture, reputation, operation and qualification among other things.
When the time comes to have the call sound informed, interested and confident. Remember to stay engaged, responding when appropriate and taking. Although it may be difficult, try to show some personality over the phone.
Before ending the call, remember to thank them and if desired, ask whether they would like to stay in contact.
