How My Liberal Arts Degree Paved the Way for a Consulting Career

How My Liberal Arts Degree Paved the Way for a Consulting CareerHow My Liberal Arts Degree Paved the Way for a Consulting CareerAs recruiting season kicks off, I remember back to two years ago when I welches just beginning the interview process as a Dartmouth senior. Studying for a degree in History and Geography, I had enjoyed my liberal arts coursework, but was interested in pursuing a consulting career post-graduation. I wanted to quickly gain a variety of business skills and get broad exposure to several different industries rather than committing to one before knowing what I was actually passionate about. While I had the interest, I still questioned if I had the appropriate background and wasnt sure how Id stack up against other candidates who may have had more fitting finance and economics majors. Now, a year after joining L.E.K. Consulting, I realize that many of my colleagues come from non-traditional backgrounds like my own and that L.E.K. actively tries to bring a variety of experiences to the table. When I was a student, I worried about being behind on accounting and finance. However, L.E.K. training assuaged those fears and adequately prepared me for my consulting responsibilities. And the allocations department that assigns you to new cases is well aware of your background, strengths and development needs and considers all of those factors when staffing you.Here are a few suggestions about what to expect and how to best navigate through the process. These items are fairly straightforward and common-sense, yet good to keep in mind.Making Your Liberal Arts Skills Stand OutOne key during the recruiting process is to use your liberal arts background to differentiate yourself, and also to illustrate how your diverse skills would add value in the Associate role.First, its simple. Read the job description thoroughly. What combination of qualities is the company looking for? What are they emphasizing? Take time to see where your experiences and activiti es fit with those skills. If its writing a thesis or completing a senior seminar, explain how your research, synthesis and analysis, and eventual delivery of your results via presentation or report would translate well to a L.E.K. case.An interviewer often gives you the chance to walk them through your resume. Use the time talking about your background to explain how your coursework and experience have prepared you for the Associate job. They probably have already skimmed your resume, so theres really no need to repeat it verbatim. In my interviews, I stressed how my experience with research papers and group projects equipped me well for the role. Searching extensively for the best sources, subsequently analyzing large amounts of information, and iterating applied well to the jobs responsibilities. Additionally, I had honed strong communications and presentation skills through the same activities and classes, learning how to effectively deliver my findings and opinions. Finally, I d escribed how my discussion-based senior seminars gave me experience interacting in small group environments and creatively attacking issues from many different viewpoints and disciplines. Finally, be prepared for the why consulting? or why business? question. Dont be afraid to acknowledge your relative lack of business training, but be able to articulate why you are interested in business and why you might not have yet pursued such a track. For instance, on my resume, I highlighted how I had taken advantage of the opportunities to take business courses as electives outside of my degree requirements. I also spoke about how my extracurriculars such as Women in Business and prior internships prepared me for such a role and demonstrated my interest in the business world. So, dont hesitate to apply because of your liberal arts background, and send any additional questions to the L.E.K. Advisor. We look forward to hearing from you this fallEmily R., L.E.K. Consulting This post was adap ted from L.E.K. Consultings L.E.K. Advisor blog, which is an interactive resource for undergraduate, MBA and PhD candidates interested in pursuing a career in management consulting. The L.E.K. Advisor acts as a voice for the L.E.K. brand and also features contributions from L.E.K. employees who share their real-world perspectives about the management consulting industry and life inside L.E.K. Check it out at http//ask.lek.com/. To learn more about the firm, also check out Vaults L.E.K. Consulting profile.

Erasing your credit score and other life lessons on debt

Erasing your leistungspunkt score and other life lessons on debtErasing your credit score and other life lessons on debtWhat is the biggest trap people fall into? Debt.Your credit score should really be called a sucker score because its a number that exists for only one reason to tell banks how much money theyre going to be able to make off of you. The higher it is, the mora of your money goes to them.Thats not how theysell it, of course. They sell it as a metric for determining credit worthiness. But if you really break down what makes a credit score higher or lower, youll see that they arent being honest about what it actually is.For example, if youre the type of person who doesnt use credit all that much, but can make large purchases and pay them off in a matter of days or weeks, thatshouldbe an indicator that youre the most credit worthy person on the planet. Right? Shouldnt the people who do that have the highest credit scores?Nope. Youre actually penalized for that, and your cr edit score goes down. Banks hate you, because you dont carry debt long enough for them to make anything off of you.You know who banks like? The people who take a long time to pay things off. Thats why they tell you to carry a balance on your credit cards, to finance things you could easily pay cash for and take your time paying it off, to refinance your house and start the loan over for another 30 years instead of paying it down, and so on. And when you do these things, they reward you with a higher credit score so you can keep borrowing more, keep juggling as much as you can afford, and keep your money flowing to them.Thats why they give you bonuses like the ability to skip payments, reward points, airline miles, limit increases, and the like. Thats why they send you offers in the mail for retailers who give you discounts when you use their card. Want to trade up a car youre already upside down on? No problem, just roll the negative equity into the loan for the new one. Go pick ou t a boat while youre at it.Banks win when you stay in debt.And thats the trap people fall into perpetual debt. Most people dont even realize theyre being played, theyve been taught how to be good little customers and focus on their credit score. You purposely stay in debt when you dont need to, so you have theoptionof using debt when you want to. Eventually all of your money is going out the door to monthly payments, and then youneedto use a credit card at the grocery store just to manage your day to day cash flow. Today, most people couldnt even afford the car theyrecurrently drivingif they hadnt financed it. Thats sad.Whatsmoresad is that none of that stuff is even yours. Youre just renting it from the bank. All it takes is one little hiccup in your income for the house of cards to come crashing down, the bank takes it all back, and everything you paid along the way was for nothing.And what happens when you figure the game out, and decide to opt out of it? When you actually pay o ffeverythingand have no more debt? Your credit score goes to zero.Yep, literally zero. Its not a myth.Hows that for irony? Actions that should have told banks Give this guy whatever amount of money he wants, you can trust him.instead became Screw that guy, he wont play the game and we arent going to make squat off him.But you know what? Im pretty happy about that. I decided a long time ago that if I couldnt pay cash, I couldnt afford it. I looked at my paycheck, then looked at how much of it was going out the door toward monthly payments, and imagined what my savings account would look like if it wasnt.Buying cars, taking trips, all of it gets really easy when your paycheck goes into your bank account and stays there instead of going right back out to bills.You can get out of the trap you just have to commit to staying out of debt. Pay off your credit cards and close them. Ignore the interest rates, just start with the one with the smallest balance, focus all of your extra cash on paying it off, then close it and work your way up to the next one.Pay off your car and keep driving it instead of running out and financing another one. You could write a check for your next car if your car payment was going into your savings account for a year or two.Break the cycle, live on what you make, and your credit score wont matter.This article originally appeared onQuora

3 Ways to Get a Better Job

3 Ways to Get a Better Job3 Ways to Get a Better Job5A typical refrain over the past few years is that most people want to change jobs. Last year was no different.A Harris poll showed that almost 80 percent of 20-somethings desire a career switch. Those in their 30s and 40s arent much happier with their current lages, with 64 percent and 54 percent, respectively, wanting something different.Its one thing to crave it, but how do you get it? Consider these three ways to get a better jobStart with New VisionIf you work for someone else, whether in-house or remotely, now is the time to schedule an intense goal-setting session with your manager. Jennifer Folsom of Summit Consulting suggests that this may be the only time all year that youll have your supervisors undivided attention.If youre not happy with your job, setting achievable, clearly defined goals can be a way to jump-start your way to a new position within your current company. If you have an office position, keep flexible work arrangements in mind as one option that might make a difference in your job satisfaction.Dont Blow the InterviewIts hard to change jobs without jumping through the interview hoop. Since you know you must do it, its smart to prepare for it- and know what to avoid.To get a better job this year, executive coach and speaker Mark Goulston recommends taking care to dodge these common interview misstepsbedrngnis being informed on anything about the company thats available onlineNot listening carefully enough and then giving an answer to something that the interviewer didnt askBlaming anyone or anything other than yourself for somethingTalking so quickly that you cause the interviewers to think that you havent thoughtfully considered what they are sayingBe Open to OptionsSometimes a better job might be right in your own backyard- literally. While it seems logical to think career dissatisfaction means you must move to another position or company, its possible that you could be happier at wor k simply by gaining more flexibility and control over where and when you get things done. Consider telecommuting jobs and other flexible job opportunities.And dont assume your employer wont be open to it- research from Catalyst has proven flexible work arrangements are the new normal, with over 80 percent of companies surveyed globally offering flex options.So take charge of your career destiny, and take the steps needed to position yourself for greater success and happinessReaders, what steps are you taking to get a better job?

Former Netflix Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord on how to fix your company

Former Netflix Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord on how to fix your companyFormer Netflix Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord on how to fix your companyCorporate America is known for specific kinds of standards, practices, and initiatives,but one person has thrown how organizations commonly operate today under the microscope.Along with CEO Reed Hastings, former Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord helped develop the Netflix Culture Deck - a manifesto which helped define the culture and values of the company - whichmade wavesthrough Silicon Valley.It may well be the most important document ever to come out of the Valley, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg reportedly told GQ in an interview.The original presentation racked up more than 17 million views since it was first published in 2009, and was updated in June 2017.On the heels of the release ofher new book, POWERFULBuilding a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility,McCordspoke withLadders Newsabout what she learned during her 14 years at Netf lix.In the first of two parts, McCord discussescorporations and what they can doto evolve.On typical corporate standards and conventionsIts elend just that we call them standards, we refer to them as best practices in our organizations and what Im challenging is, Really? Says who? Looks a lot like were just copying each other to me.Lets say I want a process that gives people feedback because I think itll make them perform better. So we come up with the annual performance review and thats the best we could do? Really? Its elend so much as I turn things on their head or recommend radically different stuff, mostly just that we just throw it away because it doesnt work anymore.On workplace feedback and annual performance reviews I learned a lot, Ive been taking a lot of cues from professional sports coaches that Ive been speaking with recently and if you talk to them about how they get performance from their teams theres a rhythm of giving feedback that is absolutely geared at optimal performance for every member of the team.So I dont really care what system you use, but I do know that you cant get very good at anything that you only do once a year. Im not wed to any particular rhythm but it needs to be more than once a year. It probably needs to be in the moment.The most effective feedback is positive and in the moment. I mean catching people doing things right, encouraging them when youve asked them to do something hard that theyve actually tried and helped/succeeded at. Its that constant working together to make us a better team.On expectations of employeesIf you expect excellence, you might get it even from mediocre performers. But if you expect mediocrity thats the best youre gonna get.On one hand, were supposed to be the group that makes everybody happy, you know, the happiness polizze we want everyone to be engaged. And engaged, happy employees make better products, or so we say, we dont prove that, but we say that.And on the other hand, weve gotta protec t the company from the evil employees that might sue us - so which one are they? And its not true that companies with lots of perks and happiness dont result in bad behavior, as weve certainly seen lately.On engagement, empowerment and millennialsIve seen plenty of engaged employees at work, but theyre not engaged because theyre rewarded with perks and parties. Theyre engaged because theyre working on stuff thats interesting to them, with other smart people, that makes a difference. Thats what engagement really is.Empowerment is not something you give people, you empower people by giving them a lot of context and holding them responsible for the decisions they make and the impact that they have. That would be way more helpful than any class on empowering people.Ive just never been a fan of putting people in those big buckets, anyway, because theyre too simple. And not broad enough. I mean, the idea that millennials dont want to work hard is ridiculous.On how employees should be tre ated like adults at workOne of the biggest things that slow companies down is people having to ask for permission or get approval to do something when they know its the right thing to do - when theyre making a good judgment call and they understand.When we ask people to ask for permission for things they can logically figure out then we say, We cant trust you. In doing those things, were like, You cant make the best decisions, and thats pretty childish if you think about it. yet, how being an adult is not just about reaching a certain ageIn America you have to be 18 to work. You should be pretty far along on that maturity curve. What I mean by maturity and what I mean by adult is not age. I know really mature 25-year-olds, and I know really immature 45-year-olds. So, by adult, I mean, taking responsibility, following through on your commitments, informing other people - you know, the things that grown-ups do.On how technology keeps changing, just as companies should tooI think i ts important to understand how were different than millenials, you know? We hold in our hands the same computational power as I used to have on my desk. The idea that we call it a phone and we take pictures, send email, do text - basically, its what used to be a laptop computer that I now hold in my hand. It changes the way we all live and work, and I dont think technology tethers us to our jobs, I think it frees us.Thats kind of the point of why I wrote the whole book I thought, You know, really, were all doing things the same way we did in 1980? Every couple of decades, we really should rethink this stuff.On how older companies can begin to peel away at the status quoI think that one of the think one of the things that larger, more established companies, do is a matter of habit. Everything has to be a huge corporate initiative. They strive for consistency in these big rollouts. And I think what they can at least try is Take a little corner of the company, or a particular organiz ation, and strip away some of the stuff from them, and see if it yields better performance. I think weve learned now, that not everything has to be done the same way across the world with 100,000 employees.On the biggest fallacy regarding company managementThe misconception that managers have all the power. That theyre psychic, and theyre gonna make the right decisions for you, and they own your future. They dont. We gotta stop telling ourselves that lie because it hasnt been true for a really long time and its not true now, and its definitely not gonna be true in the future. This is a journey, you gotta embrace it, enjoy it.

The Forbidden Truth About Free Printable Resume Templates Exposed by an Expert

The Forbidden Truth About Free Printable Resume Templates Exposed by an Expert If you havent written a pharmacy resume before, or for quite a long time, you may use the next template for aid. Being a real banker by profession is a lucrative career, but you need a compelling resume to find work in the very first location. You need to have a well-written resume if youre serious about landing a pharmacy technician job. The work market is extremely competitive at this time, therefore its always best to have a resume that stands out. Because a free resume template already has the perfect format for a company or work resume, all you have to do is fill it with accurate information regarding your work and education. To compose a good resume it is helpful to use examples of different resumes. Fantastic Resume A conventional format ought to be picked if you want to continue to your present-day career in precisely the very same industry sector. While choosing resume themes select the one which suits the work expertise instead of the work account. The upcoming free resume template was created in the shape of a brochure. The very best part is they are all set to be uploaded, professional resume templates. So long as you know what you would like, then the free resume templates are perfect. The subsequent professional resume template is appropriate for professional bankers, and its precisely what you demand. Free Printable Resume Templates - Overview So many of the work search websites and resume sites incorporate free resume templates for your usage. If you want more help, to make the most of my Gold-Premium free-resume-formats consulting services. When youre finished, youll want to find the resume out of Google Docs. There are lots of ideas, tutorials and sample Resume available to become perfect idea for making your Resume. Keep reading if you want to learn why you may want to team up an infographic resume to your traditional one. Additionally, the built- in methods and expert advice will allow you to compose the perfect resume. Practice questions and techniques when you begin the work search to assure youre prepared to ace the interview. What You Should Do to Find Out About Free Printable Resume Templates Before Youre Left Behind Theres a PDF file for a preview which can be created. You need to choose the proper format. Other documents you have used. PDF documents look the exact same on every computer, and that means you wont have to be worried about any formatting inconsistencies. Some companies need a particular format, so make sure to inspect the format they want and use it. Luckily, there are resources available to you that will be able to help you begin. There are four documents that you are able to pick from and simple to edit layered and organized. The content which you would love to include should dictate whether the resume is printed on a couple of pages. When seeking to compose your first resume, the task might appear very daunting. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better prospect of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. If you would like help making decisions all along how you may want to cover a resume consultation or seek the services of a resume writer. It is crucial to elend forget that everyones resume should differ and theres no rigid structure to writing your resume. Youll find several step-by-step tutorials to aid you with that. You can find plenty of different free resume template samples by doing an internet search. If you dont have Microsoft Word, or you would like to try out several other templates, there are tons of templates readily available on the net. You will discover free resume templates with distinct fonts. These fonts have links that may be downloaded for free also. Its possible to add your own pictures and texts, and it is going to be all set that you print. Analyze the w ording and the way its written. Search and download a completely free assortment of letter templates. Create resume here is only a fun. Employing a resume template has turned into an acceptable and smart practice for several explanations. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons but most often theyre utilized to secure new employment. Infographic resumes arent for everybody, however, and on occasion a traditional resume will be more appropriate, based on the situation. Knowing the distinction between a resume and course load vitae is a good deal more crucial before selecting a template. You can supply a workshop anywh One approach to construct your business is to create interest and interaction with potential customers or clients. You dont need to use expensive paper, especially if youre sending out a good deal of resumes, but you may want to use paper thats slightly heavier than standard paper. If you have the right training and skill, then youre ready to reach your targ et in an effortless way.

Video Interviewing Keeping it Legal - Spark Hire

Video Interviewing Keeping it Legal - Spark HireWith more and more businesses utilizing video interviews, you may be considering implementing this technology into your startups existing interview process. One of the questions that many small business owners have about video interviews deals with how to stay within HR guidelines and keep things legal.While video interviewing can seem like a huge difference from the standard resume screening, phone screening, and in-person interviewing, there is no difference when it comes to HR requirements. The main difference in the two methods is that video interviewing allows you to actually see the candidate earlier on in the process, or see a remote candidate in their home setting.In any instance, it is important that you remember what to do in order to ensure your interview goes smoothly and stays within legal guidelines.Ask the right questionsConducting a video interview, whether it is a one-way or live interview, should be very similar to a p hone interview or an in-person interview. Yes, you will be able to visibly see the candidate sometimes earlier than normal and sometimes in their home setting, but you must still approach the interview in the saatkorn mindset as if you were on the phone with the candidate or interviewing the candidate in your office. You still need to stick to questions that deal with the candidates ability to do the job and stay away from questions regarding their personal beliefs or life.Treat each candidate equallyAbove all, the most important thing to remember when implementing video interviews into your consideration process is that you must treat each candidate equally.This is no different than in any other situation when you are interviewing someone for a position. You must concentrate on the candidates skill, experience, and ability to do the job required. Age, race, or any other differentiating feature should not be a limiting factor in your interview process.Keep this in mind, especially w hen interviewing candidates through live videos. For example, if you notice through the video that the candidate has a family photo in the background, it is not okay for you to ask questions about their family. Questions about children, marriage partner, or marriage in general should be avoided.In addition, if you notice that the candidate seems to have a little gray in their hair, it is not appropriate to ask questions regarding age. In fact, just as with any interviewing situation, it is not appropriate to disqualify a candidate due to age.Implementing video interviews into your interviewing process can be a bit scary at first, but as long as you remember all of the basic rules of interviewing, you will find that video interviews are a huge timesaver to your interview process.Have you considered implementing video interviews into your current interviewing process? If so, what have been your concerns? We would love to hear from you please leave your comments below.Image Wavebreak Media Ltd/BigStock.com