Lessons

As a new intern at Monar, I have had the opportunity to experience the inside world of management consulting. And I have to say–it is an experience worth experiencing.

One of the aspect that struck me most was how flexible consultants have to be. The day to day 9-5 is non-existent for a consultant. The work may be crazy busy one day, and a bit slow the next. Thinking on your feet, gathering research, and having strong communication skills are basic  necessities  to survive in the management industry. But so is the ability to network, to build relationships, and to maintain those relationships.

Throughout my few weeks here, I have learned the importance of the 80/20 concept. The importance of learning to read your audience, and knowing what your audience wants. The importance of genuine, mutually beneficial networking interactions. It no long matters how many people you know. Rather than focusing on quantity, a master relationship builder focuses on quality. What can I do for you, rather than what you can do for me. How can I add value to your interests, or to a project you are working on. How can I answer your question, or refer someone who can. Rather than focusing on myself, the key to success is to focus on others, on my key target audience.

I suppose, as a young millennial making her first mark upon the world, that is a very noteworthy lesson to learn.