Campus Spotlight: Chris Daniel Jung
An Associate's Inside Look at the Exciting World of Consulting and the Skills Needed to Be Successful in the Industry
Chris Daniel Jung is an Associate in Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Valuation Services practice in Frankfurt, Germany. He earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Goethe University Frankfurt.
In this Q&A, Chris reflects on his academic path and discusses the importance of self-organization and the skills cultivated during university that seamlessly transitioned into his professional life. Chris emphasizes fostering a supportive network and engaging in cross-functional collaboration, which he actively promotes.
Understanding the Importance of Staying Proactive and Organized to Overcome Early Career Challenges
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
I've come to appreciate the importance of self-organization in many aspects of life. University teaches you to be self-reliant and proactive in managing your workload, skills that seamlessly transition into the professional world. The ability to structure and organize my studies over the semesters was crucial to my academic success and has proven invaluable in my career. As I navigate various projects and tasks, these skills let me stay on top of deadlines and deliverables effectively.
Additionally, life at university taught me the significance of building and nurturing a network, a practice I continue to uphold. Collaborating with peers and tackling challenges as a team has shown me that complex tasks are best solved when different perspectives are brought together, a lesson I recognize as indispensable for success in the workplace. Overall, the lessons learned at university have laid a solid foundation for my professional journey, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, organization and collaboration.
Why did you choose to intern at A&M?
During my two-month stay in the United States in 2022, I learned about A&M through a friend from San Francisco who works in restructuring. Upon returning to Germany, I noticed a vacant position at A&M in Valuation Services advertised on the career network of Goethe University.
Having already worked in the corporate finance/valuation field for nearly two years as an Intern/working student, this position immediately appealed to me. I was impressed by A&M’s international focus and the opportunity to work on restructuring-related projects. The working student role also allowed me to integrate practical experience with my full-time studies seamlessly. Following the interview, my impression of A&M was confirmed, and it was a very fortunate decision!
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
After working as a student at A&M for almost seven months, numerous reasons supported my desire for a full-time position. For example, I was well-integrated into the team and had the opportunity to familiarize myself with our valuation models and processes. Throughout my tenure as a working student, the flat hierarchies within our team and the strong mentoring contributed significantly to my knowledge growth. This facilitated my transition to an Analyst, as I had a short onboarding period and was directly involved in various projects.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I am based in the Frankfurt office and would describe our office culture as open and collaborative. We foster strong communication among the various business units, which I really appreciate. Interacting with other business units provides insights beyond one's division and offers a comprehensive view of A&M’s entire service portfolio. We also organize monthly get-togethers, participate in the annual JP Morgan run and host our local Christmas party.
Measuring the Impact of Mentorship and Building a Strong Professional Network
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
I encountered several challenges, including the immediate staffing on various client projects. This required me to quickly adapt to new situations to fulfill client needs and create value. Alongside this challenge came the necessity to embrace a proactive approach to asking questions, ensuring clarity before making crucial decisions, particularly in situations with limited options. Communication has proven to be the key to successfully navigating such challenges effectively.
As time passed and my experience grew, my confidence in tackling new challenges developed naturally. This growth was a testament to my perseverance and a reflection of the invaluable support and mentorship I received from the entire team.
What crucial skills or qualities do you believe students should prioritize developing to thrive in the consulting industry, and how can they best prepare themselves?
When considering the skills and qualities essential for success in the consulting industry, it is paramount that students prioritize the development of both technical expertise and results-oriented approaches. Alongside technical proficiency, understanding and conveying complex concepts clearly to others is crucial. This includes developing a variety of soft and presentation skills. I highly encourage potential candidates to engage actively in university activities, whether by participating in group projects, delivering class presentations or involving themselves in extracurricular initiatives. Additionally, having the ability to build and maintain a network is vital. A strong network is invaluable for future success, and during their studies, students can connect with many future professionals across diverse industries and sectors. Furthermore, a diverse network allows for the expansion of horizons and viewing things from different perspectives.
Looking back, what advice would you offer recent graduates about effectively transitioning from academia to the professional world?
First, be excited about applying the knowledge you've gained during your studies to real-world scenarios. Embrace the opportunity to learn and adopt your division's best practices quickly. It’s important to show that you’re willing to take responsibility and able to offer innovative ideas.
Flexibility is another crucial aspect, as each workday brings different challenges, requiring you to adjust to new situations and client needs at a moment's notice. Unlike the structured learning plans in academia, the professional world offers less predictability, making flexibility invaluable.
But most importantly, look forward to the opportunity to work on a project from start to finish, which will provide you with greater insights and valuable learning experiences. This is something that is not typically offered during most internships.
What are your career aspirations for the next few years?
Over the next few years, my career aspirations primarily focus on personal and professional growth within A&M.
I am also enthusiastic about exploring opportunities to work in a foreign office or on international projects for a few months. Additionally, I am currently engaged in a valuation dispute, which I find both challenging and incredibly interesting. This experience has sparked my interest in specializing in this field.
What personal attributes or traits are essential for success in your field, and how do you continually nurture and develop these qualities within yourself?
Attention to detail is crucial, particularly in Valuation Services, where we mostly work with complex financial models or data analysis. Analytical understanding is also fundamental, allowing us to comprehend data to draw meaningful insights. Additionally, curiosity is key; being open to exploring new industries and sectors helps us identify value drivers and understand market dynamics. Furthermore, being a team player and possessing strong communication skills are paramount, as tasks within a project team can vary greatly, requiring collaboration and the ability to convey complex concepts effectively to team members or clients. I strive to continually nurture and develop these qualities by engaging in an ongoing learning process.
What are some notable perks or benefits you've experienced working in the consulting industry?
One major advantage is the opportunity to work on various projects, allowing exposure to multiple industries and sectors. The job is undeniably diverse, with each new project presenting unique challenges and differences from previous ones. Particularly in the early stages of a consultant’s career, there is already a significant level of responsibility given, providing the chance to make a substantive contribution. The flat hierarchies at A&M offer an excellent opportunity for personal growth and learning from more experienced colleagues. I believe that after a few years in the consulting industry, young professionals undergo profound professional and personal development.
Aligning Passion and Action to Achieve Success
What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?
My favorite hobby is gliding, which I began in 2019 at the gliding club of Goethe University. I discovered the club during the Night of Science, an annual event organized by the university's science faculties. Being an aviation enthusiast, I immediately enrolled in a two-week intensive course! Gliding isn't just a hobby; it evolves into a true passion, where every flight brings new challenges and experiences. I recommend that everyone try it at least once!
What's the best advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life?
The best advice I've ever received, and I've heard it multiple times, is summarized in the phrase, "Follow your passion and success will follow you." By focusing on what genuinely excites and motivates me, I've found that success naturally ensues. This approach has shaped my belief in the importance of aligning passion with action and convinced me that it's the right approach in every aspect of life, whether personal or professional.
