How a Culture of Empowerment Enables Professional Development

Danielle Vandenherik is an Analyst with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI) practice in New York, New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

In the following Q&A, Danielle shares her journey from selecting A&M for internships to becoming a full-time analyst, driven by the diverse experiences and entrepreneurial culture that A&M offers. She emphasizes her involvement in the PEPI Analyst Program, underscoring the importance of positivity and a learning mindset.

Why did you choose to intern at A&M? 

During my sophomore year, I was introduced to the PEPI practice. I chose to intern at A&M for two main reasons:

1. A&M serves a wide range of clients across numerous industries, providing diverse and intellectually stimulating work experiences.
2. A&M fosters an entrepreneurial culture, encouraging employees to take initiative, be proactive and drive results.

I was intrigued and believed this culture of empowerment would allow me to have a significant impact on the projects I supported, even as an intern. I was excited to intern here to have an opportunity to learn, grow as a professional and add value to the projects I supported. 

Why did you choose to join A&M full-time? 

My initial hypothesis turned out to be true; during my time as an intern at A&M, I was able to learn and add real value to the projects I supported. After completing two summer internships with A&M, it was clear that the company culture aligned well with my values and work preferences, making me want to be a part of the organization long-term. My internship experiences provided ample opportunities for learning and professional growth. I believed working here full-time would offer even more chances to develop my skills and expertise, which has been true. My internships allowed me to contribute to exciting and challenging projects that I wanted to continue supporting and eventually lead in a full-time role.

Tell us about your involvement in the firm's analyst program and how it's shaped your perspective on talent acquisition and the next generation of professionals.

Transitioning from a PEPI intern to the first ever PEPI M&A Services/Software, Technology, and Services (MAS-STS) full-time analyst and assisting in founding the content for the formal PEPI MAS-STS Analyst Program has certainly shaped my perspective on talent acquisition as it relates to our junior talent. Having a positive attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to learn new skills is important. There is no expectation that someone coming in as an analyst will be an expert in a certain field or skill, but being committed to learning and being motivated are highly valued qualities within the PEPI group. 

Overcoming Early Career Obstacles

How did you start your career, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on?

Upon completing my undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I started my career with the Private Equity M&A Services group at A&M. Adjusting to workplace expectations, norms and culture can feel overwhelming for young professionals who are brand new to the professional environment. Building a professional network and establishing connections with mentors can be daunting for young professionals. However, I found it very helpful to reach out to my colleagues, introduce myself and network with all different levels within the team early on. As the first analyst joining a team of individuals who have historically joined the firm with previous years of industry and/or prior consulting experience, setting expectations was a hardship I faced early on. To mitigate miscommunication with my superiors, I take notes when given a task, read back my interpretation of what needs to be completed and how, and set realistic deadlines for when the task can be completed so my manager and I are aligned.

How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively, especially when faced with competing priorities and deadlines?

I make sure to overcommunicate with my team when we divide and conquer tasks for a project. I like to paraphrase tasks to ensure I fully understand what needs to be completed and then organize by making lists. I am vocal if I don’t think I can meet a proposed deadline, explain why, and in every situation, have been able to figure out a solution to ensure our work is done promptly with proper quality checks. I also try not to spin my wheels too much when faced with a question or problem and ask for help when needed. Luckily, the PEPI team is awesome about lending a helping hand when needed, and there is always someone available from whom I can seek guidance. 

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment so far in your career?

Recently, I was staffed to support the merger of two global, publicly traded sports and entertainment brands ($2.5 billion combined revenue). Here, I supported the assessment of the current operating models of both brands and identification of over $100 million of labor and non-labor synergy opportunities across revenue-generating functions and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) functions. This included estimation of one-time cost to achieve and development of a combined entity for future-state organizational structures across noted functions. This project was pivotal for me as I got to “own” our deliverable, expanded my responsibilities and learned how to deliver high-quality work consistently.

Navigating the Transition from School to Work

What advice would you give to university students looking to work in consulting? 

Networking goes such a long way. In addition to performing well in school, fostering relationships with people already in the workforce is equally as important. Attend career fairs, reach out to people you come across on LinkedIn, utilize professors who may have prior industry experience and be open to speaking with people across a plethora of industries. Take advantage of any in-person information sessions on campus, as showing your face and asking thoughtful questions can go a long way.

In hindsight, what advice would you give to your college self or other recent graduates about navigating the transition from school to work?

Transitioning from school to work can be daunting, but there are so many aspects of work life to look forward to. I love A&M because I get to learn by working through challenging problems while working with smart, sharp people. A college education paves the way for real-world readiness, and applying the skill sets from the classroom while learning more by doing every day is an incredible feeling.

Creating a Framework for Career Development Success

What are your career goals and aspirations for the next few years?

I want to continue to expand my knowledge and skill set by supporting challenging projects across multiple different industries. One of the reasons I love the work I do within the Private Equity M&A group is because every project has new intricacies and bespoke dynamics that allow for new learning opportunities. 

What are the most important qualities for success in your field, and how do you cultivate those qualities in yourself?

Analyzing large volumes of data and drawing meaningful insights is vital for success in the private equity M&A services field. Additionally, attention to detail is critical throughout all aspects of the job. M&A deals involve extensive documentation and legal processes. I practice attention to detail by double and triple checking my work, proofreading documents thoroughly and seeking feedback on all my deliverables. My success in the private equity M&A services industry is a continuous journey of learning and improvement. I make sure to seek feedback from colleagues and mentors on all projects/tasks, am receptive to constructive criticism and continue to refine my knowledge and skillset.

The Importance of Mentorship for Professional Development

Can you tell us about a mentor or advisor who has influenced your career development, and what did you learn from them?

I feel so lucky that so many of my colleagues here at A&M have played a pivotal role in my career development, but one person who stands out is Erin Horton. Erin has been my mentor/performance manager since my first internship when I was just twenty years old, and since then she has been dedicated to my professional success and fostered an empowering relationship that has facilitated my growth and development. Erin delivers feedback in a supportive and respectful manner, focusing on areas of improvement and celebrating strengths.

How do you approach networking and building professional relationships, and what tips would you offer to others starting out?

To me, networking is about fostering genuine relationships with my peers in the industry. I think it is important to be proactive and open-minded, and approach networking with a long-term perspective. Building meaningful relationships takes time; therefore, it is important to be patient. Keep putting in effort, and over time, your network will grow. When networking, actively listen to what others have to say. Ask questions, show curiosity and demonstrate that you value their insights and experiences. One of the reasons I love A&M and the PEPI group is the culture that allows junior resources to easily connect with senior leaders who are willing and eager to support our training and development as young professionals.

What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?

In March 2023, I ran my very first half marathon and have found a passion for running ever since. I am also a SoulCycle and Barry’s aficionado. Additionally, I love frequenting the Jersey Shore (Parker House) in the summer, trying out new restaurants in New York City and spending quality time with family and friends.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower, I would choose the ability to time travel. History fascinates me, and the ability to travel through time would allow me to explore different historical periods, witness significant events firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the past. Traveling to the future would offer a glimpse into technological advancements, societal changes and the state of the world. I would also love to travel back in time to some of my own personal favorite memories spent with family and friends and relive those moments again. 

If you had to eat only one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I would choose Italian. I could eat pasta, pizza, cheese and nothing else for the rest of my life and be very content. My junior year of college I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for about three weeks and had some of the best food of my entire life. Unfortunately, the experience was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic; however, I would love to return one day and experience the authentic Italian cuisine again.

What are some fun facts about you?

I am a huge New York Giants fan. Every Sunday during NFL season, I make sure to block off my day to thoroughly watch and cheer on my team (at Metlife or at home). Additionally, I love all New York teams—specifically the Yankees, Rangers and Knicks. This past March, I got to meet Eli Manning and it was one of my favorite days in recent memory.