Campus Spotlight: Eric Topfer
Be Resourceful and Be Proactive:
An Associate’s Insights on the Essential Skills Needed to Be Successful in the Consulting Industry
Eric Topfer is an Associate in Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Healthcare Industry Group (HIG) in New York, New York. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Miami.
In this Q&A, Eric reflects on building meaningful connections and embracing the challenges of a fast-paced consulting environment. He shares why “be where your feet are” is the best advice he has ever received and how it has helped him personally and professionally.
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
College was all about the experience of meeting new people—people from different backgrounds, people with differing opinions—and learning how to live harmoniously with them as acquaintances and, in many cases, friends. At work, everyone has a story regarding how they arrived at the firm or the client, and learning to work well with all types of people in college has served me extremely well in the professional world. It’s something I continue to work on every day as well.
Why did you choose to intern at A&M?
I wanted to intern at A&M because, while still in college, I felt unfamiliar with so many different industries. Interning at a company like A&M, which would allow me to be a pivotal part of a team that worked with clients, would allow me to learn about various industries.
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
What drew me to A&M were the people and the idea that consulting could be more than just giving recommendations. At A&M, intellectual curiosity and data-backed conclusions are the pillars of effective consulting, as is a willingness and desire to teach. However, what truly sets A&M apart is its commitment to implementation. We don't just provide clients with strategies to implement changes; we actively drive those results forward. I experienced these aspects firsthand during my internship, which made me incredibly excited to join the firm full-time.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I’m based in the New York City office, and the culture is top-notch. I always get coffee with and interact with folks in other business units, and there’s a culture of getting to know those around you. There are also a lot of NYC events where people can meet each other.
Mitigating Early Career Challenges by Making Connections and Leveraging Mentors
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
The expectations for this job are very high. You need to work and learn quickly, be proactive and be ready to say yes. When I started at A&M, I wasn't doing a great job reaching out to people outside my project team to make connections. I learned that if I wanted to build those connections, I needed to take the initiative. Since realizing that, I’ve met great people with whom I am now close, both inside and outside of work.
Who are the individuals you consider your closest mentors, and what valuable lessons have you learned from them?
Kevin Cassidy has had a significant influence on my professional life. He taught me what it means to be trusted by the client and to consistently deliver top-level work all the time, while still having fun in your job.
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?
Learn how to learn. I know this seems cliché, but if you don’t know how to do something at work, the first step will always be to research it yourself. You want to be seen as someone who asks questions when you need to, not always asking questions that are quickly answered online.
Looking back, what advice would you offer recent graduates about effectively transitioning from academia to the professional world?
Learn how to be professional. In college, doing your work is about doing well for yourself. You can do it when you want to and have a lot of control over your time. As you move into the working world, people rely on your work to do theirs. Learning how to communicate professionally regarding your timing and any pain points is very important in these cases.
Understanding the Critical Importance of Networking and Relationship-Building in Consulting
How do you approach networking and building professional relationships, and what tips would you offer to others just starting?
Due to the non-hierarchical structure, A&M is a place where everyone, especially at a junior level, can feel comfortable networking. Most people are open to a 15-minute chat or coffee, and learning how to find the people you may resonate with and learn from is a skill. Make sure people know you, and you are constantly looking to learn.
What are some notable perks or benefits you've experienced working in the consulting industry?
Credit card points! A&M allows you to use your own cards for travel, which is a big perk if you’re on a project that requires frequent travel.
What's the best advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life?
Be where your feet are. Both professionally and personally, this is a saying that has helped me find happiness and success. Professionally, 90 percent of success is listening at A&M. You may think multitasking during a meeting is necessary. But that hour will always be better spent listening to the client or your internal team. If you bring work with you, or anything stressful, to everything you do, you are setting yourself up to miss out on the small joys in life. Staying present is a major factor in life success.
