Campus Spotlight: Eva Paelinck
Challenge, Ownership, and Support Fuel a Dynamic Career Journey
Eva Paelinck is a Manager with Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) in New York City, New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business engineering and a master’s degree in operations management from the University of Ghent, as well as an MBA from Columbia Business School.
In this Q&A, Eva reflects on how A&M’s culture of support and purposeful staffing has challenged her to grow while keeping her fully engaged in client work.
Why A&M?
What drew you to intern at A&M and what inspired your decision to return full-time?
What first drew me to A&M was CRG’s strong retail focus and reputation for delivering results in a fast-paced environment. I valued the chance to work alongside professionals with operator experience and who understand clients firsthand. That hands-on approach made my internship incredibly rewarding. What inspired me to return full-time was the entrepreneurial culture that empowered me to take initiative, contribute and grow quickly. The mix of industry focus, experienced teams and a supportive environment made it clear A&M was the right place to build a dynamic, long-term career.
Mentorship and Professional Growth at A&M
How has A&M supported your personal or professional development since you joined?
Since joining A&M full-time, I’ve felt supported in both personal and professional growth. My performance manager has been a thoughtful advocate, taking time to understand my goals and strengths while helping to shape my career path. I’ve also appreciated A&M’s intentional staffing, which aligns me with projects that match my interests while still pushing me to grow. That mix of support and stretch opportunities has accelerated my learning, kept me engaged and shown me that development is a real priority at A&M, not just a talking point.
A&M Culture and Team Collaboration
How would you describe the culture of your local office or team?
The culture of my office is collaborative, encouraging and entrepreneurial. From day one, I felt welcomed by a team that cares about each other and is always willing to help. Everyone is encouraged to take initiative and share ideas and the balance of professionalism and fun makes work both meaningful and enjoyable.
Living A&M Core Values: Objectivity in Action
How does A&M’s core value of Objectivity resonate with you, and where have you seen it in action at the firm?
A&M’s core value of Objectivity resonates with me because it’s about learning from others and valuing every perspective. I’ve seen this in the way teams collaborate, leaders listen, juniors are encouraged to speak up and discussions focus on teamwork over hierarchy. This culture builds trust, drives better outcomes and creates an environment where people feel heard, supported and motivated to keep growing.
Work-Life Balance: Hobbies and Interests
What hobby or interest outside of work energizes you?
Sewing energizes me outside of work. It’s a creative outlet that lets me slow down, focus on details, and enjoy the satisfaction of bringing a project to life. I love the creativity of working with my hands.
