Campus Spotlight: Hannah Gayle Welch
An Associate’s Insights on Why Effective Communication and Learning to Work Well With Others Will Get You Far in Consulting
Hannah Gayle Welch is an Associate with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Corporate Transformation Tax practice in Dallas, Texas. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her juris doctor degree from the Texas A&M University School of Law.
In the following Q&A, Hannah shares her journey from college to a successful career at A&M, detailing the lessons she’s learned, the reasons behind her career choices and advice for those looking to thrive in the consulting industry.
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
It is all about the questions you ask. If you come prepared, having already investigated the inquiry independently, your question will be appropriately succinct enough to get a helpful answer. Well-thought-out questions not only help you learn but can also allow you to contribute meaningfully to any conversation.
Why did you choose to intern at A&M?
I originally applied and interviewed with A&M because the internship description aligned with my career objectives. However, I accepted the internship with A&M over other opportunities because of the people I met during my interview process. My team was, and continues to be, a team of knowledgeable and thoughtful people who desire to see their mentees thrive.
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
My primary motivation to join A&M full-time was the range of opportunities for learning and growth. I have always enjoyed learning, and the mentors here are unparalleled in knowledge and career wisdom. Because of the mentorship here, there is no better place to grow as a career professional.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I am based in the Dallas office, which has an active and friendly office culture. We have weekly community days, during which we can enjoy coffee and lunch together. We also regularly have group events, including volunteer events, sporting events and a Dallas book club.
How to Navigate and Mitigate Early Career Challenges
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
I kept track of all the tasks that were assigned to me. When you are working on several projects and there are several tasks within each project, it can be easy to drop the ball without realizing it. I tried several techniques for task management, but at the end of the day, I found that a paper-written to-do list was the easiest way to ensure each task was completed.
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?
The No. 1 skill a consultant must have is effective communication. Consultants constantly communicate internally with coworkers and externally with clients and other third parties. No matter how knowledgeable you are, if you cannot communicate your thoughts effectively, it will be difficult for others to consider your ideas or suggestions fully.
Looking back, what advice would you offer recent graduates about effectively transitioning from academia to the professional world?
Transitioning from student life to professional life is difficult. I suggest giving yourself some grace while navigating that transition. You do not have to be a perfect career professional as soon as you graduate, and you are almost guaranteed to make a mistake at some point. You must be committed to learning and developing professional skills as you go.
What personal attributes or traits are essential for success in your field, and how do you continually nurture and develop these qualities within yourself?
Understanding and organization are the personal attributes I find most essential for success in consulting. A consultant’s primary job is to help the client with their needs. To help the client, you must understand your client’s position on both a micro and macro level. Otherwise, the help you provide may not be suitable. Additionally, if you are unorganized, then the help you provide may be incomplete or untimely. Therefore, if a budding consultant is not understanding or organized, they can arguably not do their job effectively.
How to Build Relationships and Network Effectively in Consulting
How do you approach networking and building professional relationships, and what tips would you offer to others just starting?
The way I network depends on the circumstances of the situation. If I am with someone who already knows the person I want to meet, I ask for an introduction and go from there. It is a little more difficult to network with someone without an introduction. Generally, I start with a genuine compliment, which tends to evolve into introductions and a more fruitful conversation.
What are some notable perks or benefits you've experienced working in the consulting industry?
The most notable perk I have experienced in the consulting industry is flexibility. Like with every profession, there are set meetings and deadlines. However, as a consultant, you can often choose when to put those meetings or how to approach those deadlines so that they fit within your schedule. It seems small because you are still required to attend meetings and meet deadlines, but that flexibility is invaluable in cultivating a work-life balance.
What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?
I enjoy watercolor painting. My grandfather was a talented painter, and I always wanted to emulate that skill growing up. Unfortunately, perfectionism does not always mix well with art and several attempts at learning to paint ended in frustration. I had explicitly avoided watercolors in all my attempts because I knew they were challenging to work with. However, when a friend gifted me a watercolor pallet that I felt obligated to use, I found the lack of control allowed me to break from the desire to be perfect and focus on the joy of painting.
What's a book, movie or TV show that has profoundly impacted you, and why?
The TV show with the most profound impact on my life is Leverage. It is a cute comedy show, but it reframed how I viewed myself within society. I rewatch it often, and it always reminds me that it is important to use the skills I cultivate not only to help myself but also to help other people.
What's the best advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life?
I once had a manager sit me down and calmly explain that not everyone is me. It seems obvious, but it can be challenging to work with other people if you always expect them to have your skill set or knowledge. Throughout your career, it is important to recognize not only your strengths and weaknesses but those of others so that you can work as an effective team member.
