Julia Yang is an Analyst with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Transaction Advisory Group (TAG) in Houston, Texas. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.

In the following Q&A, Julia shares why she chose to work at A&M, how she cultivates her professional reputation and her fondness for her mother’s cooking. 

What skills or experiences did you gain in college that have been valuable in your career thus far?

My choice to major in accounting in college has proven to be immensely valuable in my career journey. The technical accounting knowledge I acquired has directly translated into practical applications, enabling me to navigate complex financial concepts and confidently handle the intricacies of my daily responsibilities. This strong foundation has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth, providing me with a solid understanding of the technical aspects that underpin my role.

Why did you choose to intern at A&M?

When weighing my internship options, I carefully deliberated between joining A&M in TAG or pursuing an opportunity with one of the Big Four accounting firms in their audit practice. Ultimately, my decision to choose A&M stemmed from my strong inclination towards the captivating world of due diligence work, which I found more enticing than audit. Furthermore, after engaging in conversations with individuals at A&M, I was genuinely drawn to the firm's culture, which resonated with my professional aspirations. The allure of being part of a smaller-sized firm, coupled with the abundant support system evident within A&M, solidified my choice.

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

My experience as an intern at A&M was truly enriching and fulfilling. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to delve into projects that closely aligned with the responsibilities I would undertake in a full-time capacity. The work I was entrusted with proved consistently intriguing and captivating. What particularly resonated with me was the seamless integration I experienced with the A&M team. The individuals who graciously coached and mentored me during my internship demonstrated an exceptional level of support and guidance. Their unwavering commitment to my growth and success further affirmed my belief that A&M fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, which I eagerly look forward to being a part of in a full-time role.

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

Explore the different opportunities available to you. Early in my college experience, I had never heard about due diligence or transaction advisory, and I wasn’t aware of it as a career option. But by looking beyond the more common career opportunities, which for accounting students at my school were in audit and tax, I was able to find a line of work that’s been much more rewarding and engaging to me personally. If you’re interested in consulting, there are many different types of consulting that you may not know about, so I would encourage you to explore all the different options.

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

Cultivating a professional reputation is an often-overlooked facet of fostering meaningful professional connections. It's important to recognize that individuals with whom you may collaborate in the future could first learn about you through the recommendations and experiences shared by others. By consistently delivering exceptional work and demonstrating a genuine eagerness to learn from and support those around you, you can profoundly shape how your peers perceive both your abilities and your character. These impressions, in turn, influence how they portray you to individuals who may not yet be within your network, but whose paths may intersect with yours in the future. Prioritizing the production of high-quality work and fostering a helpful and growth-oriented mindset are key ingredients in constructing a compelling professional image.

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

I love crocheting! One of my friends in college taught me how to do it, and it quickly became one of my favorite hobbies. It’s a great way to work with my hands, while still being relaxed and repetitive enough to have a TV show or podcast on in the background. Plus, I’ve gotten some neat sweaters out of it.

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

Growing up, I ate a lot of my mom’s home cooking, which was primarily Chinese cuisine; therefore, my answer is influenced by nostalgia. Chinese food tastes delicious, and there’s so much variety that I really don’t think I could get sick of it.

What are some fun facts about you?

I lived in Norway for several years as a child, and I’m planning a trip to go back and visit there next year!