Campus Spotlight: Kabir Singh
An Analyst’s Insights on Why Effective Communication and Problem Solving Are Crucial for Success in Consulting
Kabir Singh is an Analyst with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) North American Restructuring & Turnaround practice in Chicago, Illinois.
In this Q&A, Kabir shares how embracing curiosity shaped his college experience and motivated his decision to join A&M. Attracted by A&M's specialization in restructuring and its dynamic team, he appreciates the fast-paced, collaborative culture of the Chicago office. Kabir discusses the challenge of grasping the long-term impact of his work and emphasizes the importance of building strong connections with colleagues.
How Embracing Curiosity Can Support Both Personal and Professional Development
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
One valuable lesson I learned from my college journey is the importance of embracing curiosity without fear. During the transition from high school to college, I often restrained myself from pursuing interests due to concerns about social expectations. I found myself conforming to the thoughts and actions of those around me rather than pursuing my genuine desires. This tendency was detrimental to my well-being and personal growth. However, I discovered that there can be significant power in taking a contrarian stance. Often, the most promising opportunities and ideas go unnoticed and unmentioned until they gain traction. You risk missing out on many possibilities by blindly following others without thought.
Why did you choose to become a Summer Analyst at A&M?
When I was a junior, I learned about A&M because I was interested in learning about restructuring case studies, specifically the prospect that a company can still operate even after it has gone through bankruptcy. Restructuring is quite a niche field, and I found out through my research that only a few firms worked on the biggest Chapter 11 cases. I applied for the Summer Analyst role with our Unsecured Creditors' Committee (UCC) group through their posting on our Indiana University job board. I had a good time speaking with our team during the interview process and was excited and eager to join the firm when they offered me the position.
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
I had a great experience as a Summer Analyst and enjoyed learning about the restructuring industry. I also really liked my team and everyone I worked with, so joining full-time was a natural fit.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I am based out of the Chicago office. I would describe the Chicago office as a fast-paced, fun work environment where conversation and laughter are highly encouraged. Even though everyone works hard on their individual and team projects, having fun with your coworkers and colleagues is a big part of going into the office. The brand-new game room is an additional highlight, though I need more practice on the Golden Tee before I take on any challengers.
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
An expected yet unexpected challenge was adjusting to working a job and committing to your project day in and day out. In school, many assignments are short-term; most of the time, there aren’t real people impacted, just a letter grade on a transcript. The fact that many projects at A&M go on for months to years and that the work you do daily impacts people is something challenging to wrap your head around as a recent college graduate.
Share a significant accomplishment from your career.
I take pride in my strong connections with my colleagues and teammates. In my memory, every project I've undertaken has been a success, mainly due to the invaluable support I've received from others, even if they weren't directly involved in the project.
Tips to Navigate and Overcome Early Career Challenges
Looking back, what advice would you offer recent graduates about effectively transitioning from academia to the professional world?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and gaining insight into the professional landscape are crucial to transitioning smoothly into the professional realm. Aside from academic commitments, college students enjoy ample leisure time for socializing and pursuing personal interests. However, your available free time will likely diminish upon entering the workforce. Nonetheless, I emphasize the importance of engaging in enjoyable hobbies and activities during downtime.
It's essential to acquaint yourself with the professional sphere’s culture, norms and expectations. While restructuring may be a niche field, it encompasses various entities and operations. Therefore, comprehending industry dynamics, organizational frameworks and typical procedures will provide valuable insight into daily operations.
What are your career aspirations for the next few years?
As I look to the future, I see abundant potential for advancing my career at A&M. As an Analyst, I focus on enhancing my proficiency in Excel and refining my workstreams. Additionally, I aim to expand my professional network within the industry and the firm. My experience with the UCC has underscored the significance of connecting with peers, particularly legal professionals. As I gain confidence in delivering quality work for our clients, I plan to further my personal and professional growth.
What personal attributes or traits are essential for success in your field, and how do you continually nurture and develop these qualities within yourself?
The primary skills crucial for a restructuring consultant are problem-solving and effective communication. I perceive these skills as interconnected; proficient communication enhances problem-solving, and adept problem-solving, in turn, improves communication. Embracing challenges as avenues for learning and growth aids in developing my problem-solving skills.
How to Effectively Unlock the Value of Networking
How do you approach networking and building professional relationships, and what tips would you offer to others just starting?
I suggest not viewing networking as transactional and always approaching it open-mindedly instead. Many times, if you ask others about themselves and their experiences, especially in a networking setting, you can learn a lot and ease the pressure of having to sell yourself and think about what you can get from the other person.
What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?
One of my favorite hobbies outside of work is collecting vinyl records. I got into it through a friend and my dad, who gave me his records when he first moved to the US. My favorite places to buy vinyl are Shuga Records in Chicago or Vintage Vinyl in St. Louis.
What's a book, movie or TV show that has profoundly impacted you, and why?
A movie that profoundly impacted me was “The Big Short.” The movie was my first real introduction to finance and fascinated me. It’s cool to reflect and think that I now work for a firm that helped many banks and businesses impacted by the financial crisis.
