Campus Spotlight: Michael DeLong
Embracing the Unknown and Capitalizing on Opportunities: An Associate’s Recipe for Successful Career Progression in the Consulting Industry
Michael DeLong is an Associate with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Global Transaction Tax (GTT) practice in Chicago, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
In this Q&A, Michael discusses his journey from transitioning between undergraduate and graduate studies to joining A&M. He highlights the opportunities for growth and development within A&M's entrepreneurial culture and his involvement in specialized programs to nurture talent in his field.
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my academic journey was the importance of embracing opportunities and venturing into uncharted territories. After living in California my whole life, I chose to relocate to the Midwest for law school, a decision I could not be happier with. This leap of faith enriched my personal growth and enhanced my professional trajectory. Likewise, in my professional endeavors, I have discovered the immense value in expanding one's horizons, tackling new challenges and delving into unfamiliar territories. Embracing diverse projects and gaining exposure in areas where one may lack prior experience can yield significant rewards and pave the way for fresh opportunities. By consistently seeking out novel experiences and pushing the boundaries of their comfort zone, individuals can cultivate a well-rounded skill set, becoming invaluable assets in the workplace and fostering collaborative synergy among colleagues.
Why did you choose to intern at A&M?
I chose to intern at A&M because I was interested in transactional work while in law school and wanted to live in Chicago after graduation. A&M offered me a chance to try out an area of work I enjoyed while in a location that suited me. Laura Summers and the A&M team made me feel comfortable throughout the recruiting process.
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and significant responsibilities I received during my internship at A&M. This experience gave me a genuine glimpse into the full-time role, as I was treated with respect and given meaningful tasks. Additionally, the robust support system for interns facilitated my learning and development, which seamlessly transitioned into my role as a full-time employee at the firm.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I’m based in the Chicago office and would describe the culture as friendly and supportive. While it is one of the larger offices in GTT, everybody is friendly and knows each other, and people are constantly bouncing questions off one another. While a lot of work gets done during the workday, it is not uncommon for the group to attend happy hour or an event together in the evenings, and I consider everybody to be a friend and a co-worker.
Mitigating Early Career Challenges Through Effective Communication and Time Management
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
While transitioning from student life to full-time work after interning at A&M felt significant, establishing a balanced routine was key for me. Prioritizing tasks like exercise, errands and leisure time alongside work required careful time management. Through trial and error, I discovered that managing my time effectively made it feasible to accomplish these tasks. Regular communication with colleagues and supervisors further streamlined this process, ensuring I was prepared for the week's challenges.
Who are the individuals you consider your closest mentors, and what valuable lessons have you learned from them?
A&M has a great built-in mentor system, and the list of those who have given me valuable advice or taught me valuable lessons is too long to list. With this in mind, GTT Senior Associates like Maiti Glynn, Armani Tehrani and Rankin Teeter have been instrumental in my development as a first-year associate. I have felt very comfortable asking these individuals questions, no matter how silly the question may be. My performance manager, Logan Fassbinder, has also been a great wealth of information, along with everyone in the Chicago office overall.
Top Skills to Develop for Success in the Consulting Industry
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?
Strong communication and time management are essential in the consulting industry. Days can get busy, and deadlines sometimes overlap, so it is important to start early, manage your time and let those you’re working with know about any overlaps so that they can help cover for you if needed.
What are your career aspirations for the next few years?
I plan to continue learning as much as possible while building friendships and connections. I believe if you continue to improve every day and become better at your job, success and career progression is imminent.
What personal attributes or traits are essential for success in your field, and how do you continually nurture and develop these qualities within yourself?
Putting yourself out there to try new things and meet new people is essential to success. A&M offers many opportunities to get to know one another within one’s department, office and firm. By attending events, meeting new people, and trying new experiences, one will become well-rounded and develop into the best employee one can be.
What are some notable perks or benefits you've experienced working in the consulting industry?
One perk of working in the consulting industry is the wide array of people and clients with whom you get to work. Each deal is a new opportunity to learn about an industry you wouldn’t necessarily have known about and to see the inner workings of businesses across the country and the world.
If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
I would have dinner with Jimmy Buffett, Steve McQueen and Jerry Garcia. They all lived life on their terms, and the stories they could tell would be incredible. I don’t think there would be a dull moment during the dinner.
What's a hidden talent or skill that most people don't know you have?
One of my hobbies outside of work is smoking meat, a skill my dad introduced to me. I find it particularly enjoyable because it's an activity we share. Whenever I'm home, we'll smoke a brisket or a prime rib and use the time to catch up on life.
