Campus Spotlight: Nikolas Hohmann
Setting Goals and Delivering Value:
An Analyst’s Insights on Ensuring Career Advancement
Nikolas Hohmann is an Analyst in Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Corporate Transformation Services (CTS) practice in Frankfurt, Germany. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and his master’s degree from EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht.
In this insightful Q&A, Nikolas Hohmann discusses his journey from interning to becoming a full-time employee at A&M, highlighting the company's supportive atmosphere and ample growth prospects. He acknowledges that launching his career at A&M has provided him with a robust foundation for professional development. Nikolas reflects on the initial challenges he encountered as an Analyst and shares how he managed them through strategic organization and valuable mentorship. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds solace in hobbies like surfing, which he discovered during childhood travels.
How to Leverage Setbacks as Opportunities to Unlock Growth
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
Reflecting on my college experience, I gained unexpected insights that significantly impacted my career. Failing an exam during my bachelor’s program initially challenged me. Still, I learned a crucial lesson: bouncing back from setbacks is critical for success, a principle I learned from sports like boxing and tennis. Instead of succumbing to failure, I resolved to work even harder, cultivating a habit of putting in extra effort in all my endeavors. This shift in mindset not only bolstered my academic performance but also shaped how I confront challenges in my career. I came to understand that setbacks present opportunities for learning and growth. Armed with determination and resilience, I embraced challenging problems, striving for excellence in my professional pursuits.
Why did you choose to intern at A&M?
I chose to intern at A&M for several reasons. First, A&M's stellar reputation in the consulting field greatly intrigued me and aligned with my career aspirations. Second, a friend from my master's program shared her exceptional experience at A&M, providing valuable insights that resonated with me. Her positive feedback and personal recommendation reinforced my belief that A&M was the ideal fit for me, ultimately driving my decision to pursue an internship with the company.
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
Joining A&M full-time was a natural choice for me. Starting with a two-month internship, I dove into project teams and connected with clients, gaining valuable experience. Staying on client sites allowed me to immerse myself fully in the consulting experience. With my performance manager's encouragement, I saw the potential for growth and development for myself within A&M, making it an easy choice to join the company full-time.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I'm based in the Frankfurt office, and our office culture is vibrant and collaborative. Being here has allowed me to establish connections with many colleagues. Our office fosters a sense of community through regular after-work gatherings once or twice per month. These events promote team bonding and provide opportunities to get to know various departments within the organization, contributing to a strong and interconnected workplace culture.
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
In the early stages of my career, I encountered unexpected challenges that ultimately strengthened my professional growth. One such challenge was the pressure of responsibility as an Analyst, where the expectation to deliver high-quality work consistently was daunting. To navigate this, I prioritized organization and time management, ensuring I met deadlines while upholding the standard of my work. Additionally, adapting to the fast-paced nature of the consulting industry proved challenging, requiring me to juggle multiple topics while maintaining attention to detail. Through proactive measures, seeking mentorship and continual learning, I emerged from these challenges more resilient and capable in my role as an Analyst.
Share a significant accomplishment from your career.
During my master's program, I gained valuable skills that paved the way for securing an internship at A&M. My strong performance as an Intern was recognized, leading to a full-time offer with the company. This achievement marked a significant milestone in my career and gave me a substantial push to strive towards my goals. Starting my career at A&M has set a strong foundation for my professional growth.
Why Networking and Mentorship Are Essential for Professional Development
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?
To thrive in the consulting industry, students should prioritize developing practical skills through real-world experience, such as internships during their studies. This hands-on approach allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios and understand business dynamics. Additionally, students must cultivate the ability to work effectively under pressure, a common challenge in consulting due to tight deadlines and high client expectations. Strong analytical skills, effective communication and interpersonal skills (such as collaboration and teamwork) are also essential, enabling consultants to solve complex problems, make data-driven decisions and convey complex information clearly while building relationships with clients, mentors and colleagues. To best prepare themselves, students can engage in case studies and participate in consulting clubs.
Looking back, what advice would you offer recent graduates about effectively transitioning from academia to the professional world?
Reflecting on my transition from university to A&M, I advise recent graduates to focus on building practical skills through internships and real-world experiences. Embrace adaptability and continuous learning to keep up with industry demands. Networking is essential. Connecting with professionals can open doors and provide invaluable guidance. Setting clear goals and finding mentors can help you navigate this new phase effectively and forge a successful career path. Additionally, staying in touch with friends both inside and outside work is important, as this support network can help you gain energy and stay motivated as you move forward in your career.
What are your career aspirations for the next few years?
In the next few years, I want to get a promotion by my second year at A&M to show my commitment to growth and excellence. I aim to bring more value to our clients and help the firm succeed. I plan to work on more complex projects and take on leadership roles to drive innovation and success. I want to advance my career while helping A&M grow. Friends and family are also important to me; they provide the support and motivation I need to keep going.
What are some notable perks or benefits you've experienced working in the consulting industry?
Working in the consulting industry has given me access to several significant benefits. I've experienced rapid professional growth by working on diverse projects in various sectors, which has broadened my skills and experience quickly. The networking opportunities are another significant advantage, as I've connected with peers, mentors and industry leaders. Traveling for work has also been a perk for me, allowing me to visit new places and gain insights from different cultural contexts.
What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?
I have multiple hobbies, including golf, tennis, boxing and surfing. My favorite among them is surfing, a sport I can enjoy both in the summer waves of Portugal or France and even in Munich on the Eisbachwelle. I was introduced to surfing as a child while traveling with my parents. Back then I wanted to enjoy the waves and surfing seemed like the perfect way to do that.
What's something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish in the next five years?
I plan to travel to Japan in the next five years and experience its unique culture, history and cuisine. It's been a dream of mine to visit landmarks like Kyoto's temples, Tokyo's bustling streets and the beautiful landscapes of Hokkaido. Exploring Japan is something on my bucket list. Alongside this, I would love to surf in different places worldwide. I've already surfed in Germany, France, Portugal and Australia, but I dream of surfing in Hawaii and Bali. Traveling to unique places and enjoying my time is on my bucket list.
