Campus Spotlight: Sonal Kulshreshtha
Why Adaptability and Active Listening Should Be Top of Mind
Sonal Kulshreshtha is an Associate in Alvarez & Marsal’s Tax practice in New York, New York. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Medicaps Institute of Technology and Management and her master’s from Stevens Institute of Technology.
In this Q&A, Sonal discusses her transition from academia to the professional world, emphasizing continuous learning and adapting to challenges. She highlights the supportive culture, work-life balance at A&M's NYC office, and the perks of networking in the consulting industry. She shares insights on her favorite hobby of redesigning clothes, inspired by her mother's creativity, and reflects on the importance of listening and seeking resolution in conflicts.
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
The most important thing I learned during my school years is the importance of continuous learning. Given that technology is ever-changing and growing at such a fast pace, the key to staying relevant is to invest time in learning new things.
Why Company Culture Is Paramount in Achieving Work-Life Balance
Why did you choose to intern at A&M?
There were two primary motivating factors for me interning at A&M. The foremost was the people of this company. When I interviewed for this position, my interviewers (now colleagues) were patient and transparent throughout the process. This reflected the team culture, which was a very important factor for me. Secondly, I was highly drawn by the type of work the technology team does. I saw the opportunity to experience a great learning curve and was excited to work on the new technology stack that A&M had.
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
The culture and work-life balance. What inspired my choice to join A&M full-time was the exceptional culture and commitment to work-life balance. Throughout my internship, I was struck by the genuine understanding and support from everyone on the team. They demonstrated remarkable patience and consideration, recognizing our journey as interns to learn while contributing to projects. Whenever we encountered challenges or embarked on new tasks, our colleagues readily shared their expertise, guiding us through the learning process with positivity and encouragement. This uplifting environment motivated me to become part of the A&M family permanently.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I am based in the NYC office. We organize many exciting events throughout the city, each meticulously planned. What I appreciate most is the seamless transition between focused work on the floor and the camaraderie shared during team outings. There's a beautiful balance between professional dedication and personal enjoyment here. Plus, our office's prime location allows us the convenience of strolling to Central Park—an incredible perk!
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
In my initial working days, one unexpected challenge I encountered was knowing when to conclude my research or investigation. At times, I found myself going too deeply into a topic, even when the depth of research wasn't necessary. I realized the importance of discerning when to step back on my research if it wasn't yielding significant value for the project or task at hand. Developing this skill required a balance between understanding the priorities and redefining the scope of work.
How to Leverage Mentorship to Facilitate Continuous Learning and Collaboration Skills
Who are the individuals you consider your closest mentors, and what valuable lessons have you learned from them?
I've been fortunate to encounter exceptional mentors and leaders who've provided invaluable guidance along my journey. Among them, my former manager stands out as one of the most influential. Not only was he incredibly supportive, but his compassion towards his team was truly inspiring. He instilled in me the importance of fostering a supportive environment and encouraged us to embrace peer learning. One invaluable lesson I learned from him was the importance of learning from others. Recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the team, I've made it a practice to seek out varied viewpoints during collaborations. This approach has enriched my work and honed my professional skills.
Looking back, what advice would you offer recent graduates about effectively transitioning from academia to the professional world?
A drastic shift occurs when someone enters the professional world from academic surroundings. During this transition, one needs to understand the importance of priorities and deadlines. Always reach out to senior leadership if there is confusion. Clear expectations are very important. If someone has requested work from you, you should always get the expectation correct and the scope clearly defined. In case of confusion/misunderstanding, reach out earlier instead of waiting for the very end to raise your concerns.
Essential Skills for Success in the Consulting Industry
What personal attributes or traits are essential for success in your field, and how do you continually nurture and develop these qualities within yourself?
In the field of technology, continuous learning and adaptability are crucial. It is important to be zealous about researching upcoming tech stacks and staying aware of industry trends. I keep myself updated with industry trends by participating in webinars, listening to talk shows and networking. Secondly, if I find something useful, I read papers and watch YouTube implementations about it and try to relate it to my current work.
How do you approach networking and building professional relationships, and what tips would you offer to others just starting?
Building professional relationships and networking are important and should be constants in our professional journey. Although it is sometimes tricky to break the comfort zone and talk to strangers, it is an essential first step. One thing that I try doing while building a new relationship is staying in touch. Don’t only reach out to people when you have some work; a casual check-in here and there goes a long way.
What are some notable perks or benefits you've experienced working in the consulting industry?
The power of networking. While working in consulting companies, we meet so many new people, and each person has something new to share, whether it is about the newest projects they are working on or some challenges they faced while working on something. This increases our awareness and knowledge constantly.
For instance, a few days ago, while interacting with a former colleague, I realized how her team utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) for many of their routine tasks. Such interactions illuminate how we can refine our working styles to make our work life easier.
What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?
I love to redesign clothes. My favorite hobby is transforming any dress I get bored with into something fun. Also, I own a cute, small sewing machine, which is super fun to use. I got into this because of my mom. She created so many unique and fun dresses for me in my childhood, and I created my own design magazine with her when I was 10 years old.
What's the best advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life?
Prioritize listening over planning an immediate response. In conflicts, aim for resolution rather than proving yourself right. Through attentive listening, many issues can be clarified, whether from misunderstandings or differing expectations. Additionally, complex discussions can be distilled into actionable plans by directing efforts toward finding solutions. These principles have become my guiding mantra, facilitating smoother resolutions and fostering effective communication.
