Amanda Huang is a senior associate with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Tax practice in San Francisco, California. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Brigham Young University.

In the following Q&A, Amanda eloquently emphasizes the significance of teamwork and transparent communication in her work, underscoring their pivotal role in achieving collective success. She also sheds light on the profound impact her mentor has had on her career development, illustrating the power of guidance and personal experiences. Furthermore, Amanda passionately shares her love for the outdoors and the joy she finds in activities like hiking, revealing her personality's vibrant and adventurous side.

What led you to pursue your chosen field of study?

At first, I followed the steps of my eldest sister and took accounting classes in high school. I enjoyed the classes and pursued a bachelor's degree in accounting. Brigham Young University offers a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree five-year program. I felt that it was in my best interest to take advantage of the combined program with an emphasis on taxation.

How did you start your career, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on?

A&M has provided an exceptional foundation for my professional journey, allowing me to overcome various challenges and grow in my career. Among these challenges, I initially needed to enhance my team communication skills and feel at ease in a client-facing environment. However, with my team's unwavering support and guidance, I quickly realized that these challenges were not insurmountable. Over a year and a half at A&M, I have made significant strides in overcoming these obstacles, feeling increasingly confident and at ease with the tasks that initially seemed daunting.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment so far in your career?

My biggest accomplishment is the relationships I have developed with my colleagues. I have learned something from each person I have worked with, and we have developed mutual trust to work toward common goals.

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

My advice would be to have a learning mindset. There will always be something new to learn and get comfortable with, which keeps consulting work exciting.

In hindsight, what advice would you give your college self or other recent graduates about navigating the transition from school to work?

In our dynamic consulting field, teamwork's significance cannot be overstated. It drives our collective achievements. Transparent and effective communication is paramount in effectively managing expectations and propelling our projects forward. I encourage you to proactively seize opportunities to reach out, fearlessly seek clarification through inquiries and consistently provide updates on your work progress to foster collaborative success with your colleagues.

Can you tell us about a mentor or advisor who has influenced your career development, and what did you learn from them?

As an intern and starting as a full-time employee at A&M, I was assigned a buddy to guide me as I assimilated into the team. He has provided me with much insight and shared his personal experiences to encourage and help me learn and progress in my career. He has fulfilled his duties as a buddy and mentor to me professionally and is also someone I hope to stay connected with as our careers progress.

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

I like to hike and explore the outdoors. We spend most of our time indoors and sitting in front of a computer for our jobs, and hiking is my way to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the landscape. I wasn’t too interested in hiking until attending college in Utah, which has countless hiking trails and several national parks to explore. Now in San Francisco, my husband and I like to find new trails and explore the outdoors in the Bay Area.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation. Like hiking and exploring the outdoors, my husband and I love to travel, but the time and process needed to get from one place to another limits our ability to visit and explore new places. If teleportation were possible, we could eliminate long lines at security gates!

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

Japanese cuisine. It offers much variety and tends to be well-balanced nutritionally.

What are some fun facts about you?

I was married over a Zoom call since my husband was abroad then. It was also during the pandemic, so a Zoom call was a good way to celebrate the event with our friends and family.