After graduating early in December 2023, I transitioned to a full-time role as a research analyst with the OC practice in January, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue learning and developing along with the firm.
Q&A with Ethan
1. Tell us about your path here. Why did you choose to join O'Neill Consulting?
In my search for an internship my junior year at University of Rhode Island, I felt underwhelmed by a lot of the opportunities that came my way. As a public relations major, a lot of "internships" that my school offered were running social media accounts or were unpaid, and I wanted something that could truly challenge me. This is why, when Rachel Seal reached out to me about a summer internship with O'Neill Consulting, I knew I needed to take advantage of the opportunity.
I was hired in June as an analyst intern, and completed several projects, including a case study, throughout the summer. Towards the end of my internship, I was offered the opportunity to stay on as a part-time intern through the fall semester. While continuing my education, I deepened my skills in executive search, providing additional support to the firm, as well as getting involved in the employee experience team's newsletter committee.
Throughout my time at OC, I've met so many inspiring people, and I realized that I could continue to grow my research skills and learn about the ever-changing landscape of the workforce. This is why, when the opportunity arose to commit to a full-time role at the firm post-graduation, it was a very easy decision to make. After graduating early in December 2023, I transitioned to a full-time role as a research analyst with the OC practice in January, and I couldn't be more excited to continue learning and developing along with the firm.
2. Describe a day in your life. Favorite parts of your job?
My day largely depends on the needs of the firm. I try to block out times to do research on specific projects, and always communicate when I feel stuck or need a different perspective. Honestly, one of my favorite parts of the job is the teamwork and collaboration with searches. I know I can reach out to anyone on my team, and we will figure out an answer together. I believe that everyone on the OC team truly cares about my development as an individual, providing guidance and mentorship at every turn.
3. What is special about working here?
The exposure to so many best-in-class candidates has truly inspired me. Not everyone can say that they were inspired by their first job, but I find that every day I am more and more excited about what the future has in store for me, especially thanks to the positivity and motivation of the team.
4. How has O'Neill Consulting helped you grow and perform at your best?
Communication and feedback have been such an integral part of my development here. At any point of the day, I can reach out and receive guidance from those with experience, and this makes me feel both supported and valued in my role. Knowing that my actions and opinions hold weight has encouraged me to work hard, even when research is laborious, or projects feel difficult.
5. In what ways - big or small - do you live out our mission of unleashing human potential?
I live out or mission of unleashing human potential by maintaining a positive mindset and using my strengths to connect with people to inspire and be inspired.
6. What advice do you have for people looking to join O'Neill Consulting? What qualities do people need to be successful here?
My advice for analysts or analyst interns is that you must be driven, flexible, and willing to connect with people. I was involved in a ton of different projects in my first seven months as an intern, and I was able to take on much by maintaining a flexible mindset and opening myself up to learning opportunities. Everyone has been very conscious of my workload, allowing me to ease into different projects based on the initiative that I have shown. Feeling personally connected to members of the team has also helped me start each day ready to work - a key to my success!
Ethan at a glance:
Our culture is: | People-oriented, and problem-solution centered. Collaboration is integral. |
I live by the fundamental: | Take extreme ownership. There are no "wrong" answers, but having the ability to defend my choices in market research or candidate sourcing, with logic and intuition, is a priceless skill. |
The most valuable lesson I've learned is: | To show initiative and maintain a positive outlook. You will gain trust from your team. |