The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Discussions

What makes a start-up successful?

Never understood or appreciated the value of managing up until very recently. I wish this was a skill I learned from day one. If you learn nothing else in consulting, this one skill is key!

Lots of us are skilled at delivery but most sales books seem to focus on the pitch and closing... What are your best resources for learning to develop and nurture strong, lasting client relationships?

Has anyone booked a trip requiring air travel and hotels/vacation rentals for 2020? Am I a giant dumbass if I do? I will go insane if I don’t leave my city this year and I’d love to get to the beach for at least a few days

What are the best consulting companies in the US focused on Sustainability, either Strategy or Ops?

Anyone have any recs for self help books? Looking for more relatable topics to myself I guess?

Imagine if there were a union for analysts. How would the game change?

Best business-oriented, but novel-style books with good writing, style, & interesting characters? Not really self-help/advise focused, more of actual literature with business themes/plots. Any recs?

What is average compensation for finance manager (FP&A/strategic finance) with 5-6 YOE. Mid COL city: Miami

Do we get a pension after 3 years of working regardless of level? I was under the impression it was only for partners..

🐟 without dependents, what % of your monthly income do you save and what % do you contribute to 401k.

I'm almost at the point of an offer, and also just started a 6 month long engagement since my utilization was taking a hit. How do you fish recommend dealing with the situation once the offer comes?

What are the weirdest reasons you have heard for people being laid-off? I have heard someone getting laid off because they missed submitting their time-sheets for 3 times in a year.

What is the “funnest” type of tech consulting?

Suggested books or resources to learn more about strategy consulting? Different analysis, acronyms, etc.

If your investment bank has been asked to grant loan-repayment holidays, share your view on the potential impact of them.

Having a super hard time finding a new job.. endlessly miserable in my current one and just no luck! Anyone else having this issue?

Anyone ever quit a job 5 months in without having another one lined up?

Hello! I’m a clinical healthcare worker and am currently working on a master’s in finance to pivot to healthcare consulting.

I’m trying to get an internship next summer (I have the time off work) but am having difficulty finding internships for non-MBA master’s degree candidates. (I have a clinical MA and doctorate & it’s been an auto-reject from analyst internships.)

Would anyone be willing to connect for internships or work for companies that love non-traditional candidates? Thank you

Anyone have any advice for someone interested in getting an MBA to either go in-house or break into securities litigation. 5th year associate here.

What do people in PE investor relations do day to day?

Am i able to sell commercial insurance while working in IT? I’m in industry no longer consulting but want to get my property and casualty license. Thoughts?

WLB seems to improve after VP level at my firm. Curious if thats true at other firms 🧐

How did Barclays helped it's employees during COVID?? Did they fire anyone???

Heard from me:

“Oh, junior person, you have edits to the monthly activity report 3 days after your deadline to review the report, and after I sent it to the client? How lovely for you."

There’s no reason you have to put up with a job you hate. I spent many years working in a toxic environment with a boss who gossiped and lead through fear. He wasn’t really much of a leader but basically a foreman. And he could make my existence miserable. I admit that it wasn’t easy to find another job but the bottom line is: trust your guts. If you feel something is wrong it’s because it probably is. Don’t second guess yourself. Look for options and and fight for your mental health.

I have a VC/GE interview coming up (phone screen) and personally don’t know much about the space , it’s just an area that has always seemed interesting.

Does anyone have Recommendations on how to get up to speed/good questions to ask during the phone screen?

I would assume the first call will be pretty standard to any other company, but just want to be prepared.

This is my first job in a large corporate company, and I’m trying to gauge how long it normally takes to move from entry level to another internal position in the insurance industry. I have been applying internally for a year now and I am wondering if this is normal or if my company is just slow? I am a top performer, with great metrics, and I have some wonderful connections I’ve made who support me. I just can’t seem to move up. How long did it take you to move up? How many tries did it take?

My dilemma… I am an injury adjuster at a carrier experiencing high inventory that’s barely manageable. A competitor offered a higher salary and manageable workload. BUT, I would like to get into underwriting. I applied for UW position w/ a different carrier and they’ve made an offer. It’s lower than my current salary and significantly lower than what I’d make by taking the first offer. Do I take the high salary and stay in claims or go for UW in hopes it will be best in long run?

I am joining Deloitte India next week and I have received a mail from the recruitment team that I have assigned with a "Buddy" from Deloitte to help me guide through the beginning.

Is this a normal thing in Deloitte/Big4? What is the significance?

What are the things which can help us once we join SAP?

I assume there are many lateral hires here in this bowl. Could you help with a few pointers which could be helpful in the initial few days in the firm?

160k TC, 125k salary in Seattle. How much should I spend on food/rent - can you give a conservative range?

I would like to maximize savings but not live with roommates/in a <400 sqft apartment

Hello fishes,
I am a data scientist and I have an offer from Mindtree of 30 LPA (fixed) and another offer from EXL Service of 31 LPA (fixed) + 10% variable.
Can you please help me to decide which on to go with?

Any companies that are hiring ppl with no experience?

Anyone willing to refer me to a role in Charlotte at Wells Fargo? Solid credentials, won't embarrass you :-) I have Resume, Cover letter, short blurb and req # ready to go. DM me please.

Who are the HH in London working with CVC?

Good book recommendations on the basics behind M&A deals and the DD process? Asking for a friend who is looking to start a search fund and has operational experience but no finance.

With the resell market being insane, what are everyones thoughts on UA/Reps? I know some people hate them when they are being sold and passed on as real. I know some are fine with them for personal use as long they are not hitting the resell market.