Associate Analyst,
Shanghai
Transfer Pricing Practice
BA in Economics,
Middlebury College
The NERA environment in ten words or less:
Outstanding people, high quality work. Colleagues can become good friends.
On choosing economic consulting:
I enjoy problem solving, and enjoy the intellectual challenge that economic consulting provides. I wanted a career where I could develop my analytical skills, and also be exposed to other learning opportunities. Economic consulting is a multidisciplinary field, so all kinds of things come into play, from finance and business practices to legal and regulatory issues.
On the NERA interview process:
I learned about NERA through the campus recruitment office at my college. The interviews made NERA stand out immediately. I enjoyed the pleasant and informative conversations with interviewers from different levels, and quickly learned that this collegial culture extends across the whole firm. I was also challenged by a variety of interesting case questions, which I later found to be closely relevant to the work we do here.
On working as a team from day one:
One of the most unforgettable parts of joining NERA was a scavenger hunt, where we ran around New York City in teams trying to find a list of items. It required us to instantly work as a team, identify each others’ strengths, and function under pressure. It was a brilliant way to get to know my colleagues, and how smart they all are!
On my growth at the firm:
I joined NERA as a Research Associate in the Securities Practice in New York, and then transferred to the Transfer Pricing Practice in Shanghai. My responsibilities changed quite significantly with this move, as Shanghai is a newer and smaller office. Between the experience I’d gained during my time in New York and the entrepreneurial nature of this office, I have taken on new leadership roles on cases, and also become involved with marketing and the development of potential new lines of business. It’s a challenging and exciting growth track for me.
What I admire most about my colleagues:
The people I work with are very intelligent and always come up with brilliant ideas. I couldn’t ask for a better, smarter group of colleagues. The personalities in the firm are amazing too—many colleagues surprise you with all kinds of different talents. Among us, there is a professional chef, a dancer, an American President trivia genius, and a person who can identify countless pieces of music from listening to the first five notes!
On the advice I’d give to a prospective colleague:
Take initiative. A job may give you opportunities to grow, but it’s up to you to make the most of it.
