Hi everyone, I'm Andy Fleischer, and I wanted to share my experience as a Summer Consultant at L.E.K. Consulting. My journey to L.E.K. and the lessons I've learned along the way have been transformative, shaped significantly by my six years in the U.S. Army and my time at Wharton. Here’s a glimpse into my summer, the projects I worked on, and some advice for those aspiring to join L.E.K.
Background and Transition from U.S. Army Captain to Summer Consultant
I grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and went to the University of Georgia for my undergraduate studies. After that, I spent six years in the Army as an infantry officer, living in six different states and deploying three times to the Middle East. My time in the 75th Ranger Regiment, a special operations unit, was particularly formative as I had the opportunity to learn from the best soldiers and leaders in the Army. The values and leadership skills I developed there have been invaluable in my transition to the business world and my role at L.E.K.
Why I Chose L.E.K.
My primary motivator in choosing L.E.K. was the caliber of the people I met during the recruitment process at Wharton. Their genuine interest in getting to know me as a person and their investment in my development as a consultant and leader stood out. Even from the initial conversations, it was clear that L.E.K. valued my growth and potential.
Additionally, I saw a strong alignment between L.E.K.'s team-oriented approach and my experience in the Army. In the Army, teamwork, collaboration, and collective effort toward a common goal were paramount. As a platoon leader, my role was to amplify the abilities of my squads and figure out the best way to bring everyone together to accomplish the objective at hand, and I felt confident this experience would help me excel as a consultant.
Surpassing Expectations
My internship experience at L.E.K. has surpassed my expectations. L.E.K.'s collaborative culture, where everyone contributes from day one, resonated with me. From managing associate workstreams to engaging in various processes, I’ve been given significant responsibility, which I think makes this firm really stand out. And of course, I really enjoyed my time with the amazing interns I’ve trained and worked with.
Exciting Projects
This summer, I worked on two major projects. The first was in consumer products, and the second, which I found particularly fascinating, was in MedTech. The MedTech project allowed me to explore various aspects of L.E.K.'s capabilities, from expert network interviews to market forecasting and strategic planning for international market entry through acquisition. This project was not only intellectually stimulating but also highly relevant to the current healthcare industry, impacting everyone from providers to patients.
L.E.K.'s Culture
One of the standout aspects of L.E.K.'s culture is its alignment with the company's vision, mission, and purpose. The empowerment and inclusivity at L.E.K. have been remarkable. From day one, I had access to a plethora of resources and support, from my case team to my assigned buddy and colleagues in my pod. The dedication and intelligence of the people here are truly inspiring and reminded me of the higher mission in the Army, where understanding and striving towards a common goal was crucial.
Advice for Aspiring L.E.K. Interns
For those considering a role at L.E.K., my advice is to approach it with humility and actively listen. Reach out and ask questions, whether during the recruitment process or as you begin your internship. Everyone at L.E.K. is eager to help you succeed and develop into the best version of yourself. Embrace the opportunity to learn, communicate, and grow within a supportive and dynamic environment.
In Conclusion
My time at L.E.K. has been an extraordinary journey of learning, growth, and collaboration. The skills and experiences from my Army days have seamlessly integrated into my role here, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my future endeavors.
Thank you for reading, and I hope my insights inspire you to pursue your own journey with L.E.K.