Coffee Chat with Emily Liu

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Emily Liu, an Ivey HBA 2025 student working as an Advisory Intern at Deloitte. Emily has an impressive marketing, public speaking, and leadership background and shared valuable insights and tips with me. Here are the three biggest critical takeaways from our conversation:

Emily Liu

Networking is essential for landing a job and succeeding in the consulting industry:

Emily emphasized the importance of building solid relationships with people who can help you learn, grow, and connect with opportunities. She advised me to ask the best questions of my life, be personable, and make myself memorable.

She also shared some of her networking strategies, such as reaching out to alums, attending events, and following up with thank-you notes. She also taught me how to and tell my story in a way that showcases my strengths, values, and goals.

It is critical to take the initiative and be open to feedback when working in the consulting industry:

Emily described consulting as a fast-paced and dynamic field requiring continuous learning

and adaptation. She urged me to take on complex projects, solicit feedback from others, and not be af raid to admit when I did not know something.

She also told me that humility and respect are essential because no one likes a know-it-all person. She gave examples of how she demonstrated initiative and received feedback during her internship, such as proposing a new solution to a client problem, requesting mentorship from senior consultants, and implementing manager suggestions.

Marketing is the story:

Emily shared her passion for marketing and how she landed her first internship at Staples in her first year of university. She said marketing is about telling a compelling story that resonates with your audience and solves their problems. She gave me examples of how she applied her marketing skills to different projects, such as creating a social media campaign, developing a partnership proposal, and designing the illuminate academy's curriculum. Incorporating Emily's advice into my personal and professional journey during our coffee chat has been an eye-opening experience. Her wealth of knowledge and practical guidance have profoundly impacted my aspirations and mindset. Reflecting on our conversation, I am filled with newfound motivation to become a better version of myself.

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Key Insights

One of the key insights that Emily shared was the importance of seizing every opportunity for growth and skill enhancement. This resonates deeply with me as I realize that continuous learning and self-improvement are integral to personal and professional development. I am now more eager to explore various resources, such as online courses, workshops, and networking sessions, to expand my knowledge and hone my abilities.

Furthermore, Emily's inspiring stories and experiences have reinforced my belief that every encounter and challenge is a stepping stone toward success. I am encouraged to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to overcome. This mindset shift empowers me to confidently take on new and ambitious projects, knowing that each experience will contribute to my overall development.

As I consider my future path, Emily's insights have ignited a curiosity within me about the role of business and the specific industry of consulting. I am considering whether a business career aligns with my passions and aspirations. The dynamic and high-octane nature of the consulting industry, as described by Emily, excites me, and I am eager to explore whether it could be a fitting pathway for me.

Conclusion

My coffee chat with Emily Liu has been truly an experience, leaving me with invaluable insights and motivation to improve myself. Her advice on networking, proactiveness, and marketing as storytelling has provided me with a new perspective on my career aspirations and personal growth.

In addition to Emily's wisdom, I want to impart a few tips and suggestions to my peers who share similar aspirations:

• Those contemplating a business major at Western University consider applying for Ivey AEO program. This prestigious and challenging program offers participants many benefits and opportunities.

• Consider joining or initiating a student club or non-profit organization that aligns with your values and interests. This can be an enriching avenue to make a positive difference, hone your skills, and expand your network.

• Mastering public speaking is an invaluable life skill that can enhance your clarity of expression, persuasive abilities, and self-confidence.

Overall, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to connect with remarkable individuals like Emily through coffee chats. The wisdom she shared and the tips I've shared will undoubtedly shape our future endeavours, and I eagerly look forward to engaging in more enriching conversations that will further fuel our personal and professional growth. Here's to continuous learning, seizing opportunities, and embracing challenges on the path to success and fulfillment! ☕