Aptitive’s data consultants embrace their careers on their own terms. Because we focus on finding projects in the Chicagoland area, our consultants can create the work/life balance that suits their lifestyle. They have access to the many rewards of a technology consulting career — challenging projects, rapid career growth, and a competitive salary — without the drawbacks typically synonymous with consulting. To read more about the perks of an Aptitive career, head to our Careers page.
Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on three of Aptitive’s data consultants to learn how they got started in data consulting, how they have benefited from their Aptitive careers, and who they are when they aren’t at work. This month, we’re spotlighting Rachel Stewart, Michael Migliore, and Omar Kabbaj.
Rachel Stewart | Managing Data Consultant
Alma Mater & Major: DePauw University, computer science
What’s your favorite part of your role at Aptitive? I love that every project is completely different. It’s really exciting to work with different people and new tools all the time. There’s never a dull day!
What is your favorite thing about your coworkers at Aptitive? My favorite thing about my Aptitive coworkers is that, even when things are stressful, we make each other laugh.
How does your team stay close during remote working? We do remote lunches and send each other messages in Slack that we know will make the others laugh.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in consulting? Be ok with being uncomfortable. Things move very fast and you have to learn a lot on the fly, but you will learn a lot both technically and about people.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I run a dog rescue with my family, so I spend a lot of time volunteering with that and spending time with my family.
Michael Migliore | Data Consultant
Alma Mater & Major: undergrad: Loyola University Chicago, information systems & supply chain management; master’s: Loyola University Chicago, MBA with a concentration in finance
What’s your favorite part of your role at Aptitive? Ever since I started as an intern, Aptitive has been a place that has advocated for personal and professional growth. Anytime I wanted to learn more or develop a particular skill, I was met with encouragement and support. If I run into a problem I can’t resolve or have questions about, everyone is quick to lend a helping hand.
What is your favorite thing about your coworkers at Aptitive? Aptitive prides itself on hiring a group of diverse, high-achieving people that offer different perspectives and backgrounds. One of the most exciting things for me is working through problems with my coworkers because each person offers a different perspective based on academic knowledge, previous project experience, or even industry-specific knowledge from previous jobs.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in consulting? When starting out, it’s important to learn as much as possible and get a feel for what your particular strengths are. Offer to help others with something you might not have a great grasp on, and you will develop knowledge, trust that you can learn quickly, and a reputation for dependability and collaboration. Always try to be someone you would want on your own team.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I really enjoy boating, golfing, and hanging out with friends at various bars and restaurants around the city. Especially during the summer, it is a safe bet that I’m doing one of these things when I’m not working.
Omar Kabbaj | Data & Analytics Consultant
Alma Mater & Major: undergrad: Illinois State University, business information systems; master’s: Loyola University Chicago, information systems management with a concentration in data analytics
What’s your favorite part of your role at Aptitive? My favorite part of my job is by far working with different technologies. As a novice in the industry, I would say Aptitive gives you all the tools necessary to learn new technologies, new concepts, and new work methodologies, as well as working with your teammates who are here to support you throughout your learning journey.
What is your favorite thing about your coworkers at Aptitive? My favorite thing about my coworkers at Aptitive is the absence of bureaucracy. A manager or a partner will give a junior consultant as much time and attention. The no-door policy is not a cliché — everyone jumps in to help if you need a set of fresh eyes on a problem or need more clarification.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in consulting? Consulting isn’t made for everyone — it is not a typical 9-to-5 job. What you have done today is different from what you will do tomorrow. If you like diversification of projects, working with small teams, and the pressure and getting your hands dirty — this job is for you.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working? My favorite thing to do is learning about new cuisines around the world. Coming from a country that is culturally influenced by food, I have been trying to make new recipes and experience different food concepts at home during the pandemic to stay busy. I am also a big fan of English football where I follow my favorite team, the all mighty Arsenal.
Originally published at https://aptitive.com on May 26, 2021.
