How did you learn/hear about NRI and what made you decide to join?
I was referred by Rieko Kadoya, who’s a senior consultant at NRI America(NRIA). Through her, I’ve heard many wonderful things about NRI and the type of projects she worked on, leaving me very curious about the Company. Eventually, she asked if I’d be interested to join when she learned that NRIA is hiring. There were many factors that led me to join (client-facing, salary, employee benefits, etc.). But, the final deciding factor that made me chose NRI over all other offers was a brief discussion I had with the hiring manager the type of qualities he looks for in a consultant candidate during my interview. When he shared that he believes the most important quality of a good consultant is the ability and ambition to be a life-long learner, I knew I would love to work at NRI because this perfectly aligns with the role I had in mind. NRI offers more than a job, the opportunities to be challenged and limitless growth potential as a consultant is what made me decide to join.
If you could change one thing about working here, what would it be?
I would like to help promote NRI’s global presence and to become more connected to NRI employees in different global offices. Ever since I joined NRI, I’ve had the pleasure to work with many hardworking and dedicated consultants. I really enjoyed all the GKSS presentations from different countries that I was able to participate. This knowledge sharing sessions were definitely very insightful and interesting. I wish there’s a platform or internal organizations for NRI global employees that allows consultants to connect and grow our network.
The last trip you went on and the first place you want to go
The last trip I took to travel out of US was to Taiwan around Christmas holiday season in 2020. I’m originally from Taipei and spent the majority of my life there! It was great time to connect with my friends, former colleagues, and family. Also, to avoid the snow in NYC. The first place I want to travel to would be Tokyo. Growing up, my mom really loves traveling to Japan for our family vacations. This eventually became a routine annual activity for me as well.
What do you listen to while working?
I always prefer more upbeat pop music, which I really enjoy pop or Indi pop music. However, when I need to focus and deep work, I like to put on K-pop music. Since I don’t understand Korean, this keeps me focused and most of the trendy K-pop songs are more upbeat! Also, I don’t bother to change songs, I can loop the same song for hours as the music is more like a shield that blocks the outside noise from getting to me.
New skill you acquired during the pandemic
I got my MBA degree during the pandemic. I’ve always knew I’d go back to school certain point after a few years of work. In 2019, I was very fortunate to be accepted into Baruch College’s MBA class of 2019 and moved to NYC on the same time. Hence, the majority of my MBA semester from home. While it was unexpected and I didn’t have as much opportunities to network in person, I’d say it was definitely a very unique experience that prepared me to become better and more comfortable with communication digitally, such as email, messenger, and Zoom.
Photo:(Left)
Baruch College MBA Cohort outing on a rooftop in 2019
(RIght) First semester of my MBA at Baruch College, where I met Rieko Kadoya (left) who referred me to NRI.