FAQ Part 1
Who are your clients?
- 4 main client segments: consulting, private equity, capital markets & corporations - also have Knowledge for Good segment that delivers our core services to social impact partners, such as impact investment firms and non-profits - you'd be placed in 1 of the 4 main client segments, but can get involved with KFG as a volunteer over time
Where do you see AlphaSights going in the next 5 years?
- Growth is the key word, and we plan to do so in a number of ways. - First comes business growth. We are considered a high growth company (only 2-3% of firms are considered as such), which means that we are growing at a rate of 20% or more, year over year (for context - the average business only grows at a rate of 3% per year!). This means that we'll double in size in 5 years - meaning an Associate who joins us this summer, would contribute to our growth from 800 to 1,600+ people worldwide. - Furthermore, leadership continues to innovate new products and services to ensure our firm remains at the top of our industry, taking market share from our competitors. This includes going beyond the traditional 60-minute phone call between expert and client, exploring other modalities like written transcripts, longer-form research projects, moderated calls, etc.
What don't you like about your job?
- Provide an honest, yet compelling answer, and highlight what you've gained from it: - Ex: Sometimes there are too many overlapping projects to complete, so I need to lean on my team for help. - Ex: It's a client service role, and we serve demanding clients with ever changing needs.
What is the difference between AlphaSights and your competitors? Who are your competitors?
- Though we categorize ourselves as an information services firm, we compete in the expert network space. - Our approach: tailored knowledge search -> first understand our clients' needs and custom source and vet the precise advisors for that specific project, whether or not they already exist within our network - Other ENS services tend to let advisors self-select into client projects, whereas AlphaSights vets each advisor to make sure their expertise is right for the specific client project. - As an Associate at AlphaSights, you will also own the entirety of your client's project, from taking a client brief, to doing the research & engaging with experts, to sharing the final deliverable with the client - in the end, while at other ENS services you may only be handling certain pieces of the project, such as research.
What would I be doing as an AlphaSights associate?
- connect point between our clients and industry expects - your role is to focus on clients' knowledge gaps and identify experts who can address their needs - once you identify the right expert, you'll connect them to your client for a 1:1 conversation so the client can make more informed business decisions moving forward
What skills do you develop in the Associate program?
- front-lines with clients daily -> career-enhancing skills - Business communication across industry & levels, sales, negotiation, results-led research skills, critical thinking, client management, and problem solving to name a few - gain a generalist understanding of the business world and commercial acumen -> helps prepare for any role in the future
What is AlphaSights?
- global professional services firm and a leader in the knowledge search space - connect clients (decision-makers in investment management, private equity, consultancies, and corporations) with industry experts -> more informed and competitive business decision - example of new city
What is the culture at AlphaSights like?
- high-performing, dynamic team that works hard - celebrate that hard work with a great sense of community - office-wide social events (summer and holiday parties), our employees can get involved with sports teams, monthly team events, and affinity groups like _____ Virtual environment - worked hard to maintain our culture within individual teams & the broader firm - monthly team events virtually (escape room, improv classes), firm wide virtual events Culture in the office - NY: subsidized lunch in office 3 days a week, Friday beers, in-office yoga every monday - SF: breakfast & coffee daily, monthly wellness, learning, social events
How long do people typically stay with AlphaSights? What is the turnover rate?
- similar to other information services firms - more than 80% of associates stay for 18 months or more - 50% of associates are promoted or pivot to another internal role within 24-30 months - reflects our desire and culture to elevate from within and provide paths for people to build a long-term career - all new hires to complete the 24-30 month Associate program, but if they do not, we encourage them to transition at the right time for the right reasons - we have built an in-house Career Services function, to help our employees find and negotiate their best next opportunity whenever they choose to move on. = Our alumni go on to join some of the world's leading companies or pursue further study at top graduate schools.
I'm interested in both the NY and SF offices. Can I apply to both, and how do I decide which will be the best fit?
- welcome to submit applications for either office (or both) - have to indicate top preference come first round interview - differences in NY vs. SF: size and culture - SF segment and project work: Currently, 2 of our 4 main client segments are in our SF office: Consulting and Private Equity,. Due to our proximity to Silicon Valley, you may find more tech-related projects coming across your desk in your day to day work. - new SF office: in the heart of the Financial District, exciting growth period
If I join AlphaSights I'd be interested in volunteering to work on KFG projects. How does it work?
After being at the firm for 6+ months, Associates with a keen interest in working with social impact clients can apply to volunteer to work with our KFG partners (which include social impact units, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs) to deliver on projects alongside their core role.
How does AlphaSights make money?
We generate revenue by setting up interactions between clients and advisors. Our clients pay us, and as an AlphaSights Associate, you negotiate the rate at which the advisor is compensated, thus controlling the margin and generating money for the firm.
