What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is about honoring the amazing people who paved the way for us, celebrating all the hardworking Latinos out there making a difference, and taking a moment to reflect on the positive impact our community has had around the world. It’s also a chance to think about how I can keep supporting and contributing to that legacy.

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I have been at Clarkston for 2.5 years now.

What is your role at Clarkston?

Currently I am a Senior Consultant focusing primarily on serving Life Science clients with implementations such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

A new skill I have developed recently would be agile project management. With a recent implementation we have had various enhancements that the clients wanted to execute and the best method to achieve this was using agile project management and the use of sprints.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

Brilliant Client Service! In my experience working at Clarkston I have seen how across projects and across clients successes are achieved and value delivered. This consistent ability deliver excellence comes from the fact that Brilliant Client Service is a value at Clarkston that many believe and practice.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

UNIDOS is a steward network that I have had the privilege of launching with the sponsorship of Partner Sebastian Valencia. The network is dedicated to the support, development and recognition of Hispanic/Latinx stewards at the firm. Being a part of an initiative which at its core is in the service of my peers is such a great experience and one that I am very proud to be a part of.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client.

One of the most memorable experiences I had was working with a client who was developing a novel diagnostic technique with the ability to impact 5% of the world’s population. While working on a project the key stakeholder shared that our work had a positive impact on their life’s work and for that they were truly grateful to Clarkston Consulting.

In your experience, what qualities make someone a good consultant? 

In my opinion, a good consultant approaches each task as if it were their own. They bring the same level of effort, dedication, and commitment to excellence to their client’s project as they would to their own personal endeavors. This mindset ensures that the support and work they provide reflects the highest standards of professionalism and care.

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here. 

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In honor of Pride Month, what does Pride mean to you?

Pride is a celebration of being authentically and unapologetically who you are. Pride is about family, community, and support. The way we celebrate Pride now is an immense privilege that we should remember is not shared by all and was fought for by many. By celebrating Pride the way we do today, we honor those who cannot celebrate and continue in their fight for equality. 

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I have been with Clarkston for about two years. I joined in May 2022 as part of the Jumpstart program.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I am a consultant working within the retail vertical on training and OCM related projects. Internally, I am the Pride Network Chair for the firm.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

Recently, I’ve been working on improving my team leadership skills, both within internal initiatives and on client projects. This has involved learning how to coordinate tasks effectively, delegate responsibilities, and foster strong teamwork. Developing these skills has been very rewarding as I continue to grow in my career.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

The core value that resonates with me most is diversity. As a queer person, it is vital to me to be in a workplace environment where diversity is celebrated. I truly believe that we are better consultants and people when we encourage others to bring their diverse backgrounds and experience openly to all that we do.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

I am the chair of the Pride Network working on initiatives to foster community for LGBTQ+ stewards at Clarkston. I work with an amazing leadership team to create events, programs, and provide safe spaces for queer stewards. My time on this team has been incredibly valuable to me, and I am grateful that our queer stewards have these spaces to be authentically themselves.

I am also involved in our OCM Interest Group as a leadership team member working on Professional Development and Communications & Outreach with the goal of engaging our OCM stewards and providing opportunities for further professional development within that skill.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

Ask questions sooner rather than later! Everyone at Clarkston is very willing to help you and wants to see you succeed.

In your experience, what qualities make someone a good consultant? 

Flexibility and organization! As consultants, things can change quickly, and you must be able to be quick to adapt to changing situations.

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here. 

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AAPI Heritage Month 2024

What does AAPI heritage month mean to you? 

Celebrating and recognizing AAPI heritage month brings about the awareness of unity in diversity, draws the commonality in culture across the globe and unites people in celebrating culture, traditions, and heritage. It also helps us realize the similarity of values across the cultures.

Who is someone in the Asian / AAPI community that you look up to or are inspired by? 

Sudha Murty is my role model in the Asian community. She is an entrepreneur, activist, social reformer, passionate volunteer, literary, an electrical engineer woman in STEM who was the first engineer to be hired by TELCO, India’s largest auto manufacturer. She is also the recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2023) and Padma Shri (2006) Awards (one of the highest awards conferred by Govt.of India). She is an epitome of brilliance, intelligence, charisma, elegance, strength, courage, modesty and humility – and is not bashful of draping the traditional Indian attire, a sari, decked up with flowers in her hair. I was very fortunate to meet her in person at a book signing event and told her that she is my role model. It was amazing!

Prema’s Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I have been with Clarkston for a total of five years.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I am a Senior FICO SAP Consultant.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

I have developed effective time-management that is needed in a work-from-home model.​

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

Brilliant Client Service is my favorite of Clarkston’s core values.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

Clarkston is one of the best places to work, where each steward is valued, respected, and accepted for who they are. As a consultant, integrity, sincerity, hard work, team spirit, and personal accountability goes a very long way at Clarkston. Clarkston fosters a very congenial working environment and is a great place to learn, grow and contribute at a professional level.

Can you share some advice that someone at Clarkston has given you during your time here?

The best advice I’ve received from one of my colleagues at Clarkston was to “focus on what one can do rather than fretting about what one cannot do.”

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client.

Every project has been a very memorable experience. However, there was one experience that I had on my very first project in Janesville/Madison, WI, that is etched in my memory. Nature’s wrath was expressed as an ice storm, which progressively got worse as we were enjoying the weekly team dinner. When dinner was done and I stepped out in the parking lot, I was shocked to see my car enveloped with nearly half an inch of ice. To my surprise, the Senior most Clarkston manager on-site that day, tapped me on my shoulder, asked me to start the car and sit in the car, while he and few other colleagues scraped the ice off the windshield so I could drive safely to my hotel. An experience in human values that I will always cherish.

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here. 

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Shantanu’s SAP Experience

How does Clarkston help you pursue an SAP career of excellence and job fulfillment? (ie. What is your favorite part about working at Clarkston?)

My experience at Clarkston Consulting has been highly satisfying, and there are various factors that have contributed to my growth as an SAP professional and my overall job satisfaction. One of the most notable features of working for Clarkston is the diversity of stimulating and challenging projects that I get to work on. The company partners with clients from a range of industries, including retail, life sciences, and consumer products, among others. This ensures that each project is unique and requires a tailored approach, keeping me fully engaged and intellectually stimulated.

Another critical aspect that has made working at Clarkston enjoyable is the company’s corporate culture. The organization places a high value on innovation, excellence, and collaboration, which is apparent in all its partnerships. The company culture encourages employees to work in teams, promoting camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

Clarkston’s dedication to promoting employee growth and development has also been instrumental in my SAP career advancement. The company provides numerous in-house and external training and development programs that equip employees with relevant skills and knowledge to advance their careers. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for career progression within the company, providing a clear sense of direction and purpose for employees.

Finally, the supportive community at Clarkston has been an essential component in my SAP career growth. The company’s work-life balance initiatives, wellness programs, and employee resource groups highlight its commitment to promoting employee well-being. The supportive colleagues and managers at Clarkston are always willing to provide guidance, candid feedback and assistance when needed.

Why did you join Clarkston as an SAP consultant, and why have you stayed?  

I joined Clarkston Consulting as an SAP consultant because of its reputation for excellence in the industry. The company has a strong track record of delivering high-quality results to clients across different industries, and I wanted to be part of that success. Additionally, I was impressed with the company’s commitment to promoting employee growth and development, which was essential for me in pursuing a long-term career in SAP.

Since joining Clarkston, I have stayed for almost 13 years because of the many challenging opportunities across different clients within the company. The firm offers a range of in-house and external training and development programs that have helped me acquire relevant skills and knowledge to advance my career. Moreover, the supportive community at Clarkston has been invaluable in enhancing my SAP career. I have always felt supported by my colleagues and managers, and there’s always someone willing to provide guidance or assistance.

Furthermore, I appreciate the diverse and stimulating projects that Clarkston offers, which have kept me engaged and intellectually stimulated. The company’s focus on innovation, excellence, and collaboration is evident in all its dealings, making it an enjoyable workplace.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to grow their SAP skillset and career? (ie. What has worked well for you?)

To enhance your SAP skillset and career, I recommend prioritizing ongoing learning and development. Keeping up with the latest technologies and best practices in the SAP field is crucial to career advancement as the industry is always changing.

One approach to achieving this is participating in relevant training and development programs, including those offered by external SAP partners or industry associations, and in-house training provided by Clarkston. Additionally, hands-on experience with SAP systems is vital, so consider volunteering for internal initiatives or working on actual projects.

Networking is another key aspect of career growth in the SAP field. Attend industry conferences and events to connect with other SAP professionals and stay up to date with industry trends. Joining professional associations and online forums also provides opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.

Lastly, to differentiate in the SAP career, it’s essential to develop a broad skillset beyond technical expertise. Skills such as project management, industry expertise, communication, and leadership can be valuable in a competitive job market.

Overall, to boost the SAP skillset and career, prioritize ongoing learning, hands-on experience, networking, and developing a broad skillset. These approaches have been successful for me in my SAP career and could benefit anyone looking to grow in the field.

What made you pursue a career in SAP? (ie. What was your career path like? Is there a typical SAP career path?)

I pursued a career in SAP because of the exciting opportunities the field offers to solve complex business problems through technology. My career path in SAP started with an undergraduate degree in computer science and then getting my first non-SAP assignment with a major consulting firm.

After completing my first assignment, I started my career as an entry-level SAP consultant, working on implementation projects for various clients. Over time, I gained experience and knowledge in SAP solutions and processes, which led to new opportunities and increased responsibilities.

The typical SAP career path can vary depending on an individual’s background, education, and interests. However, generally, it includes entry-level roles as an SAP consultant or analyst, followed by mid-level roles such as team lead or project manager. With experience, professionals can progress to more senior roles, such as senior project manager, director, or even C-level positions, depending on their career goals.

One advantage of pursuing a career in SAP is the diversity of opportunities available in different industries, including healthcare, retail, consumer products, and more. This provides SAP professionals with the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, learn new skills, and gain exposure to different industries, which can enhance their career prospects.

Overall, my career path in SAP has been fulfilling, and the field offers tremendous opportunities for growth and advancement. While there may not be a typical SAP career path, professionals can advance by gaining experience, developing skills, and pursuing new opportunities aligned with their interests and goals.

Clarkston Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I have spent 13 years with Clarkston Consulting and it has been an amazing journey. During this time, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and collaborate with talented professionals across various industries. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to contribute to the growth and success of both the clients and the firm. Clarkston’s commitment to excellence and innovation, along with its supportive and inclusive culture, has kept me engaged and motivated throughout my tenure. I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to the organization in the years to come.

What is your role at Clarkston?

My role is of a principal consultant at Clarkston Consulting, where I lead the charge in providing valuable strategic counsel to clients across a range of industries. In my role, I am tasked with overseeing client relationships, being the subject matter expert, driving project teams, and delivering customized solutions that address complex business challenges head-on. My work involves deep collaboration with clients to understand their specific needs, identify areas for improvement, and deploy tailored solutions that drive business growth and success. Moreover, I serve as a mentor and guide to our talented junior consultants, helping them hone the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their respective roles. This position is both challenging and fulfilling, as it affords me the opportunity to make a significant impact on the clients we serve and contribute to the ongoing success of Clarkston Consulting.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to develop my skills in leading data governance implementation projects and data analytics with SAP solutions. In particular, I was able to lead a data governance implementation project for a self-care company, which involved developing and implementing strategies to manage the company’s data assets and ensure compliance with industry regulations. I also had the opportunity to work on a data analytics project with SAP solutions for a major grocery retail client, which allowed me to expand my knowledge of using data to drive business insights and decision-making. Through these experiences, I was able to develop my expertise in these areas and gain valuable hands-on experience that I can apply to future projects. It was an enriching experience, and I am excited to continue developing my skills and knowledge in these areas.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

If I had to choose, I would say that Clarkston’s core value of “Brilliant Client Service” resonates with me the most. As a consultant, I believe that our clients’ success is our success, and we should do everything we can to help them achieve their goals. This means actively listening to their needs and concerns, providing innovative and tailored solutions, and being responsive and proactive in our communication and collaboration. To me, “Brilliant Client Service” embodies this commitment to going above and beyond for our clients, and it is something that I strive to embody in my work every day. Ultimately, our clients’ satisfaction is the ultimate measure of our success, and I believe that by delivering exceptional service, we can build strong and lasting relationships that benefit everyone involved.

How has your work changed post-COVID?

My work has undergone significant changes since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The shift to remote work required me to adjust my approach to collaborating with colleagues and clients. While there were some challenges, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and the need to navigate different time zones and schedules, there were also some unexpected benefits.

One of the advantages of remote work is that it allowed me to be more flexible and productive with my time. Eliminating the need to commute to the office saved me a lot of time, giving me more opportunities to focus on my work and personal life. Additionally, digital collaboration tools made it easier to connect with colleagues and clients across the globe, facilitating cross-functional and cross-cultural collaboration.

However, I do miss the social interaction and energy that comes with working in an office environment, and I think it’s important to stay connected and engaged with colleagues and clients despite the physical distance. Overall, I believe the pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and digital collaboration tools, and it will be fascinating to see how these trends will impact the future of work.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

I am currently involved in several internal initiatives at Clarkston, including writing thought leadership articles, contributing to the development of internal innovative SAP accelerators, and engaging with the SAP community. These initiatives provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with my colleagues and contribute to the growth and success of the company. Additionally, being part of the SAP community helps me stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the industry, which is crucial for my professional growth and development.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

My suggestion for someone starting at Clarkston consulting is to accept and integrate the company’s culture and values. Be receptive to learning and growth opportunities because Clarkston provides a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees are encouraged to collaborate and exchange knowledge and expertise. Take the initiative to acquire new skills by being proactive and taking responsibility for your career growth. In addition, it is essential to establish strong relationships with colleagues and clients to be successful at Clarkston. Lastly, it is critical to maintain a positive outlook and an ability to adapt to changes in the industry and clients’ needs.

In your experience, what qualities make someone a good consultant?

From my experience, successful consultants exhibit certain qualities such as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, analytical and critical thinking abilities, adaptability to changing environments, strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. They should also possess expertise in their domain and have a passion for continuous learning and professional growth. Additionally, they should be able to build trust and credibility with clients, work effectively in teams, and maintain a client-first mentality.

Curious about an SAP career at Clarkston?

• Check out our SAP Jobs page!
• Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston by visiting our Careers page. 

The post SAP Jobs at Clarkston: Principal Data/Analytics Consultant Career Q&A with Shantanu appeared first on Clarkston Consulting.

Women’s History Month 2024

1. What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 

Women’s History Month is important because it highlights the hard work and sacrifices of so many who came before us. It’s a time to be grateful for everything we have overcome while still recognizing the work that needs to be done. There was a time where women couldn’t vote, drive, have a credit card, or even go to school. In some parts of the world, women remain marginalized. Women’s History Month is a time where we can shed light on these inequalities and recognize that women have unlimited potential. As a south Asian woman, I take pride in helping other women break through barriers to achieve their full potential.

2. Tell us about your involvement with Clarkston’s Women’s Empowerment Network? And, how can women support other women in their organizations? 

The Women’s Empowerment Network is a wonderful organization that gives women in Clarkston the opportunity to be seen and heard. I joined the network shortly after I started working with Clarkston in 2022. I specifically enjoy the encouraging posts highlighting strong women who have faced and overcome adversity. To thrive, women must support other women in their organizations. Serving as advocates for each other is the most powerful tool we have to succeed.

3. What advice would you give to your younger self or young women entering a similar profession? 

Don’t be afraid to speak up. There have been many times in my career where I’ve been talked over or asked to remain quiet. I often felt embarrassed for even opening my mouth and attempting to speak in these situations but, I realized that I wouldn’t be invited to these discussions if my opinion didn’t matter. This led to me speaking up more and politely telling people not to interrupt until I’m finished making my point. I feel that women need to be empowered to use our voices, especially in times of adversity.

4. What industry sector do you work in mostly? Are there women trailblazers in your industry that you admire? Do different business sectors have varying gender diversity/women in leadership and if so, why? 

I work in the Life Sciences sector due to my previous experience working with pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies, primarily in Quality Assurance. I admire so many women trailblazers within Clarkston. Janel Firestein is not only my Partner Advisor but also the Life Sciences Industry Lead. In 2022, Janel was recognized as one of the Top Twenty-Five Women Leaders in Consulting. I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful leader and mentor in the organization.

Different business sectors definitely have varying diversity in leadership. The armed forces immediately come to mind specifically because there was a time where West Point Military Academy didn’t accept women. This changed in 1976 when the first women started their Cadet Basic Training. It’s easy for certain business sectors to lack diversity when women are excluded from participating. Although women are now participating in training, they are still underrepresented at leadership levels.

Azmat’s Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?  

I started with Clarkston in April 2022 so I’m approaching my two-year anniversary. To say that I’m grateful for this time and the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of people would be a huge understatement.

What is your role at Clarkston?  

I am a Senior Consultant with Clarkston and work primarily in the Life Sciences space. My previous experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Systems enables me to support projects for clients in the pharmaceutical industry. I’ve been fortunate to work with some great people during client engagements. I’ve also learned a lot about managing the nuances that come with working with different organizations.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently. 

Although I’ve been using Microsoft Teams for two years, I recently learned about some of it’s more useful capabilities such as the Tasks function. This was very beneficial in a project engagement where there many team members and several activities to monitor. I also learned that Teams has an audit trail which enables you to retrieve previous versions of documents. This is quite useful when you’re addressing comments and need to cross reference different versions of a document to ensure all updates have been captured.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most? 

Teamwork resonates with me the most. I recently rolled off a project in which we had several workstreams operating simultaneously. Being able to work in a collaborative environment and work towards the same goal is paramount to a team’s success. Communication between team members and across workstreams enabled us to work together cohesively to provide on-time deliverables.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?  

Network and get to know as many people as possible. Clarkston is very different from any organization I’ve worked for in my career. People, including senior leadership, take the time to speak with you and offer support from your first day with the organization. When you’re assigned to a client, take the time to speak with colleagues who have experience with that client and learn from their past experiences.

In your experience, what qualities make someone a good consultant?

Listening and communicating with patience are simple tools that will take you far. It’s important to listen to a client’s concerns to fully address their needs. Misunderstandings are often the result of miscommunication. Learning to communicate effectively also requires a degree of patience. I believe these qualities are essential to being a good consultant.

What drove you to accept Clarkston’s employment offer?

I was impressed with Clarkston during the interview process. I found each person I spoke with to be very genuine and open about their appreciation for Clarkston. I also was impressed by the longevity associated with individuals working at Clarkston. I spoke with people who have been with Clarkston since graduating college which served as a glowing endorsement. Leadership seemed genuinely invested in helping individuals growing their careers so, I decided to take the leap and transition to consulting. It was the best decision I ever made.

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here. 

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Women’s History Month 2024

1. What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 

WHM to me is a time to celebrate and recognize all the achievements of women across the world. Even though I fully believe we should be sharing in each other’s successes day in and day out, it is great to also have a dedicated space to ensure these messages are being shared.  

2. Tell us about your involvement with Clarkston’s Women’s Empowerment Network? And, how can women support other women in their organizations? 

I started helping out with WEN+ shortly after joining Clarkston as a way to meet more stewards and feel connected. WEN+ has allowed me to build a supportive network around myself and to help other new hires feel welcomed and supported. Even at my previous employers, I was involved with our different women leadership organizations.  

3. What advice would you give to your younger self or young women entering a similar profession? 

Do not underestimate the value of your network. Building out strong, meaningful connections not only makes your workplace more inviting and enjoyable, but it can also help you progress your career. The network I have built around myself from prior jobs, university alumni groups, and professional associations has allowed me to find amazing opportunities and stay connected and up-to-date on things happening across all industries. These connections are something I truly value, and I so enjoy catching up with people in my network to learn more about their lives and careers.  

4. What industry sector do you work in mostly? Are there women trailblazers in your industry that you admire? Do different business sectors have varying gender diversity/women in leadership and if so, why? 

My background is primarily in Retail, but I have also worked in the Consumer Products industry. Retail is an amazing sector full of women trailblazers, in my opinion. During my career in industry, I was always surrounded with a lot of women who were strong leaders helping to drive the business in new and exciting ways. However, there is still room for better representation in the c-suite to highlight the amazing women driving the business. In the era of the Barbie, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift crushing records, I feel like it is disappointing to see that only 13 out of 86 Fortune 1000 retailers have women leading them. We, as women, are the biggest consumers, yet we lack that voice at the highest level. I do feel like this will change as we continue to see trailblazers forge their way higher into leadership roles!  

Madison’s Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?  

I’ve been with Clarkston for about a year and a half​.

What is your role at Clarkston?  

I am a senior consultant with primary focus in the retail and consumer products industries. Currently, I am working with a CPG company on implementing a new business planning process.​

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently. 

I am actively working on developing project management skills. As the lead for CP S&M professional development, I have had the chance to learn how to build out and co-lead one of the leading CP training programs. I have also been actively working on project management skills in my current role and will soon be starting the PM training program here at Clarkston!​ 

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most? 

I think I would have to pick “Brilliant Client Service.” As I mentioned in my advice to my younger self or young professionals, networking and building genuine connections is something that should never be taken for granted. I love building trust with our clients to insure they feel like we have a genuine interest in serving them and finding innovative solutions to their needs. This also carries over to my internal work here at Clarkston. I love meeting new stewards and helping them find ways to tap into all that Clarkston has to offer!​ 

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?  

I am currently leading our Consumer Products Sales & Marketing Professional Development efforts as well as our WEN+ Membership & Recruiting pillar. I also assist our Thought Leadership lead in the Retail community.​ 

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?  

Even though we are remote, make the effort to build connections! We might only see each other a couple of times a year, but having those relationships makes our get togethers even sweeter.​  

Can you share some advice that someone at Clarkston has given you during your time here?

I was told to get involved and to keep an open mindset to learning. That has proven to be great advice and has allowed me to tap into a ton of our communities and networks. ​

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client.  

On my recent project, I helped to build out a number of tools and resources for the teams to utilize to make their new planning processes a little simpler. One of the leads I worked with sent me an official recognition through the client’s recognition process. It might sound cheesy, but the fact that they took the time to submit the form and ensure myself, and the Clarkston team, were officially recognized really meant something to me! ​ 

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here. 

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Charles’ Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

​​I joined Clarkston in June 2021, with over 30 years of professional experience.​ 

What is your role at Clarkston?

I am a principal consultant with Clarkston Consulting helping life science organizations comply with CSV requirements, international standards, directives, ISO 9001, GxP, ERES, SaMD, NDA, 510K submissions, and new FDA guidance on Computer Software Assurance (CSA).

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

​​I have recently become a sought after subject matter expert in implementing GxP computerized system in accordance with the FDA’s new draft guidance on Computer Software Assurance (CSA). Implementing the new guidance has been challenging for some organizations; it requires more upfront critical thinking than legacy approach. While helping organizations comply with challenge in the change of thought process, I have further developed an empathic listening skill that has enabled me to become  more attentive and responsive to others’ input during conversations. It also has helped me in making an emotional connection with the other colleagues and finding similarities between their experiences and mine.​ 

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

​​The core value that resonates with me the most is “Brilliant Client Service” because it provides a clear directional vision to focus on. Every day I plan, organize, communicate, and execute all of my efforts with one thing in mind to help deliver exceptional customer service in order to make customers successful, and in return, they will keep coming back for our services.​ 

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston? 

​​I am involved with several internal initiatives such as Knowledge contribution and DE&I goal attainment. However, by far my favorite contribution is facilitating bootcamp training and contributing to the start of new steward’s careers. I love the energetic enthusiasm that permeates through the classroom. Delivering training to new stewards provides a great deal of professional satisfaction and always results in that “1st day of school” feeling a parent gets when sending their child to school for the first time.  Equally enjoyable is when you see their growth and success as they professionally grow up right in front of your eyes.​ 

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

Seek to understand before being understood. Listen actively and attentively. Show up on time. Obey instruction. Speak clearly and respectfully.

Can you share some advice that someone at Clarkston has given you during your time here?

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Just don’t make the same one.

Black History Month 2024

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is an annual event to reflect on and heighten awareness about the specific contributions Black Americans have made regarding the growth, prosperity, freedoms and inalienable rights that are not to be surrendered nor taken for granted.

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here. 

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Black History Month 2024

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month aims to honor the contributions that Blacks have made and recognize the sacrifices.

For me, it is a time to reflect on the impact that pioneers of the Black community have had on our organization and cities, honoring it and laying foundations for the future.

I have big respect to the people and the events that have helped shape African American history and culture. And to the voices contributing daily, the achievements are worth celebrating every single day.

Kennie’s Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I have been with Clarkston for nearly two full years! I joined in June 2022.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I am a consultant, and my project is on IT qualification and validation within the life sciences space.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

I have developed some skills, majorly in the qualification and validation areas — analytical and project management as well. Clarkston has incredible experts to guide and learn from.​​

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

It’s tough to pick just one but “Brilliant Client Service” and “Teamwork” have resonated with me the most due to Clarkston’s consistency in delivering the best of service and the collaboration with team performance and development. Coupled with this, I strongly believe our brilliant service is what makes Clarkston stand out from other firms.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston? 

I am involved in several internal projects.

• Initiatives: The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. I find it encouraging that Clarkston is emphatic on creating fair rights in the workplace and creating a comfortable space for the stewards to be their authentic selves.
• Community: SAP
• Groups: I am a member of the HBCU Recruitment group for our bootcamp program which came about as a result of the long-term DE&I goals.
• ERGs:
  • Black Stewards Network (BSN)
  • Women Empowerment Network (WEN+)

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

• Do not hold back from asking for support and guidance.
• Be actively involved in internal projects and join communities to improve your networking visibility.
• Be invested in growing your skills.
• Explore the great wealth of internal resources.

Can you share some advice that someone at Clarkston has given you during your time here?

My partner advisor would tell me: “Remain confident in the face of a steep learning curve.” That has been my motto and a motivator. My client service partner is readily available for additional assistance. When in doubt, ask questions. The support is always there.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client.

My most memorable experience was when I got a shout out from the director to ‘request’ that I stay on the team.  It was a very humbling moment and a testament of the value I was providing.

I have established personal connections even while delivering brilliant service, so much that the client is confident that we are fully invested in their success.

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here. 

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Nathan’s SAP Experience

How does Clarkston help you pursue an SAP career of excellence and job fulfillment? (ie. What is your favorite part about working at Clarkston?)

Every project is an opportunity to learn new technology, understand business processes, and gain industry expertise. We then take those learnings and apply them to the next challenge, so we are constantly learning and improving our ability to provide solutions for our clients.

Why did you join Clarkston as an SAP consultant, and why have you stayed?  

It was clear from the interview process that Clarkston has the maturity of people and delivery methodology that allows it to take on large and complex projects, while remaining a smaller company with a “family” feel. Clarkston placed value on the SAP skills that I had already acquired through industry work, and was confident in my ability to learn both technical and softer skills as client needs arise. I’ve stayed all these years because I feel proud to be part of a company that values its people and its clients. The quality of work that we deliver goes above and beyond the standard client-vendor relationship; we are truly partners with the clients that we serve.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to grow their SAP skillset and career? (ie. What has worked well for you?)

Nothing beats real-world experience for cementing your skills and gaining new ones. Seek out opportunities to apply your learnings through internal projects and client work. And when working on a project, try not to default to solving new challenges the same old way – look to leverage new functionality that SAP has provided, and build on that.

What made you pursue a career in SAP? (ie. What was your career path like? Is there a typical SAP career path?)

There is no typical career path for a career in SAP. The people I work with have a mixture of educational and career backgrounds, and they’re not all technical. I was first exposed to SAP when the company I worked for was acquired and there was an initiative to transition their CRM and lead reporting system to SAP (CRM / BW). I had been building custom data-driven web apps at the time, and the transition to such a mature product did require some adjustment, but doing so has opened up many subsequent opportunities for career and personal growth.

Clarkston Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I’ve been with Clarkston for 12 years.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I am a principal consultant, focusing on both SAP and non-SAP data and analytics projects. I currently do a mixture of technical work, business analysis, and project management.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

SAP Analytics Cloud – we have a lot of interest from clients looking to benefit from the integration of this web-based reporting tool with their SAP data, so there was a need in the firm for expertise with this offering. Since I had an SAP BW / BOBJ background, I was able to translate those skills to this new tool, and have since used my new skills for both project and demo work.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

Brilliant Client Service – I like the attention to detail applied to every level of delivering projects, from the most technical development tasks to organizational change management. Every task is planned and performed with the goal of providing the best possible business solution, not just checking off a box on a pre-baked implementation plan, and clients take notice on the amount of focus we place on meeting their needs.

How has your work changed post-COVID?

Working from home full time is the biggest change. I do miss the travel but I value the extra time I have with my family. I stay closely connected with my Clarkston colleagues and client counterparts through a mixture of communication means, which has been crucial to delivering high quality work in a timely manner.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

I am on the Staywell team, and also a member of the Digital and Analytics Community. I am frequently called upon to provide subject matter expertise to other projects and conversations with new and potential clients.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

• Take pride in your work, and be open to new challenges.
• Your clients and Clarkston peers notice when you show interest in what is important to them.
• No matter how technical you are, make an effort to understand business processes. Being able to communicate to all levels of a client organization is a skill that can never be outsourced

Can you share some advice that someone at Clarkston has given you during your time here?

You get out of your career what you put into it – I haven’t always been proactive with investing in my career, but at Clarkston the efforts you put into developing skills, building relationships, or just being a reliable, helpful person, result in much growth and opportunity.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client. What was your key takeaway or lesson learned from that project?

The relationships are what stick with me the most. I fondly remember being invited to celebrate a cultural holiday at the private home of a client, which was a great honor, and reflects the relationships that we strive to cultivate. In some cases I’ve even met up with client colleagues years later and thousands of miles away from where we first met.

In your experience, what qualities make someone a good consultant?

• Understanding client needs
• Flexibility
• Attention to detail

What drove you to accept Clarkston’s employment offer?

Small firm with great structure, tools, processes, and opportunities equal to or better than a large firm. It was clear that the people were great and that I would both fit in and thrive here.

Curious about an SAP career at Clarkston?

• Check out our SAP Jobs page!
• Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston by visiting our Careers page. 

The post SAP Jobs at Clarkston: Principal SAP Consultant Career Q&A with Nathan appeared first on Clarkston Consulting.

Paulo’s SAP Experience

How does Clarkston help you pursue an SAP career of excellence and job fulfillment? (ie. What is your favorite part about working at Clarkston?)

Clarkston offers a comprehensive approach to professional growth for SAP consultants. Alongside formal training programs facilitated by the Professional Development team, the exposure to diverse projects and collaboration with experienced teams contribute to an environment that encourages continuous learning and the acquisition of new technical and soft skills. This combination of opportunities and environment allows you to expand your knowledge, broaden your expertise, and excel in your role as an SAP consultant.

Why did you join Clarkston as an SAP consultant, and why have you stayed?  

I joined Clarkston in 2011 after having worked for industry and big consulting firms. The main differentiator for me is and has always been the corporate culture. The Win3 cornerstone of our philosophy is absolutely true and is present in every aspect of the company. This guideline makes sures the consultant and our clients are being taken care of, and a result the company will also do well. The company size is ideal so that as a consultant you get to really know the team you’re working with and you get to work with them in various engagements and socialize in company meetings. The camaraderie and a true interest in the consultant’s well-being is a big aspect of what has made me stay at Clarkston this long.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to grow their SAP skillset and career? (ie. What has worked well for you?)

What has worked for me to acquire new skills in SAP is to first do a self-study to understand how the new tools work and how they can help our clients. Then I reach out to Professional Development or go through our internal training tools to get technical knowledge. The next step is to get hands on experience by either practicing in our ClarkstonLabs SAP client, or, better yet, to apply them in a real SAP project, where you can clarify and get support from other colleagues.

What made you pursue a career in SAP? (ie. What was your career path like? Is there a typical SAP career path?)

I graduated from Engineering of Information Systems and my true passion was always around process reengineering and enhancements. Upon graduation my first job was in a hands-on SAP position and that was my introduction to how technology could be the perfect vehicle for a wholistic business transformation. I started learning about functionality, modules, and my main interest was around procurement processes. I found my calling and have stayed on the path for over 20 years. I’ve been extremely satisfied with where this career has taken me and how it has shaped my outlook.

Clarkston Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I’ve been with Clarkston for over 12 years.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I’m currently a senior manager and also the co-lead of the SAP Community, but my career has evolved from a senior consultant, to a principal and then to manager. Currently I’m involved in managing large SAP projects, participating in sales proposals and helping shape Clarkston’s strategy for SAP technologies and methodologies.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

I’m currently on the path to get an SAP certification in Project Management with Activate Methodology. This has been made possible with having access to the SAP Learning Journey’s content through our Clarkston Professional Development department.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

• Brilliant Client Service, because it ensures all our consultants give it their all to make sure our projects are successful and add value to our clients’ processes.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: This helps foster professional learning and growth
• Diversity: When people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences come together, they bring a wide range of perspectives and ideas, which results in a dynamic enterprise

How has your work changed post-COVID?

Remote work now seems to be the norm although we still see exceptions. My last project was local, so I was at the client’s site 90% of the time. The bottom line is that both our clients and our consultants have seen that remote works does work.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

I’m currently the co-lead of our SAP Community, where we’re looking to integrate more efficiently with other communities to create synergies that may benefit our firm and our clients, as well as looking into new technologies such as Signavio and Datasphere to integrate to our portfolio of available solutions.

Curious about an SAP career at Clarkston?

• Check out our SAP Jobs page!
• Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston by visiting our Careers page. 

The post SAP Jobs at Clarkston: SAP Life Sciences and Senior Manager Career Q&A with Paulo appeared first on Clarkston Consulting.

Nicole’s SAP Experience

How does Clarkston help you pursue an SAP career of excellence and job fulfillment? (ie. What is your favorite part about working at Clarkston?)

Clarkston has been a wonderful source of learning and professional development for me! My previous experience is not in SAP, I came into Clarkston with a Quality and Compliance background. I had been exposed to SAP ATTP through a previous role and was looking to learn more about SAP. The SAP Community here at Clarkston has been the perfect opportunity to do just that! I have been able to engage with, support, and learn from the SAP community and am expanding my SAP knowledge. This cross functional learning and sense of community have been some of the things I am most grateful for during the year I have been with Clarkston.

Why did you join Clarkston as an SAP consultant, and why have you stayed?  

As previously mentioned, I did not join Clarkston as an SAP consultant. However, the SAP community and the training that has been encouraged for me are some of the reasons I have stayed here at Clarkston. The attitude at Clarkston that professional development and learning are strongly encouraged and valued are in line with what I want in my career.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to grow their SAP skillset and career? (ie. What has worked well for you?)

As I am just beginning my SAP learning journey, the thing that has helped me the most has been engaging with SMEs. When I joined Clarkston, I reached out to the SAP Community leads as I was hoping to attend the SAP community calls. It happened that they were looking for support with these calls and I was able to take on a planning role for the community. This has allowed me to engage with our SAP experts and learn from some excellent presenters. In addition, the professional development team here at Clarkston has a wealth of resources! This includes many beginner friendly guides and articles that have been of great benefit to me.

What made you pursue a career in SAP? (ie. What was your career path like? Is there a typical SAP career path?)

I became interested in SAP through a Q&C lens. I was writing work instructions for the use of SAP ATTP and became curious about SAPs uses in the life sciences space. It was not until I Joined Clarkston that I really had an opportunity to explore SAP.

Clarkston Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I have been with Clarkston for one year now. During that time, I have been able to participate in both client and internal projects in multiple subject areas.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I am a consultant here at Clarkston. My current project is in IT Qualification though internally I support the SAP community through the planning and running of their community calls.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

I have developed a number of skills in the past year at Clarkston! These include my Validation and Qualification knowledge. I have also developed my time and project management skills.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

Brilliant Client Services! I believe that so many of the values are linked to Brilliant Client Services, for example flexibility and adaptability are key and something that I take pride in. Without the ability to adapt to changing circumstances it is difficult to serve our clients effectively and enjoy our work.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

I have been involved with the SAP Community in a community call planning and execution capacity, this has been a wonderful learning opportunity and has allowed me to engage with many stewards at the firm that I may not have met otherwise met. I am also a member of the Women’s Empowerment Network, The Pride Network, and the Neurodiversity Network.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston? 

The best advise I can give to a new Clarkston Steward is to join communities and networks and see where you can get involved. If you are curious about an area of expertise or passionate about something reach out to others in those communities.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client. What was your key takeaway or lesson learned from that project?

My current project has had a lot of changes during the time we have been with the client. Having an adaptable and flexible mindset has allowed me to view these changes as interesting learning opportunities.

Curious about an SAP career at Clarkston?

• Check out our SAP Jobs page!
• Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston by visiting our Careers page. 

The post SAP Jobs at Clarkston: SAP Consultant Career Q&A with Nicole appeared first on Clarkston Consulting.

Vasu’s SAP Experience

How does Clarkston help you pursue an SAP career of excellence and job fulfillment? (ie. What is your favorite part about working at Clarkston?)

Clarkston is like a close-knit family. People here help each other when required. This is something not common in big organizations.

Why did you join Clarkston as an SAP consultant, and why have you stayed?  

I have been trained & had prior experience in SAP so joined Clarkston as an SAP consultant. Book author Marcus Buckingham quoted “People leave managers, not companies”. When people are treated well, taken care makes it to feel home.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to grow their SAP skillset and career? (ie. What has worked well for you?)

Clarkston is a company which allows to test & try something that like to. If you have a specific skill set in SAP but have an appetite to learn more , this is a place to do. When I started Clarkston my skill sets were different, by time I started to learn more & widened my skillset in SAP.

What made you pursue a career in SAP? (ie. What was your career path like? Is there a typical SAP career path?)

Since I had prior experience in SAP , continued to do that. Something I like about the career in SAP is you get to experience new place, new people, new culture, new business model, new domain from one project to another. If one likes it they will never return.

Clarkston Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

With Clarkston, its close to 10 years now! I’m looking forward to celebrating that anniversary soon.

What is your role at Clarkston?

The designation at Clarkston is Senior Consultant. But the role differs on every project, it could be a associate consultant or lead or architect or advisor or manager , etc. If you have the appetite & the opportunity unfolds you can take it, no one stops.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

In the recent past one skill (in SAP) that I developed is EDI integrations. Apart from other soft skills that were developed during the project tenure.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

Brilliant Client Serv​​ice is the core value that resonates in me the most. Client’s delight is my personal delight.

How has your work changed post-COVID?

Completely, in the past used to travel every week. It was busy, eventful and met new people. Now no travel at all, all day meetings (mostly late evening),

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

Many over the course of my tenure. In the recent past have been helping to upgrade the S4 Security accelerator so we can reduce the implementation time.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client. What was your key takeaway or lesson learned from that project?

In one of the projects, the scope was too big, with many unknowns and acute timelines. Many thought the project will be a disaster. But the leadership did everything possible to keep people motivated & strived to meet goals. Eventually we finished it better than we thought. Effective leadership will drive things to success.

Curious about an SAP career at Clarkston?

• Check out our SAP Jobs page!
• Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston by visiting our Careers page. 

The post SAP Jobs at Clarkston: Senior SAP Consultant Career Q&A with Vasu appeared first on Clarkston Consulting.