Howdy!
The purpose of this blog is to help fellow TRS interns meet and stay connected. Our Fearless Leader Frank suggested it this summer. I thought it was a good idea...so let's run with it!!
So, y'all are probably wondering who the heck is Payal. I guess an intro is necessary...I'm a Texan turned Londoner. I grew up in Amarillo and studied at Texas A&M (whoop!) where I met Britt. I was in Titans I (oh my, that makes me feel like an old woman to say that) though this organization didn't exist. We simply referred to ourselves as the junto. After graduating, I worked for restructuring firm Alvarez & Marsal and was based in Houston. At that A&M, I advised companies, public sector organizations, and non-profits on a variety of strategic and operational issues. I traveled quite a bit and worked with clients in a variety of industries (some were sexy, others were not). I took alot of great stories, experiences, and friendships away from that job. I had always wanted to live abroad and go to grad school, so I took a leap in summer 2010, moved to London, and joined the MBA programme at London Business School. This past summer 2011, I spent part of the summer at TRS in Austin and part back in London working with another organization.
My time at TRS was grand. I may be a bit biased, but my intern cohort had to be the best group so far :). We worked hard and had alot of fun outside of work (Peter Pan golf, 4 W's, Harry Potter in 3D, driving range, wine-o-clock, etc.). As always, we did book reports. My book was "The Origins of Wealth" by Eric Beinhocker. Ironically, he works in the McKinsey London office, so I asked one of my classmates to go hunt him down for me and beg that he give me 10 minutes. I had a telephone conversation with him over the summer, which was very helpful. And I'm set to have coffee with him in the fall when things settle down for him a bit.
We also took a trip to visit some of our external managers in Dallas. My favorite memory from the summer was on that fateful van ride back. I was sitting next to Ryan and Megan and ended up falling asleep like I always do in cars. When I woke up, I asked where we were and said something else. Then, I checked the time on my iPhone and found a HILARIOUS photo of me sleeping as the background. Megan, Ryan, and I laughed so much for the next 5-10 minutes. I have to say it was a great practical joke! 5 points to Megan and Ryan for that.
And finally, like others before us, we had a gourmet dinner to cook as our final exam. Everyone seemed please with our "southern comfort" meal, and we didn't burn the house down. So I guess we passed! Here's a photo of all of us from that evening.
I had writer's block coming up with a title for this blog post. My intern group had a fantastic summer full of TRS traditions. I humbly offer this blog as a new tradition. Definitely keep the group posted on how things are going for you!!
If anyone ever is passing through London, wants advice from an ex-consultant, needs travel tips, or anything really, please don't hesitate to contact me. My email address is ppatel.mba2012@london.edu.
Cheers,
Payal
The purpose of this blog is to help fellow TRS interns meet and stay connected. Our Fearless Leader Frank suggested it this summer. I thought it was a good idea...so let's run with it!!
So, y'all are probably wondering who the heck is Payal. I guess an intro is necessary...I'm a Texan turned Londoner. I grew up in Amarillo and studied at Texas A&M (whoop!) where I met Britt. I was in Titans I (oh my, that makes me feel like an old woman to say that) though this organization didn't exist. We simply referred to ourselves as the junto. After graduating, I worked for restructuring firm Alvarez & Marsal and was based in Houston. At that A&M, I advised companies, public sector organizations, and non-profits on a variety of strategic and operational issues. I traveled quite a bit and worked with clients in a variety of industries (some were sexy, others were not). I took alot of great stories, experiences, and friendships away from that job. I had always wanted to live abroad and go to grad school, so I took a leap in summer 2010, moved to London, and joined the MBA programme at London Business School. This past summer 2011, I spent part of the summer at TRS in Austin and part back in London working with another organization.
My time at TRS was grand. I may be a bit biased, but my intern cohort had to be the best group so far :). We worked hard and had alot of fun outside of work (Peter Pan golf, 4 W's, Harry Potter in 3D, driving range, wine-o-clock, etc.). As always, we did book reports. My book was "The Origins of Wealth" by Eric Beinhocker. Ironically, he works in the McKinsey London office, so I asked one of my classmates to go hunt him down for me and beg that he give me 10 minutes. I had a telephone conversation with him over the summer, which was very helpful. And I'm set to have coffee with him in the fall when things settle down for him a bit.
We also took a trip to visit some of our external managers in Dallas. My favorite memory from the summer was on that fateful van ride back. I was sitting next to Ryan and Megan and ended up falling asleep like I always do in cars. When I woke up, I asked where we were and said something else. Then, I checked the time on my iPhone and found a HILARIOUS photo of me sleeping as the background. Megan, Ryan, and I laughed so much for the next 5-10 minutes. I have to say it was a great practical joke! 5 points to Megan and Ryan for that.
I had writer's block coming up with a title for this blog post. My intern group had a fantastic summer full of TRS traditions. I humbly offer this blog as a new tradition. Definitely keep the group posted on how things are going for you!!
If anyone ever is passing through London, wants advice from an ex-consultant, needs travel tips, or anything really, please don't hesitate to contact me. My email address is ppatel.mba2012@london.edu.
Cheers,
Payal
