Ali
Senior Analyst, Chicago
- What motivated you to pursue a career at AG?
- I’ve always been drawn to economics, social systems, and the broader pursuit of solving complex and meaningful problems. Economic consulting stood out to me as the ideal convergence of these interests, combining the intellectual rigor of quantitative analysis with strategic thinking and the exploration of society and governance.
I was drawn to Analysis Group because of its reputation for a collaborative and intellectually rigorous environment, an impression that was strongly reinforced during my analyst internship in the Chicago office. That culture of collaboration and intellectual curiosity made me feel both challenged and empowered, and confirmed that this was a place where I could continue to learn and grow. - How were your first few weeks or months at Analysis Group?
- Very fast paced – in the best way possible! From my first day back as a full-time hire, I was staffed on multiple interesting cases and immediately immersed in meaningful work. While that initially felt a bit daunting, the transition was made much smoother by AG’s strong support system. Between the formal trainings and the day-to-day mentorship, I quickly found my footing. It was a very valuable learning experience that ultimately helped me grow into the analyst role with confidence.
- What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding? What do you find most challenging?
- As someone who’s naturally curious, I find it incredibly rewarding that our work constantly introduces us to new industries and real-world challenges. I especially enjoy the chance to “lift the hood” and see how systems operate, which keeps the work intellectually engaging and broadens my understanding of how the world works. At the same time, that variety can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Each new case brings a steep learning curve and the need to quickly get up to speed on unfamiliar topics, often under tight timelines.
- What is it like to work on a case team? What types of cases have you worked on?
- Working on a case team can feel very different based on what stage the case is in. Earlier in the timeline, it’s a lot of exploration and coming up with ideas. Later, it’s more about strategically developing those ideas into a persuasive narrative. I’ve had the chance to work on a range of cases, ranging from antitrust matters in the sports streaming industry to research projects about global supply chains and data privacy. As an analyst, you're often closest to the numbers, which makes your perspective and insights especially valuable to the team’s overall understanding.
- What is a typical day like in your role as an analyst?
- There really isn’t a “typical” day as an analyst – and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about the role. Some days are spent deep in Excel or coding, building models and analyzing data. Other days are more focused on reading through reports, drafting memos, or attending meetings with case teams. Your day-to-day really depends on the nature of the case and your specific role. That variety keeps the work dynamic and engaging, and it provides constant opportunities to develop new skills and explore different facets of economic consulting.
- What makes the AG community unique?
- The people. There’s a shared commitment to being collaborative, supportive, and approachable. Whether you’re working through a challenging case or just catching up over coffee, there’s a genuine sense that everyone is invested in each other’s growth and well-being. That culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s something people consciously contribute to every day.
