Ryan Chang
Vice President of Investments at Blackskies Investments- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere
GoogleMar, 2022- Sep, 2024 -
Foundations of Project Management
GoogleDec, 2021- Sep, 2024
Experience
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Blackskies Investments
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United States
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Funds and Trusts
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President of Investments
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Jan 2023 - Present
At Blackskies Investments we are Berkeley's largest undergraduate club VC Fund managing $270,000 AUM. As the Vice President of Investments, I have the responsibility of shaping our investment strategy to drive our success. We take pride in offering consulting, accounting, and legal services to our portfolio companies. Our main focus is investing in pre-seed technical founders who are working on industry changing technologies like AI and DeFi. One of our standout success stories is… Show more At Blackskies Investments we are Berkeley's largest undergraduate club VC Fund managing $270,000 AUM. As the Vice President of Investments, I have the responsibility of shaping our investment strategy to drive our success. We take pride in offering consulting, accounting, and legal services to our portfolio companies. Our main focus is investing in pre-seed technical founders who are working on industry changing technologies like AI and DeFi. One of our standout success stories is Grammable, an AI-powered graphic design start-up backed by Pioneer Group. Witnessing Grammable's journey from a promising idea to a viable product in the AI industry is a testament to our ability to identify and nurture exceptional ventures. Being a part of Blackskies Investments has been an inspiring since I've been able to witness firsthand the transformative power of innovation within industries. Together we're shaping the future of the startup ecosystem, fostering growth, and helping visionary entrepreneurs achieve success. Show less At Blackskies Investments we are Berkeley's largest undergraduate club VC Fund managing $270,000 AUM. As the Vice President of Investments, I have the responsibility of shaping our investment strategy to drive our success. We take pride in offering consulting, accounting, and legal services to our portfolio companies. Our main focus is investing in pre-seed technical founders who are working on industry changing technologies like AI and DeFi. One of our standout success stories is… Show more At Blackskies Investments we are Berkeley's largest undergraduate club VC Fund managing $270,000 AUM. As the Vice President of Investments, I have the responsibility of shaping our investment strategy to drive our success. We take pride in offering consulting, accounting, and legal services to our portfolio companies. Our main focus is investing in pre-seed technical founders who are working on industry changing technologies like AI and DeFi. One of our standout success stories is Grammable, an AI-powered graphic design start-up backed by Pioneer Group. Witnessing Grammable's journey from a promising idea to a viable product in the AI industry is a testament to our ability to identify and nurture exceptional ventures. Being a part of Blackskies Investments has been an inspiring since I've been able to witness firsthand the transformative power of innovation within industries. Together we're shaping the future of the startup ecosystem, fostering growth, and helping visionary entrepreneurs achieve success. Show less
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University of California, Berkeley
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Program Assistant - Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA)
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Jul 2021 - Present
As a Senior Program Assistant at VSPA, I play a role in managing financial operations that includes processing payments and stipends. Through meticulous attention to detail, I have processed over $1,500,000, and recovered over $50,000. This commitment to financial precision not only ensured timely payments to scholars but also safeguarded VSPA's financial resources. Regulating audits was another essential aspect of my role. I diligently oversaw over 1,000 federal and university-level… Show more As a Senior Program Assistant at VSPA, I play a role in managing financial operations that includes processing payments and stipends. Through meticulous attention to detail, I have processed over $1,500,000, and recovered over $50,000. This commitment to financial precision not only ensured timely payments to scholars but also safeguarded VSPA's financial resources. Regulating audits was another essential aspect of my role. I diligently oversaw over 1,000 federal and university-level audits to ensure compliance with policies and financial regulations. To further enhance efficiency, I took the initiative to come up with new administrative policies and procedures for the team. By streamlining workflows and implementing new practices, I was able to improve departmental efficiency by 25%. This optimization not only saved valuable time and resources but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the team. In addition, I also took on the responsibility of training new employees. Using my knowledge and expertise, I successfully onboarded five employees, resulting in a remarkable 50% reduction in onboarding time. The improved training program significantly enhanced employee performance ensuring they were equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their roles. In addition to my operational responsibilities, I also provide customer service to scholars, professors, and HR personnel. Through in-person interactions, phone calls, and email correspondence, I addressed their issues and ensured high levels of policy compliance. Show less As a Senior Program Assistant at VSPA, I play a role in managing financial operations that includes processing payments and stipends. Through meticulous attention to detail, I have processed over $1,500,000, and recovered over $50,000. This commitment to financial precision not only ensured timely payments to scholars but also safeguarded VSPA's financial resources. Regulating audits was another essential aspect of my role. I diligently oversaw over 1,000 federal and university-level… Show more As a Senior Program Assistant at VSPA, I play a role in managing financial operations that includes processing payments and stipends. Through meticulous attention to detail, I have processed over $1,500,000, and recovered over $50,000. This commitment to financial precision not only ensured timely payments to scholars but also safeguarded VSPA's financial resources. Regulating audits was another essential aspect of my role. I diligently oversaw over 1,000 federal and university-level audits to ensure compliance with policies and financial regulations. To further enhance efficiency, I took the initiative to come up with new administrative policies and procedures for the team. By streamlining workflows and implementing new practices, I was able to improve departmental efficiency by 25%. This optimization not only saved valuable time and resources but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the team. In addition, I also took on the responsibility of training new employees. Using my knowledge and expertise, I successfully onboarded five employees, resulting in a remarkable 50% reduction in onboarding time. The improved training program significantly enhanced employee performance ensuring they were equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their roles. In addition to my operational responsibilities, I also provide customer service to scholars, professors, and HR personnel. Through in-person interactions, phone calls, and email correspondence, I addressed their issues and ensured high levels of policy compliance. Show less
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Ascend Berkeley Student Chapter
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Financial Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Project Manager
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Jan 2023 - May 2023
Client: LinkedIn As a contracted Project Manager for LinkedIn, I had the opportunity to lead two impactful consulting projects with a team of six consultants. Together, we embarked on a mission to revamp LinkedIn's website through thorough UI/UX evaluations. By leveraging our collective expertise we identified areas for improvement and implemented strategic changes to enhance the user experience. In the 1st project, I took charge of directing the website design process… Show more Client: LinkedIn As a contracted Project Manager for LinkedIn, I had the opportunity to lead two impactful consulting projects with a team of six consultants. Together, we embarked on a mission to revamp LinkedIn's website through thorough UI/UX evaluations. By leveraging our collective expertise we identified areas for improvement and implemented strategic changes to enhance the user experience. In the 1st project, I took charge of directing the website design process. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, we utilized tools like Figma to create navigational flows and wireframes. Through meticulous planning and constant iteration, we crafted a seamless user interface that not only enhanced user experience but also aligned with LinkedIn's brand identity. In the 2nd project, I played a vital role in managing marketing analysis and campaigns for LinkedIn. Through meticulous data analysis and insights, I guided the development and execution of effective marketing strategies that aligned with our client's goals by creating an ambasaddor program. Throughout the journey, I facilitated weekly meetings to track progress, identify potential risks, and make necessary adjustments to our plans. By fostering effective communication and collaboration, we ensured that the project remained on track and achieved the desired outcomes. Working at LinkedIn as a Project Manager has been an exhilarating experience filled with challenges, growth, and the opportunity to contribute to the development of a platform that connects professionals worldwide. Through my role, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective project management and the value it brings to the organization and its users.
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Senior Consultant
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Sep 2022 - Dec 2022
Client: The Clorox Company and Glad As a Senior Consultant for Ascend Berkeley, I had the privilege of working closely with our clients at The Clorox Company and Glad. One of my key responsibilities was developing their product portfolios and conducting comprehensive market analysis. Starting the project, I dived deep into the Asian market to uncover opportunities for growth and expansion by using internal company data along with external data such as Pitchbook and Statista. By analyzing… Show more Client: The Clorox Company and Glad As a Senior Consultant for Ascend Berkeley, I had the privilege of working closely with our clients at The Clorox Company and Glad. One of my key responsibilities was developing their product portfolios and conducting comprehensive market analysis. Starting the project, I dived deep into the Asian market to uncover opportunities for growth and expansion by using internal company data along with external data such as Pitchbook and Statista. By analyzing consumer trends, competitive landscapes, and industry dynamics, I empowered our clients to make informed decisions that would drive their success. In addition to shaping product portfolios, I played a vital role in analyzing company performance across various countries in Asia. Through a detailed examination of metrics such as SKU revenue and inventory turnover I gained valuable insights into the inner workings of our client's businesses. With this data along with some observations, I was able to identify areas for improvement, optimize operations, and drive overall business growth. Throughout my journey, I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, leveraging our collective expertise to craft strategies that would make a lasting impact. By combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights, I ensured that our recommendations were both grounded in data and aligned with the unique needs of each client. Working as a Senior Consultant at The Clorox Company and Glad has been a transformative experience, allowing me to contribute to the growth and success of renowned brands in the beauty and cleaning industry. It has been a thrilling journey of uncovering opportunities and driving strategic decisions.
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Grammable
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Software Development
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1 - 100 Employee
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Intern
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Jan 2023 - May 2023
As a Project Manager at Grammable, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of AI, constantly seeking out industry trends and conducting competitor analysis within the AI content design generation market. In this role, I led a team of 6 consultants. By meticulously researching and monitoring market dynamics, I provided valuable insights that informed our strategic decision-making process, ensuring that we stayed ahead of the competition and adapted to evolving customer needs. One of my… Show more As a Project Manager at Grammable, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of AI, constantly seeking out industry trends and conducting competitor analysis within the AI content design generation market. In this role, I led a team of 6 consultants. By meticulously researching and monitoring market dynamics, I provided valuable insights that informed our strategic decision-making process, ensuring that we stayed ahead of the competition and adapted to evolving customer needs. One of my notable achievements was proposing a promotional subscription pricing model that aligned with the market landscape and our target audience's preferences. Through data-driven analysis and customer insights, we created effective marketing strategies. Alongside, I took the lead in constructing a compelling Pitch Deck that showcased Grammable's value proposition and growth potential. By synthesizing complex technical concepts into a clear and persuasive narrative, we successfully captured the attention of investors who will fuel our expansion plan. Conducting market sizing analysis was another critical aspect of my role. Through a comprehensive range of quantitative and qualitative methods, I estimated market demand and identified key growth opportunities within the AI content design generation market. This analysis allowed us to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and strategically position Grammable to capitalize on emerging trends and customer preferences. Throughout my journey, I collaborated closely with team members, leveraging their expertise and insights to drive innovative solutions and achieve our goals. By fostering effective communication and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, we fostered a collaborative environment where creativity thrived and breakthrough ideas were born. Show less As a Project Manager at Grammable, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of AI, constantly seeking out industry trends and conducting competitor analysis within the AI content design generation market. In this role, I led a team of 6 consultants. By meticulously researching and monitoring market dynamics, I provided valuable insights that informed our strategic decision-making process, ensuring that we stayed ahead of the competition and adapted to evolving customer needs. One of my… Show more As a Project Manager at Grammable, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of AI, constantly seeking out industry trends and conducting competitor analysis within the AI content design generation market. In this role, I led a team of 6 consultants. By meticulously researching and monitoring market dynamics, I provided valuable insights that informed our strategic decision-making process, ensuring that we stayed ahead of the competition and adapted to evolving customer needs. One of my notable achievements was proposing a promotional subscription pricing model that aligned with the market landscape and our target audience's preferences. Through data-driven analysis and customer insights, we created effective marketing strategies. Alongside, I took the lead in constructing a compelling Pitch Deck that showcased Grammable's value proposition and growth potential. By synthesizing complex technical concepts into a clear and persuasive narrative, we successfully captured the attention of investors who will fuel our expansion plan. Conducting market sizing analysis was another critical aspect of my role. Through a comprehensive range of quantitative and qualitative methods, I estimated market demand and identified key growth opportunities within the AI content design generation market. This analysis allowed us to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and strategically position Grammable to capitalize on emerging trends and customer preferences. Throughout my journey, I collaborated closely with team members, leveraging their expertise and insights to drive innovative solutions and achieve our goals. By fostering effective communication and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, we fostered a collaborative environment where creativity thrived and breakthrough ideas were born. Show less
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XdHacks Mini
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Canada
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Software Development
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1 - 100 Employee
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Core Team Outreach Director
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Aug 2021 - May 2023
As an Outreach Director at XdHacks Mini, I embraced the challenge of acquiring sponsorships for our 11 global chapters. Utilizing a strategic approach and meticulous planning, I skillfully communicated the unique opportunities our platform offered to potential sponsors. Through persuasive pitches and compelling presentations, I forged strong relationships rooted in trust and shared vision. These partnerships ensured the continued support and engagement of sponsors, solidifying their commitment… Show more As an Outreach Director at XdHacks Mini, I embraced the challenge of acquiring sponsorships for our 11 global chapters. Utilizing a strategic approach and meticulous planning, I skillfully communicated the unique opportunities our platform offered to potential sponsors. Through persuasive pitches and compelling presentations, I forged strong relationships rooted in trust and shared vision. These partnerships ensured the continued support and engagement of sponsors, solidifying their commitment to the growth and success of XdHacks Mini. In addition to sponsorship acquisition, I also took on the responsibility of managing and overseeing our outreach initiatives. To maximize our impact, I provided mentorship to a talented team of finance and outreach directors. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, we fostered a cohesive and effective approach to engaging potential sponsors. One of the most remarkable outcomes was the exponential 100% growth of our global chapters. This substantial growth not only attracted new participants but also fostered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, inspiring collaboration and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. Our events became beacons of innovation, empowering participants to showcase their skills and make a meaningful impact on the world. Furthermore, our dedicated outreach initiatives resulted in a 300% increase in prize acquisition within a single year. By effectively communicating the significance of XdHacks Mini to sponsors, we attracted a diverse range of supporters who recognized the platform's potential to foster innovation and collaboration. By expanding our global chapters, we created countless opportunities for aspiring innovators to connect, learn, and grow. XdHacks Mini became a powerful catalyst for creativity, empowering participants to make a lasting impact and shape the future.
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Director of Finance and Outreach
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Jan 2021 - Aug 2021
In the fast-paced world of hackathons, I found my passion for finance and event management intersecting at XdHacks Mini, a global non-profit hackathon organization. As a dedicated member of the team, I took on the responsibility of creating efficient financial strategies to ensure the success of our hackathons. One of my key contributions was developing detailed Excel sheets to estimate costs and profits for each event. By meticulously analyzing various expenses, I provided accurate… Show more In the fast-paced world of hackathons, I found my passion for finance and event management intersecting at XdHacks Mini, a global non-profit hackathon organization. As a dedicated member of the team, I took on the responsibility of creating efficient financial strategies to ensure the success of our hackathons. One of my key contributions was developing detailed Excel sheets to estimate costs and profits for each event. By meticulously analyzing various expenses, I provided accurate financial projections that enabled the team to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach helped us optimize our resources and allocate funds effectively. My role expanded beyond crunching numbers; I also played a crucial part in securing sponsorships for our hackathons. I researched potential sponsors and presented the directors with a range of options tailored to their specific needs. Through my efforts, I successfully obtained five sponsors who generously provided capital and valuable products and services, further enhancing the quality of our events. With a keen eye for cost optimization, I actively sought ways to reduce expenses for future iterations. By creating comprehensive accounting and budgeting documents, I provided valuable insights on areas where costs could be cut without compromising the hackathons' overall experience. This approach ensured financial sustainability and allowed us to invest more in enhancing the participants' experience. My time at XdHacks Mini allowed me to combine my financial expertise with my passion for organizing impactful events. Through meticulous financial analysis, strategic sponsorship acquisition, and insightful budgeting, I played a vital role in fostering the growth and success of the organization's hackathons.
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Product Manager
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Feb 2022 - May 2022
As a Project Manager at TechLab Consulting, I had the opportunity to oversee the design and development of a professional website for a club. Collaborating with a team of talented engineers and designers, we embarked on a mission to create an online presence using Squarespace. Coordinating the project from start to finish, my role involved ensuring seamless collaboration and timely execution. I established clear objectives, set milestones, and allocated resources effectively to ensure… Show more As a Project Manager at TechLab Consulting, I had the opportunity to oversee the design and development of a professional website for a club. Collaborating with a team of talented engineers and designers, we embarked on a mission to create an online presence using Squarespace. Coordinating the project from start to finish, my role involved ensuring seamless collaboration and timely execution. I established clear objectives, set milestones, and allocated resources effectively to ensure the project progressed on schedule and within budget. By leveraging my project management skills, I fostered a collaborative environment that allowed creativity to flourish, enabling the team to deliver high-quality results. To foster effective teamwork and alignment, I organized weekly meetings with team members. These sessions served as opportunities to track progress, address potential risks or blockers, and make necessary adjustments to plans. By fostering open communication and providing support when needed, I ensured that the project stayed on track and aligned with the client's expectations. Managing the design process was a crucial aspect of my role. To create a user-centric website, I employed various techniques such as developing personas, defining navigational flows, and creating low-fidelity mock-ups and high-fidelity prototypes. Through close communication with the client, I gained a deep understanding of their vision and requirements, translating them into tangible design elements. By effectively communicating the design iterations and incorporating client feedback, we achieved a website. Show less As a Project Manager at TechLab Consulting, I had the opportunity to oversee the design and development of a professional website for a club. Collaborating with a team of talented engineers and designers, we embarked on a mission to create an online presence using Squarespace. Coordinating the project from start to finish, my role involved ensuring seamless collaboration and timely execution. I established clear objectives, set milestones, and allocated resources effectively to ensure… Show more As a Project Manager at TechLab Consulting, I had the opportunity to oversee the design and development of a professional website for a club. Collaborating with a team of talented engineers and designers, we embarked on a mission to create an online presence using Squarespace. Coordinating the project from start to finish, my role involved ensuring seamless collaboration and timely execution. I established clear objectives, set milestones, and allocated resources effectively to ensure the project progressed on schedule and within budget. By leveraging my project management skills, I fostered a collaborative environment that allowed creativity to flourish, enabling the team to deliver high-quality results. To foster effective teamwork and alignment, I organized weekly meetings with team members. These sessions served as opportunities to track progress, address potential risks or blockers, and make necessary adjustments to plans. By fostering open communication and providing support when needed, I ensured that the project stayed on track and aligned with the client's expectations. Managing the design process was a crucial aspect of my role. To create a user-centric website, I employed various techniques such as developing personas, defining navigational flows, and creating low-fidelity mock-ups and high-fidelity prototypes. Through close communication with the client, I gained a deep understanding of their vision and requirements, translating them into tangible design elements. By effectively communicating the design iterations and incorporating client feedback, we achieved a website. Show less
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Consultant
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Sep 2021 - Dec 2021
Client: Fizz As a Consultant for Fizz, my primary responsibility was to conduct extensive research on industry trends and competitor analysis within the credit card and debit card fintech industry. Despite this being my first consulting project, I had previously engaged in mock consulting projects to ensure I was well-prepared for real-life client engagements. By leveraging market and consumer data, I gained valuable insights that played a pivotal role in informing our strategy… Show more Client: Fizz As a Consultant for Fizz, my primary responsibility was to conduct extensive research on industry trends and competitor analysis within the credit card and debit card fintech industry. Despite this being my first consulting project, I had previously engaged in mock consulting projects to ensure I was well-prepared for real-life client engagements. By leveraging market and consumer data, I gained valuable insights that played a pivotal role in informing our strategy for entering the saturated neobank market. This research allowed us to identify unique value propositions, target specific market segments, and define key differentiators, ensuring that Fizz would be well-positioned for success in a highly competitive landscape. To effectively promote Fizz's innovative products to potential clients, I implemented a range of marketing strategies. Leveraging my expertise in event planning and social media campaigns at XdHacks Mini, I created impactful events and curated engaging content that captured the attention of our target audience. These marketing initiatives significantly increased awareness of Fizz as more individuals recognized the exceptional value and convenience they offered. Throughout this exhilarating journey, I collaborated closely with my team and in the end, we achieved remarkable results. The diverse perspectives and skills brought by each team member were crucial in our ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the debit and credit card industry. Working as a Fintech Consultant at Fizz has been an exciting and fulfilling experience. It has been a journey defined by innovation, strategic thinking, and the pursuit of growth in a highly competitive market. Show less Client: Fizz As a Consultant for Fizz, my primary responsibility was to conduct extensive research on industry trends and competitor analysis within the credit card and debit card fintech industry. Despite this being my first consulting project, I had previously engaged in mock consulting projects to ensure I was well-prepared for real-life client engagements. By leveraging market and consumer data, I gained valuable insights that played a pivotal role in informing our strategy… Show more Client: Fizz As a Consultant for Fizz, my primary responsibility was to conduct extensive research on industry trends and competitor analysis within the credit card and debit card fintech industry. Despite this being my first consulting project, I had previously engaged in mock consulting projects to ensure I was well-prepared for real-life client engagements. By leveraging market and consumer data, I gained valuable insights that played a pivotal role in informing our strategy for entering the saturated neobank market. This research allowed us to identify unique value propositions, target specific market segments, and define key differentiators, ensuring that Fizz would be well-positioned for success in a highly competitive landscape. To effectively promote Fizz's innovative products to potential clients, I implemented a range of marketing strategies. Leveraging my expertise in event planning and social media campaigns at XdHacks Mini, I created impactful events and curated engaging content that captured the attention of our target audience. These marketing initiatives significantly increased awareness of Fizz as more individuals recognized the exceptional value and convenience they offered. Throughout this exhilarating journey, I collaborated closely with my team and in the end, we achieved remarkable results. The diverse perspectives and skills brought by each team member were crucial in our ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the debit and credit card industry. Working as a Fintech Consultant at Fizz has been an exciting and fulfilling experience. It has been a journey defined by innovation, strategic thinking, and the pursuit of growth in a highly competitive market. Show less
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Education
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2021 - 2025
University of California, Berkeley
In Progress, Economics and Data Science
Community
