Alex Mueller is a Business Analyst based in EDC's San Francisco office. Prior to joining EDC, he spent a year in investment consulting focused on advising institutional clients on private equity fund commitments, and an additional year working in the technology industry at Dolby, where he worked on financial analysis supporting the company's long-term strategic direction. Since joining EDC, he has worked on a variety of projects for merchants, payment service providers, and acquirers, spanning across the North America, APAC, and Europe regions. Alex holds a BSc in Finance and Economics from Santa Clara University, where he graduated with Honors. In his free time, Alex enjoys biking, surfing, and golfing.

1. Why did you join EDC? What attracted you to the company and the Payments Strategy Consulting industry?

I was first interested in joining EDC for a number of reasons, including the smaller, more personal size of the company, the ability to specialize in the payments industry, and the company's focus on interesting strategy projects. After graduating university, I spent a year working in the technology industry and an additional year working in the finance sector. Through my experience, I realized I enjoyed bits and pieces of each sector and was immediately attracted to EDC for the ability to specialize in the payments and fintech sector, which exists at the intersection of finance and technology. I also found the smaller, more intimate firm size to be something that I really desired in my next company. After working at a large technology company, I realized I wanted to work in an environment where I would have direct access to all members of the organization, ranging from the Analyst level to the Director level. During my interview process, the opportunity to meet with both Associate Consultants and Directors made me aware that I could find this sort of culture at EDC. Finally, I found EDC's focus on strategy projects, including market landscape analysis, new product launch, and payments optimization, was something that aligned well with my personal and professional interests.

2. What were your expectations when you first joined, and how right (or wrong) were you?

Given the smaller firm size, I expected the opportunity to immediately contribute to projects and take on significant responsibilities within my first year of working with the company. Over my first few months working at EDC, my expectations have been proven correct. On my first project, I had the opportunity to take on significant responsibilities, leading an entire workstream and maintaining responsibility for driving forward the next steps needed for the analysis. Another aspect I have really enjoyed is the opportunity to contribute to client calls. I have already presented to clients on topics relevant to my specific workstreams and have been responsible for fielding any follow-up questions the client may have, and I believe this level of contribution to the client engagement this early on in one’s consulting career is something that is quite unique to EDC.  

3. What is your current role? What do you do?

As a Business Analyst, I directly work on and contribute to projects across a range of industries and capabilities. So far, I have worked on an IPO advisory project for a European fintech, a market sizing and pricing analysis for another prominent fintech, and running an RFP process for an ISV to assist them with the introduction of payments as a new revenue stream for their business. My day-to-day work varies, and each day looks different from the prior, which is something I have found great satisfaction and fulfillment in. Typically, my work will include a fairly broad assortment of tasks that can include data analysis in Excel, interviews with stakeholders, desk research, and contribution to deliverables which may be in the form of an Excel model or PowerPoint deck. These tasks span across a wide variety of functions and may be done with the goal of researching a market landscape, assisting with new product development, performing a competitive analysis, etc. The variety of the work and the ability to work across different workstreams, craft varying deliverables, and perform analysis across numerous functional areas is something that has really engaged with my work.    

4. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?

Since moving to San Francisco two years ago, I have taken a great interest in outdoor activities, which has come quite easily given the year-round good weather here. I have been surfing for a few years and have enjoyed trying out new breaks across the Bay Area, including in Santa Cruz, Pacifica, or up north past Marin. I also recently picked up road biking and have been enjoying exploring the SF area via bike. Beyond that, I enjoy exploring both the Bay Area and the world and have enjoyed trips to Napa/Sonoma, Monterey, Big Sur, Yosemite, Tahoe, and the Bahamas.  

5. What are your personal objectives/goals for the next year(s)?

Having just moved to San Francisco a little over two years ago, my objectives over the next few years include continuing to explore San Francisco and the nearby area. Given the COVID-imposed restrictions over the last few years, as well, I am also quite intent on pursuing more international travel and hope to explore several new countries over the next few years. At EDC, I'm eager to continue developing my broader payments and fintech sector expertise and continue to learn how I can best apply this knowledge to directly assist our clients with their specific concerns or areas of opportunity.

The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of Edgar, Dunn & Company. The information and views expressed in this publication belong solely to the author(s).