As part of Avanade’s culture of mentorship and learning, every employee is assigned a career adviser (CA) who guides them through their career, helping everyone at Avanade grow professionally and feel inspired, confident and cared for. Career Adviser Spotlights shine a light on Avanade CAs who go above and beyond for their advisees.

This post features Alaina Frisch, a Group Manager in Human Resources based in Chicago, Illinois.

How long have you been a CA at Avanade?

Since August 2017

Describe a moment where you felt inspired, confident or cared for as a CA.

I always feel inspired by the optimism, humor and patience that my advisees have in responding to unexpected changes and difficult situations. 
 
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a CA? 

Reading feedback about the impact that my advisees have made is rewarding. Also, it is rewarding when my advisees raise super creative ideas about how to continue to improve our impact in the future.

What is the most challenging thing about being a CA?

Being a CA illuminates some of my own small bad work habits. It challenges me to break those bad habits because I do not want to practice what I would not suggest to my advisees.

How would you sum up your experience as a CA in a word?

Fun

What advice would you give to fellow CAs? 

Practice empathetic listening.

Thanks Alaina for sharing your perspective and for letting others know that being a CA can also be fun. Thanks for being a great CA!