The 2020 Rising Stars of the Profession: Tracy Dasgupta

Success stories are common for Tracy Dasgupta. So it's no surprise her RSM career path to her current role was also part of a successful transition she guided. 

Dasgupta started her RSM career in the Assurance practice. Her first few years in Assurance were great, she says, but after a few busy seasons she started looking for a change of pace. 

"Initially, I searched industry jobs outside the firm but while exploring I came across our Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) consulting group," she says. "TAS was growing significantly and worked directly with private equity clients to do their financial due diligence. 

After a few conversations, she says she applied for a rotation program and was "fascinated" by the fast-paced environment and the importance of the work in large M&A transactions. "After a few projects, I applied for a full-time transfer," Dasgupta says. "I have been in our consulting practice ever since."

Dasgupta has advanced up the ladder at an impressive pace, making Partner in 2019—an achievement she counts among her most proud achievements. 

"The achievement that comes to mind is making Partner last year," she says. "This milestone is huge for me as it's been one of my career goals since starting with the firm 13 years ago."

The biggest factor to her success over those 13 years, she says, has been the people around me. "I've been lucky throughout my career to have several mentors—both inside and outside of RSM—who have guided me through several difficult situations and career decisions. Their guidance and support has been essential to my success."

There wasn't a whole lot of criticism along the way, but if there was some Dasgupta would've taken it in stride. That's because she was once given some great advice—think of criticism as a gift to make yourself better. That advice has served her well over the years. 

Meanwhile, as far as the day-to-day work of consulting, Dasgupta says she gets really excited about the changing landscape and unpredictability of the work each day. 

"I enjoy learning the ins and outs of a company and, given the issues are different for every organization, not necessarily knowing where the analysis will lead. I also really enjoy being able to interact with successful entrepreneurs who built their companies over the years," she says. "Their stories of success and perspectives on market and industry trends are always inspiring." 

Q&A: What does winning a Rising Stars of the Profession award mean to you?

Dasgupta: "It's such an honor to be considered. This award affirms that dedication and hard work will pay off in the end. I am thrilled and humbled when I think about the select group of people who won this award before me."