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Vault recently spoke with Alison Comite, a Senior Associate in the Software Strategy Group at EY-Parthenon, about her role, her clients, her career, the types of skills she recommends to those looking to join her group, AI, and much more.
Vault: What does your practice area focus on, and how does it contribute to the broader mission of EY-Parthenon?
Alison: I work in our Strategy and Execution subservice line, which is a professional advisory practice that provides strategic consulting services to private equity firms and Fortune 500 companies. There are a number of practices within Strategy and Execution, and I am specifically aligned with the Software Strategy Group (SSG), where our primary focus is on technical and commercial diligence for software businesses, but we also work on value creation projects. Sitting at the intersection of technology and private equity investing, we help clients make informed decisions during critical transactions. By delivering insights that create long-term value and foster trust in capital markets, we contribute directly to our mission of building a better working world.
Vault: Who are your typical clients, and what kinds of challenges do they bring to your team?
Alison: In SSG, our clients are primarily private equity firms and Fortune 500 companies. They often come to us with complex questions about software business ranging from market positioning to technical capabilities. These engagements challenge us to think holistically about software companies and sharpen our ability to identify key drivers of success during the buy and sell process in private equity deals.
Vault: What skills, experiences or learning paths would you recommend to someone interested in commercial diligence in the Software Strategy Group?
Alison: For the Software Strategy Group specifically, a genuine interest in technology and software is essential. But if you are interested in commercial diligence of any sort, strong reading and analytical skills are critical, because we often review large volumes of documents at the start of a case. Familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) is also increasingly valuable, as our team frequently shares new AI prompts to improve efficiency and outcomes. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability and a willingness to learn quickly are also key traits for success in this space. Equally important are emotional intelligence and people skills. Our cases change every few weeks and learning to collaborate effectively with new teams is vital for delivering high-quality work.
Vault: What led you to the Software Strategy Group? Was it a planned path or a discovery along the way?
Alison: I majored in Science, Technology and Society, which sparked my curiosity about how technology shapes and is shaped by society. I’ve always been passionate about technology (the technology section is my favorite part of any newspaper). During college, I interned at both a tech startup and a large financial institution, and many friends in consulting encouraged me to explore the field. When I considered how to combine my interests in technology and problem-solving, SSG felt like the perfect place to start my career.
Vault: How is EY-Parthenon innovating in your space? What opportunities excite you most?
Alison: SSG is at the forefront of innovation in technology consulting. We’ve recently hosted AI workshops for clients and continue to expand our capabilities in this area. Nearly every client engagement now involves questions about AI, which makes this an exciting time to be in the industry. The pace of change is incredible, and I’m energized by the opportunity to learn and apply advanced solutions as the market evolves. We’re also exploring how generative AI (GenAI) can streamline diligence processes and enhance insights for clients. This commitment to innovation positions us to lead in a rapidly transforming market.
Vault: What do you enjoy most about your work and what keeps you motivated?
Alison: The people I work with are my favorite part of the job. I’m surrounded by thoughtful, analytical colleagues who challenge me to grow every day. Starting in an associate class of 12 in the NYC office created a strong sense of community and I know these friendships will last a lifetime. I’m motivated by working on teams that embrace creative problem-solving and push boundaries to deliver exceptional results for clients. I also enjoy the variety of projects. Each case brings new challenges and learning opportunities, which keeps the work dynamic and rewarding.
Vault: How do you foster a culture of continuous learning within your team or among your peers?
Alison: SSG invests in learning through dedicated non-client work pillars. I help lead our Lunch & Learn program under the training and onboarding pillar, which recently launched an AI-focused series to keep pace with industry trends. These sessions provide a forum for knowledge sharing and allow us to learn from senior leaders about their experiences in the tech sector. It’s rewarding to help create opportunities for growth and collaboration within the team. We also encourage peer-to-peer learning through informal discussions and sharing best practices, which helps everyone stay ahead in a fast-moving industry.
Vault: How has mentorship or guidance from your career counselor influenced your growth in the EY-Parthenon practice?
Alison: My career counselor has been an invaluable resource, offering both professional and personal guidance. Their breadth of experience in the EY-Parthenon practice allows them to provide practical advice and perspective. The counselor-counselee relationship is a unique and meaningful aspect of our culture, and I’m grateful for the support it provides. Having someone invested in your growth makes navigating career decisions easier and more intentional.
Vault: How do you envision your career evolving in the EY-Parthenon practice over the next few years?
Alison: I’m excited to step into a senior associate role, where I’ll lead workstreams and deliver critical analyses for clients. This next phase involves moving beyond execution to applying a more strategic lens to problem-solving. I also look forward to continuing to grow the Lunch & Learn program and contributing to initiatives that strengthen our team’s knowledge and culture. In the longer term, I hope to deepen my knowledge in technology strategy and take on leadership roles that shape how we innovate for clients.
This post was sponsored by EY-Parthenon.
Disclaimer: The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ernst & Young LLP or other members of the global EY organization.
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