Gabby Tharkur '18, BA ECON, BS Accounting
Title: Management Consultant
Employer: Blue Beyond Consulting
What do you enjoy the most about your position?
I really enjoy knowing that what I am doing is really making an impact on the employees of the companies I work with. Working on the people side of business processes means every challenge is complex because it's more than just systems, it's also thinking about people's reactions and emotions to what is being developed and implemented.
What is a typical day like?
A typical day for my role as a consultant involves meeting with my client(s) to think though what comes next in our planned work, and providing them with work products that we were contracted to do. This could be a variety of things including findings reports from research of best practices and current market trends, employee data collection, and analysis of existing company data. It can also include developing robust change management plans that have governance strategies and communication plans for the entire organization.
How did you find this job?
The first job I had after graduation was as a consultant at Grant Thornton Public Sector where I worked as a consultant for federal government contracts. I landed the job through doing an internship with them the summer before where I was then offered a position at the end of the summer. There I was able to work on a variety of projects which led me to my interest in the human capital space. I chose to do a masters part time in IO psych and used the consulting skills learned along with the masters coursework to look for a new job more specific to just human capital. That led me to my current job at Blue Beyond.
Which undergraduate experiences did you find most helpful in preparing you for your current position?
Internships and networking events were the most helpful experiences I had in college to prepare me for my jobs out of school. A lot of consulting is being able to put yourself in work that you might not always be well versed in when you start, so doing internships helps you start getting accustomed to that. Networking is a big part of the industry I'm in, both with clients and with colleagues so practicing on campus was really helpful!
How has your coursework helped you in your current position?
A lot of skills are expected to be learned on the job but my quantitative background was extremely helpful for getting a quick start to things. The other coursework that has been invaluable was public speaking. Presenting to chief executives and high ranking government officials can be daunting and in many cases, you need to be confident for them to trust what you're presenting. Practicing public speaking in classes is an excellent way to hone in your skills and build your confidence so you're prepared for it on the job.
Any job or internship advice for students seeking a position in your field?
Best advice I can give for someone looking to find an internship in the consulting field is to start looking in the Fall for programs the following summer. If you're a freshman or sophomore, some companies even have externships that are a pathway to an internship the following summer. Don't be afraid to network with companies you're interested as an underclassmen, recruiters love building relationships with students and will remember you when you apply even a year later.
Anything else you want to share with our undergraduates?
Take classes outside of your major if you're curious about it! Economics is a field that connects to so many things in ways you might not expect. If you're passionate about something, take a class and you'll find a way to bridge the two later if that's the path you want to take.
