Hello! My name is Jennifer Ma and I am a first-generation fourth-year student at UC Davis studying Managerial Economics and Political Science. I wanted to pursue consulting as a career path as my majors in school closely intertwine to shape legislation that impacts businesses and organizations.

I also value the diversity and variety consulting brings as you’re able to work in many different industries and make real tangible change to organizations. Everyday in the role looked different but my role mainly focused on conducting benchmarking analyses on global employee benefits and tackling complex equity restructuring challenges, where I gained hands-on invaluable experience.

By pursuing opportunities in each of these areas, I’ve been able to cultivate a diverse skill set that enhances my capabilities as a consultant. My time as a Commercial Banking intern allowed me to develop a foundation in financial analysis and has also enhanced my skills with Excel and problem-solving.

Working at the U.S. House of Representatives gave me the opportunity to interact with diverse community members and learn in a client-facing environment. Each experience has allowed me to integrate insights from finance and legislation to develop strategic solutions for clients.

Don’t hesitate to explore different paths. Each experience will help you refine your interests and skills, guiding you to the right career fit. Stay curious, be proactive about continuous learning, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination! Also, reading the CareerNow newsletter is a great way to learn more about your fields of interest and to potentially seek mentorship.

Hector Xu transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship during the pandemic, founding Rotor Technologies to convert helicopters into drones. His company now has nearly 40 employees and $1 million in revenue, expecting significant growth. The pandemic also sparked an entrepreneurial boom across the U.S., with Americans starting businesses at the fastest rate in decades.

Many pandemic-era startups have thrived despite challenges like supply chain issues and inflation, creating millions of jobs. This surge in entrepreneurship has led economists to believe the U.S. may be emerging from a decades-long decline in startups, contributing to economic innovation and job growth. Read more HERE from the New York Times.

Federal Reserve officials were divided on the size of the interest rate cut in September, with most favoring a half-point reduction while some preferred a smaller quarter-point cut. The minutes of the meeting revealed debates on how best to manage inflation and economic growth without risking recession.

The Fed ultimately made a larger cut in response to economic cooling, but further large reductions this year are unlikely. Policymakers are expected to make smaller cuts in November and December while continuing to reduce the balance sheet. Read more HERE from the New York Times.

The case interview is a critical part of the management consulting recruitment journey, as it tests the candidate’s strategy and communication skills. It involves solving real-world problems in a live setting, reflecting the usually daily work of consultants.

Candidates are give a scenario to analyze, ask for data, compute solutions, and present their findings, all within a set time. The case interview is the primary filter in the consulting hiring process, and preparing effectively requires structuring your approach, practicing in advance, and being adept at mental math.

This guide from Management Consulted offers comprehensive preparation tips to help candidates succeed in the case interview and secure a consulting offer.

Check out the Complete Prep Guide from Management Consulted HERE!