Alumni Spotlight - August 2023

How long were you a member of miLEAD? What positions did you hold?

I was a member of miLEAD for about 3 years, joining in my first year of grad school. During this time I served as Director of Web Services, Vice President, and later as President. I currently serve as an External Advisor to the miLEAD board.

What was the most interesting project you were involved with while part of miLEAD?

The most interesting project I worked on was helping to draft an SBIR grant for a pharmaceutical client. At the time, this was the first SBIR grant miLEAD project, so there was a lot of pressure to ensure we got it right. I recall engaging with a lot of different people and resources (we even recruited a Ross MBA student) to develop a compelling draft. This project forced us out of our comfort zones, but ultimately we learned a lot and were able to contribute a draft that later went on to be funded.

How did miLEAD help you obtain your current position?

It was through miLEAD that I became aware of a recruiting workshop from Trinity (at the time, BluePrint Research Group), which helped me network and land an interview.

What is your day-to-day life like in your current position?

As an Engagement Manager, I like to get started early each morning to understand what needs to be prioritized for that day. In consulting, things can change very quickly, so being proactive can often alleviate the stresses that come from a last minute request. I’ll then spend the rest of my morning meeting with my teams to provide project guidance and help answer any lingering questions. In a typical day, I usually have a few client meetings where my role is to serve as a strategic thought-partner and present key recommendations. The rest of my day is spent working on business development proposals, communicating with clients via email, reviewing and editing reports, and helping to mentor junior staff.

What did you learn through miLEAD that you apply to your current position?

miLEAD provided a hands-on experience to develop the foundational skills that are essential to consulting. It taught me how to clearly communicate both verbal and written insights to relevant stakeholders. I learned how to create visually appealing and technically sound slides, a skill that is ESSENTIAL to every consultant. Most importantly, miLEAD provided an accurate perspective on what consulting is like in the real-world.

What advice would you give to current or prospective miLEAD consultants?

Be selfish. A PhD is probably the only time in your life where you can truly focus on what you care about most. Whether it is your research or an extra-curricular (like miLEAD), find whatever it is you enjoy and fully immerse yourself in it. U of M has endless resources and opportunities; don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it is in a different school/department. Be selfish and totally develop YOU.