Consultant Spotlight - April 2025

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I joined miLEAD in March 2024, so about 1 year.

What is the focus of your research?

My research focuses on identifying regulators of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes in normal tissue and their dysregulation in various cancer types using large-scale single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets.

What are your current career goals?

My current career goal is to transition into Management Consulting. This aspiration stems from my desire to work on fast-paced projects with diverse cross-functional teams, leveraging my analytical skills and scientific background to solve complex business problems across various industries. Management Consulting offers the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects and make a tangible impact on businesses and organizations. Moreover, I see consulting as a platform to develop broad business acumen and leadership skills that will be valuable throughout my career. The exposure to different industries and business models in consulting aligns well with my long-term goal of becoming a versatile business leader capable of driving innovation and creating value in various contexts.

What roles have you played on projects? 

In my time with miLEAD Consulting, I have had the opportunity to contribute to two projects in the prosthetics and animal welfare sectors. As a consultant, I have been involved in various aspects of these projects, from collecting primary contact, to conducting market research, to analyzing data, and eventually drawing conclusions and recommendations. On one project, I was fortunate to work with a talented cross-functional team where we collaborated on developing strategic recommendations for a health and wellness device.

What led you to seek out miLEAD?

I was drawn to miLEAD for several reasons. Primarily, I was eager to work on fast-paced projects with real-time client impact, additionally, I wanted to complement my academic background with practical business experience. As a Ph.D. candidate in Bioinformatics, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, but I wanted to apply these in a business context. miLEAD offered a unique opportunity to work on diverse projects across different industries, which aligned perfectly with my interest in exploring management consulting as a career path. Moreover, I saw miLEAD as a platform to develop essential consulting skills such as strategic thinking, client communication, and teamwork in a supportive environment. The prospect of collaborating with peers from various academic backgrounds also appealed to me, as I believe diverse perspectives are crucial in solving complex business problems. Ultimately, I viewed miLEAD as a major resource to gain valuable insights into the consulting industry and to confirm my interest in pursuing a career in management consulting.

Since joining miLEAD, what skills have you been able to develop?

Since joining miLEAD, I have developed skills in strategic problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, market research, competitive analysis, and project and team management. I have also enhanced my ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences thus far working with miLEAD? 

Working with miLEAD has been a truly enriching experience. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to contribute to real-world business challenges, from a prosthetic device to dog rescue. It was particularly gratifying when a client found value in our team's recommendations and considered incorporating them into their exit strategy. This experience helped me appreciate the potential impact of thoughtful analysis and teamwork in a consulting context. I have also found great fulfillment in collaborating with diverse teams. Learning from my peers' unique perspectives and skill sets has been invaluable. Tackling complex business problems together has not only expanded my knowledge but also reinforced my interest in pursuing consulting as a career path. Each project has been a learning opportunity, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. I was also very fortunate to receive the miLEAD professional development grant, which further helped me gain experience and exposure to more resources and expand my consultant career.