Describe your current position and what led to your job.

I recently joined Booz Allen Hamilton as a Sr. Consultant working in the Strategy & Organization Capability, specifically focused on Organizational Process Management. Helping organizations accomplish their goals more efficiently has always been an engaging challenge for me.  I like variety so working with a management consulting company means I’ll have exposure to an array of clients with very different needs.
 
My current team (BPR – Business Process Re-engineering) is working with the US Air Force as they go through a large-scale IT system evaluation, acquisition and implementation.  We translate each unit’s business needs into process diagrams then work with Air Force mission support leaders to narrate each process.  This detailed process diagram is translated into system requirements by our IT team to govern the selection and implementation of a centrally accessible system to replace current incompatible legacy systems.

What has been the most rewarding/challenging moment in your career? 

Getting hired!  It may be cliché, but landing the job I wanted right out of school made all those hours in Morris Library and juggling multiple jobs throughout college worth it. 

What is the best career advice you have received? 

“Treat every day like an interview.”  It’s exciting to start a new job, but keeping that drive to put in the extra time on a team project or attend a company event after the first few months can be more challenging.  If you come up with some things you’d like to accomplish in the next month, or year, and then when you have a few minutes ask yourself what you can do this week to get closer to those goals it helps keep that momentum going.

What would you recommend to someone interested in working in your field? 

Give it a try - With so many new technologies, economic challenges and changing expectations in work/life balance many organizations (public and private) have to change the way they do business.  There are lots of opportunities through faculty run projects at UD and in the local business community for interns who want to be part of organizational effectiveness or change consulting.  Don’t let unpaid positions deter you – that experience will give your resume (and interview) a huge advantage and you’ll have great networking opportunities.

What skills are necessary or what prepared you the most for your career?

Flexibility, time management and balance are all going to be critical.  Although I’m new to this role I can already see that balancing the ever evolving needs of multiple clients, teams and managers while keeping projects in scope and on time requires quick thinking and an ability to adapt.  You’ll need those scheduling skills you’re already developing by balancing classes, clubs, sports and a social life in college once you get into the workforce.

What professional associations have aided in your professional development? 

I’m just starting to get involved with some professional organizations in the DC area.  Booz Allen hosts lots of professional networking events which allow members of these organizations to come together and get to know one another, share best practices, and have some fun.

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