S15E24: The Unconventional Approach that Broke Olivia into BCG from a Non-Business Background
Nov 15, 2024
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Olivia Rosenland, a recent Notre Dame graduate with a double major in math and economics, shares her unconventional path to securing a BCG Associate role despite a non-business background. She discusses her experience in BCG's Advance program and how she transformed her networking approach. Olivia offers valuable insights on building confidence in interviews, learning from mistakes, and the importance of authentic connections. Her unique strategies highlight that diverse experiences can pave the way for success in consulting.
Olivia's journey demonstrates that diverse academic backgrounds can be leveraged into successful consulting careers through unique strategies and proactive engagement.
Key strategies for mastering interviews include joining consulting clubs, practicing with varied partners, and maintaining a positive attitude after mistakes.
Deep dives
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Olivia's Non-Traditional Path to Consulting
Olivia Rosenlund shares her journey to securing an Associate position at BCG despite not having a traditional business background. Graduating with a double major in math and economics from Notre Dame, she entered the consulting world through a campus consulting club and an internship at Visa. Her story illustrates that individuals from diverse academic paths can successfully transition into consulting, as consulting often values problem-solving and analytical skills over specific business degrees. Olivia's unique experiences and proactive approach, such as participating in the BCG Advance program, underscore the opportunities available for non-business majors.
Key Strategies for Successful Consulting Interviews
Olivia emphasizes three essential strategies that contributed to her successful interview process. First, she advises joining a consulting club to network with peers and gain experience in case practice, which can simulate real consulting challenges. Second, practicing with a variety of partners can prepare candidates for different interviewing styles and help build confidence. Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude and handling mistakes gracefully during interviews, as demonstrated by her experience with a math error, can significantly influence hiring decisions, showcasing resilience in the face of challenges.
Olivia stumbled across consulting early in her undergrad journey, joined BCG's "Advance" program for sophomore women, and parlayed a summer internship into a full-time Associate offer.
Sounds fairly standard - right?
But when you dig a little deeper, you'll realize that Olivia's journey into consulting was anything but standard - and carried a lot of hard-fought lessons.
This conversation is about mining out those lessons from her story, including:
The unconventional strategy she used to stand out in the recruitment process
How to show up confidently in case and fit interviews
The mindset shift that transformed her networking approach
Tips for bouncing back from interview mistakes
& much more
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