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Earlier this week, I attended the Consultant Connections event hosted at the Student Center, and I’m genuinely glad I went. The event was designed to give students the chance to connect with Bentley alumni currently working in consulting, and the format made it feel much more personal than your typical networking session.
We were placed in small group discussions, rotating every 15 minutes to speak with different alumni from companies like Deloitte, PwC, Slalom, and BDO. What stood out immediately was how approachable and relatable everyone was. Since they were Bentley students not too long ago, the conversations felt very open and real. We got to hear about their time on campus, how they discovered consulting, and what they wish they had known back then.
The stories were diverse, some alumni went straight into consulting after graduation, while others started out in tech or consumer products before transitioning into the field. It was fascinating to see how flexible and broad consulting can be. Whether someone was focused on high-level strategy, data analytics, or hands-on implementation, each path was different yet equally impactful.
One of the most helpful aspects for me was learning about what a typical day looks like in their roles. We talked about project timelines, team structures, and even how different firm cultures shape the experience. What really struck me was how each person found their own meaning in the work, whether it was the fast pace, the variety, or the opportunity to make an impact.
The advice they shared felt very grounded. They encouraged us to start exploring what interests us now and to take advantage of the resources already available on campus. That honestly took a lot of pressure off, realizing that we don’t have to have it all figured out yet.
Overall, Consultant Connections was more than just an info session, it was an insightful and encouraging experience that gave me a better understanding of what consulting really is. It reminded me that there’s no single path into the field and that you can shape your journey based on your own interests and strengths. If you’re even remotely curious about consulting, I’d definitely recommend attending something like this in the future.
*Thank you to Kelley Chen for her helpful notes for this EVENT*
