College Experiences That Helped a Head Consultant at Prima Consulting Succeed

A couple of things. First, I got involved in undergrad. I was on the board for Panhellenic and in a sorority. I was also in a number of academic fraternities.

I met people and did study groups, which helped me build a network. I've even met people 25 years later from college who have reached out because they remember me. So, getting involved in your community, building that network, and maintaining it over the years has really helped me.

Another thing I learned, probably later in undergrad, was to get to know my professors. This meant asking for help, going to office hours, and reaching out when I needed assistance. This set me up for success because as a young person, you can feel like older individuals are distant, superior, or senior. There's an apprehension about talking to them.

Getting to know my professors helped me realize that they are approachable and brilliant people who are interested in helping. I became less shy about reaching up the corporate ladder to ask for help, support, and mentors, as I had practiced this in a safe environment like undergrad.

Lastly, if you pay attention in class instead of just focusing on the grade, the knowledge you gain in undergrad will carry with you throughout your life, not just in your career. My most influential class wasn't in my major of finance and management; it was human sexual behaviors. It was fascinating to learn how the physical body and mind work, and as you grow, you realize why people are the way they are.

I learned about anatomy, how people think, and how childhoods impress upon you. That class still comes back to me throughout my life because I paid attention and engaged with the content. I use quotes from that class all the time.

Instead of just memorizing content for a test or going through the motions, the more you can extract from those sessions, conversations, lectures, and materials, the more useful you'll find it later on.