Accelerate Your Career in Finance or Consulting
ModernGuild (MG) is partnering with top consulting firms and banks (including Barclays, Citi, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase, Moelis, and Nomura) to reinvent entry-level recruiting.
Through a unique matchmaking process, you are paired with with your favorite companies, empowering you with an expansive network of peers and mentors, a deep understanding of your chosen industry, and the technical skills required to ace your interviews. 86% of our program grads have accepted an offer within 3 months of completion and many of them know little about these industries when they began – we value curiosity and motivation.
Training programs and mentoring are offered across two industry tracks – consulting and finance – at no cost whatsoever to students.
Eligibility: As always, all undergraduates are welcome to apply and will have the possibility of being sponsored in each of cycle – Modern Guild has no requirements in terms of major, minimum GPA or work experience.
McKinsey has 2 summer consulting internship opportunities
Sophomore Summer Business Analyst (Class of 2024):
This opportunity is open to applicants who self-identify as members of a historically underrepresented group in the management consulting profession, including Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, and/or part of Indigenous groups in North America. Apply here.
Summer Business Analyst Intern (Class of 2023):
You’ll work in one of our offices or practices (e.g., Digital McKinsey, Operations, etc.) around the world for ~10 weeks, usually in the summer. You’ll work as part of a client project team, collaborating with colleagues and clients to solve their toughest business problems.
When you join McKinsey as a Business Analyst Intern, you are joining a firm that will challenge you and invest heavily in your professional development. In this role you will have the opportunity to work on teams and help the best organizations in the world – across the private, public, and social sectors – solve some of their most difficult problems. You will also work with a range of experts in the firm, from data scientists to researchers to software and app designers. Apply here.
Deadline for both is July 19.
Charles River Associates Summer Networking Events
Join one (or more!) of our virtual events this summer to connect with CRA. This series is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students interested in a career in consulting.
Colleagues from our different practice areas will offer a behind-the-scenes look into the types of consulting we do at CRA. Along with a brief overview of CRA, at each event we will host an overview on practice areas that would be applicable based on your major/area of discipline and audience Q&A on the employee experience at CRA.
Check out the full schedule of events here.
Intro to Consulting Series hosted by McIntire School of Commerce at UVA
Join us for the University of Virginia’s Summer Consulting Series hosted by the McIntire School of Commerce Graduate Programs.
Led by Brendan Boler, these workshops will provide an overview of what case interviewing is and how students can practice before the kick‐off of interview season, while running through interactive case interviews in real time.
Use the registration link to see all of the workshop sessions. Once you’re there, use the RSVP button to sign up for each session you’d like to attend. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
https://consulting-series.mcintire.virginia.edu/
Event Dates & Times:
Session 1 – Tuesday, June 29, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Session 2 – Tuesday, July 6, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Session 3 – Tuesday, July 13, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Session 4 – Tuesday July 20, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Summer 2022 at Spurrier Capital Partners
Nicky Johnson ’22 wrote recently to share that Spurrier Capital Partners has launched their Summer 2022 Investment Banking recruiting cycle. Spurrier Capital Partners (SCP) is an elite boutique investment bank, based in New York City, specializing in M&A advisory and Private Placements in the Enterprise Technology space. The firm was named the Technology Investment Bank of the Year in 2020 by the Global M&A Network. For more information about the firm, visit http://spurriercp.com or check out the PDF attached.
TO APPLY: Rising Juniors, please fill out the Handshake Application.
The deadline is July 16, 2021 at midnight, but I’d recommend sending this in as soon as possible as the recruiting process has already started!
If you have questions about the firm or the recruiting process, feel free to reach out to Nicky or alumna Victoria Villalba, who is an Analyst at SCP. Have a great rest of the summer!
Careers in Environmental Consulting at ICF: Sustainability/Climate Change
Recent alumnae, Caroline Wolfe ’19, reached out to CCI to let us know that she’s been working at ICF as a climate change and sustainability analyst and is working on a range of domestic and international climate issues. She also wanted to offer herself up as a contact if you are interested in ICF and environmental consulting. In addition, she wanted to let folks know that ICF was hosting a Career Panel on Environmental Consulting on June 23rd. See details and registration below.
Do you want to help make progress on some of the world’s toughest challenges? Do you want to continuously learn and grow your expertise? Are you looking for variety and dynamic projects where you collaborate with others? Then consulting may be a great fit for you. We want to show you what’s so fulfilling about a career in environmental consulting. Learn about this career path by joining our event!
DATE: June 23rd, 2021
TIME: 12:00pm – 1:00pm EST
AT&T Summer Learning Academy
You’re Invited! We’re excited to announce registration is now open for the 2021 AT&T’s Summer Learning Academy and you’re invited to this exciting educational experience. For two weeks of powerful learning in July, AT&T connects you to live speakers who are experts in their field like Sal Khan, Troy Aikman, Rachel McGowan and many more surprise speakers yet to be announced. With a variety of topics that cover business, technology, diversity and personal growth, there is something for everyone. The AT&T Summer Learning Academy provides access to online courses powered by AT&T’s award winning curriculum including Time Management, Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, Personal Branding, Effective Listening, Professional Writing Skills and many more topics. Interested? Check out the details and register below: Audience: All High School and College Students Dates: July 12 – July 23, 2021 Platform: Summer Learning Academy Website REGISTER HERE |
Daniel Buchman ’19, Foreign Service Officer, answers career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities
Peer Career Advisor (PCA) and Posse Scholar Zoey Ellis ’22 interviewed Daniel Buchman ’19 to answer common career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities.
The views expressed are the author’s and not necessarily those of the U.S. Government.
Zoey: What activities or student organizations were you involved in during college and how did they help you get to where you are today?
Daniel: I did a few different things. Three that stand out are debate, ResLife, and language tables. Debate was a stand-in for all the philosophy courses I still regret not taking. It helped me take apart arguments and speak persuasively. Those skills have served me in everything from job interviews to visa adjudications. ResLife taught me how to mediate conflicts and create spaces where people feel supported and willing to speak honesty — both skills I have used in my work already. As a language nerd, I loved serving at language tables, but when I became a manager, it was all logistics and not particularly fulfilling even though it felt like a promotion. I’d argue the same principle holds true for a lot of jobs. Sometimes the most gratifying work happens at lower levels, and a management role isn’t always a better deal.
Zoey: As a graduate who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Non-Conforming, Genderfluid, or Queer, what are some of the questions you suggest students should keep in mind when researching employers and applying to job opportunities?
Daniel: I’d say the most important thing is to ask the questions. Small red flags you notice early can easily become exhausting parts of your workday, so to the extent circumstances allow, try to avoid rushing into a job without doing your due diligence.
Beyond considering the mission of the organization you’re joining and its impact on other queer communities, I recommend asking folks inside the organization — apart from those interviewing you — about internal policies affecting queer employees. I’ve sent hundreds of LinkedIn messages to random strangers, and I’ve gotten the most responses when I mention from the get-go that I want to discuss being queer in their office. I ask all sorts of questions. Is there an employee affinity or resource group for queer employees? Does it have a track record of successfully advocating for its members, or is it just window dressing? Does the healthcare, if offered, cover gender-affirmation procedures? Are there many openly queer employees? Is parental leave offered for adoption or surrogacy? Even if you don’t see these questions applying to you directly, they can serve as a litmus test for the degree to which folks are comfortable with queerness within the organization.
Zoey: Would you suggest students consider to what extent they would like their career to incorporate their LGBTQ+ identity? Do you want your identity to have a major role, such as working for an LGBTQ+ advocacy group? Or expressed differently, like joining the LGBTQ+ affinity group for employees at an organization?
Daniel: Having my identity highlighted in my work wasn’t necessarily something I wanted, but it has become a big part of my job, and I’ve found that to be extremely rewarding.
Before this job, I was never really active in any queer orgs or queer advocacy. Now, I’m a diplomat, and I represent the United States. Being out and proud, wherever I am in the world, is integral to doing my job well. I show folks overseas from all walks of life that, in the United States, the gay son of Russian Jewish immigrants from South Brooklyn can go out and represent his country without hiding any part of who he is. At the same time, being queer means having a greater perspective on the more challenging aspects of U.S. society. Discussing those and our country’s other struggles honestly, empathetically, and with humility makes me a more credible interlocutor.
During her time as a national security advisor, Susan Rice said “think of the LGBT person in Bangladesh who knows that someone at the American embassy understands who she is… That is how we build bridges and deepen partnerships in an increasingly globalized world.” Reading that for the first time inspired me to become the Embassy’s representative of our LGBTQI+ employee affinity group. Today, my identity is absolutely central to my day-to-day professional life. It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my time as a Foreign Service Officer and also the least expected.
Zoey: Could you recommend any career-related LGBTQ+ resources that helped you in the job search process?
Daniel: I think Facebook groups are an undervalued resource. There are groups for just about everything. Search or ask around for a Facebook group of queer professionals in whatever sector you want to join. It almost certainly exists and will give you access to an incredible network. Being queer has enabled me to build immediate connections with queer folks at even the highest levels of the State Department. It’s given me a network of mentors, friends, and supporters, which I would not have been able to access otherwise.
Zoey: Have you come out to your employer, and if so, when in the employment process and how?
Daniel: I started coming out on the first day of orientation. In the Foreign Service, your colleagues double as your second family away from home, so I wanted to build open and honest relationships with my colleagues right out of the gate.
I was in a relationship at the time, and I would drop it into casual conversation, e.g., “my boyfriend and I are planning a trip this weekend.” Outside of specific contexts, it’s always awkward to say “I’m queer!” I’ve always tried to have segues ready like “around the time I came out…”, “my ex-boyfriend introduced me to…”, “all my non-queer friends think…”, etc. Depending on the context, these can work at dinner parties, happy hours, job interviews, and water coolers.
I was really nervous during the hiring process and thought coming out would’ve added a layer of stress I wanted to avoid. In hindsight, I think having come out would’ve actually helped me. The State Department really values intercultural competence, and like a lot of queer folks, being queer taught me how to code-switch. Because my identity is perceived so differently depending on the places I go and the people I meet, I’ve become pretty good at knowing how to adjust my approach to interaction, depending on the cultural context. I didn’t say any of that in my interview and wish I did.
Zoey: What advice would you give your younger college self?
Daniel: Prepare to make mistakes — a lot of mistakes. At Midd, I was super high strung; perfection was the standard, and failure wasn’t an option. That was maybe sustainable, though definitely not healthy or helpful, when the bad grades that sent me on anxious spirals, thinking that I had ruined my future and would never amount to anything, came once every couple of months. Now, I mess up much more frequently. Not because I’ve become less competent, but because I have more responsibilities and thus more opportunities to drop the ball. I care about doing a good job. I’m a public servant, and how well I serve matters to me, but if I took every mistake as an indicator of my worth the way I did in college, I would be worse at my job—not better. So I’m working on being better at making mistakes, and I wish I had started learning that skill much earlier.
Zoey: Is there any other advice that you’d like to share with Middlebury students?
Daniel: Empathy and compassion are as much life skills as they are professional skills. Being kind to people, leveling with them, listening, working to understand others’ experiences, etc., aren’t just nice things to do, they will also make you better at your job. No one is perfect at them, and it takes a lifetime to get good. But college — during a pandemic that affects everyone differently — is as good a time as any to practice, so I’d recommend starting now.
If you would like to contact Daniel Buchman ’19, please reach out via Midd2Midd!
Learn about non-tech jobs in tech companies like product management
We’d like to share a resource that could be helpful to you if interested in non-technical roles in Tech.
Next Wednesday, May 19th at 6:00 PM EST one of the partners School16 is hosting a free online seminar titled How A Director of Product at PayPal Navigated Her Career with Sheila Guastamachio. The seminar will provide insights into what it takes to succeed in product management roles regardless of industry, and the skills required to land these types of opportunities in tech.
Students can attend by signing up on https://www.school16.co/events or by registering directly on the RSVP page for the event.
Ryan Tauriainen, Former White House Fellow serving in the US Department of Education, answers career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities
Peer Career Advisor (PCA) and Posse Scholar Zoey Ellis ’22 interviewed Ryan Tauriainen ’08 to answer common career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities.
Zoey: What activities or student organizations were you involved in during college and how did they help you get to where you are today?
Ryan: While a student, I was predominantly involved with Middlebury Open Queer Alliance (MOQA) and Feminist Action at Middlebury (FAM). I was co-president of MOQA in 2007-2008, which was an eventful period for queer activism at Middlebury. I was also part of a three-person team that successfully founded the Queer Studies House in 2008. Being the leader of a student organization helped me to develop communication and organization skills, which was useful in future leadership positions I held.
Zoey: As a graduate who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Non-Conforming, Genderfluid, or Queer, what are some of the questions you suggest students should keep in mind when researching employers and applying to job opportunities?
Ryan: Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression. The landscape for queer people in employment is better than it has ever been. That being said, working in a supportive environment is key for one’s mental health. I’d suggest that students do their research before applying. Does the workplace have a history of supporting LGBT people or causes? Does the workplace have an LGBT affinity group? Are there already LGBT employees one can check-in with? Are there LGBT people in seats of leadership or influence? Does the place of work donate to organizations or politicians who are anti-LGBT?
It is also essential to remember when an employer is interviewing you, you are also interviewing your employer. If you feel comfortable, you could ask how the employer supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and specifically LGBT employees.
Zoey: Would you suggest students consider to what extent they would like their career to incorporate their LGBTQ+ identity? Do you want your identity to have a major role, such as working for an LGBTQ+ advocacy group? Or expressed differently, like joining the LGBTQ+ affinity group for employees at an organization?
Ryan: LGBT people, like everyone else, should pursue the career or field that they are passionate about. If that means pursuing a job that is directly related to LGBT rights or activism, that’s wonderful, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. For some LGBT people, they may have a career that isn’t directly tied to their identity (lawyer, teacher, etc.) but allows their identity to be incorporated in a different way. For example, a queer professor who advises a queer student group on campus or a queer physician who does outreach to the LGBT community. Joining affinity groups can be a great way to find support or make friendships at work when they exist. That is not something that interests every queer person and it should never feel compulsory to be involved in such groups.
Personally, I have always been “out” wherever I worked in the sense that people I worked with always knew that I was gay and partnered (eventually married) to another man. When I was a teacher and a school leader, it was not necessarily something I discussed with students or parents unless it was applicable to the conversation, but that had more to do with keeping my personal life and professional life separate. For some people, that is a very important delineation. Essentially, people should express themselves at the level they choose.
Zoey: Could you recommend any career-related LGBTQ+ resources that helped you in the job search process?
Ryan: I have been very fortunate that in every role I’ve held, using career-related resources wasn’t necessary for me to find the job. I will give the recommendation of the Victory Fund as an LGBT resource if you would like to pursue political appointments for an administration. I know that they are working with the Biden administration to increase the number of LGBT appointees.
Zoey: Have you come out to your employer, and if so, when in the employment process and how?
Ryan: I’ve been fortunate to always work in environments or states in which being LGBT was protected, if not celebrated. In my adulthood, I’ve always felt comfortable being “out.” I’ve never had to “come out” to my employers in the sense that based on my appearance and mannerisms it is usually assumed. Sometimes people are visibly curious but feel uncomfortable asking, so in those cases, I will mention something about my husband to confirm suspicions. I also do this if I find out or suspect a coworker is LGBT, in order for them to find another ally. For example, as a principal, I had the occasion to interview (and hire) applicants who were gay and transgender and I always made a point to drop the hint that I was a member of the community so that they would be less nervous. It gave me great pleasure to hire other LGBT people (as long as they were also qualified and a good fit)!
Zoey: What advice would you give your younger college self?
Ryan: The advice that I would give my younger self would be to apply for everything and not fear rejection. When I was younger, I would talk myself out of applying for programs or jobs because I would convince myself I wasn’t qualified. At a certain point, I started to ask myself, “Why not me?” and pursued everything I was interested in. I wish I had that mindset sooner. I also do not get discouraged by rejection. There have been multiple programs I have applied for and been rejected on the first try. Persistence matters! I have been admitted to nearly every program I have pursued, eventually – sometimes after three tries. In 2019, I was the first Middlebury graduate to ever be admitted into the White House Fellowship, a program with an acceptance rate of less than 1%. However, after applying three years in a row, I eventually made it in. I was told my perseverance was one of the major factors in being offered one of the 15 spots that year.
Zoey: Is there any other advice that you’d like to share with Middlebury students?
Ryan: Middlebury students are incredibly fortunate – do not waste the opportunity you are being given at one of the most beautiful and enriching schools in the world. While a student at Middlebury, challenge yourself to take classes that will perfect your writing and speaking skills. I have found that those are the most important and universal skills in the professional world. You may be surprised to find out just how few people can do those two things well.
My second piece of advice is to be bold and to reach out. I think this should apply to anyone you want to reach out to, but Midd Kids should feel especially comfortable reaching out to other alums. I have found that Middlebury alumni tend to be extremely loyal to our alma mater. Do not be afraid to reach out (via email, LinkedIn, social media, etc) to Middlebury alums who can help you in your field. You would be surprised just how many will respond and actively want to assist you. The worst thing that could happen is being ignored – and that puts you in essentially the same situation had you not reached out at all. Put yourself out there confidently and respectfully and you will go far. On a related note, always be kind to “assistants” and “schedulers”! If you do it the correct way, you’ll always get a response.
My third piece of advice is to never underestimate the power of written thank-you letters. One of the best investments I ever made was having personalized stationery and envelopes made (with my name, address, and a monogram). I even bought a fountain pen, wax, and a wax-seal. Every prominent or potentially helpful person who gives me a moment of time receives a hand-written and mailed card from me. I cannot tell you how much that sticks out in people’s minds. They simply do not forget it! Something that takes just a few minutes could create a lifetime of opportunity.
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Ryan Tauriainen was most recently a White House Fellow serving in the US Department of Education where he helped to streamline operations, manage education grants, and direct the Department’s response to COVID-19. Ryan also helped to oversee the dissemination of over $30 billion of emergency educational funding. Prior to being a Fellow, Ryan had a long career in public K-12 education. Ryan started his career as a Hawaii Public Schools teacher through Teach For America, where he was among the highest performing teachers in the state. He moved to Washington, DC in 2010 where he would serve as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Ryan became a principal at age 26, making him the youngest in the country at the time. He has won several local awards for educational leadership, including being The Washington Post’s Principal of the Year in 2016, and has national awards from five different organizations. He is the author of five children’s books. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College while on a National Merit Scholarship and a master of education from Chaminade University of Honolulu. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.
If you would like to contact Ryan Tauriainen, please reach out via Midd2Midd!