Consulting in Action: Alphy Thomas' Summer of Strategy at BCG

PREVIOUS CAREER AND CURRENT INTERNSHIP

Previous position before MBA:

• Title: Assistant Manager
• Company: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited
• Location: Mangalore, India

Summer Internship: 

• Title: Summer Consultant
• Company: Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
• Location: Houston, TX

HOW DID YOU SECURE YOUR INTERNSHIP?

I went through a pretty standard recruitment cycle.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES DURING THE INTERNSHIP?

As a summer consultant, I am assisting my team in helping the client achieve savings. This role allows me to apply my MBA knowledge in financial analysis and strategy development to real-world projects, contributing to our client's success.

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WHAT DEPARTMENT IS YOUR INTERNSHIP WITH?

My position isn’t with a specific department. I work with different groups.

HOW DID YOUR MBA COURSEWORK PREPARE YOU FOR THIS INTERNSHIP?

My MBA has been instrumental in handling the financial analysis and strategy development aspects of the project. The knowledge and skills I have gained through my studies are directly applicable to the work I am doing in my internship, allowing me to contribute effectively to my team’s success.

HOW DOES THE INTERNSHIP ALIGN WITH YOUR CAREER GOALS?

My goal is to switch my career path toward consulting, and my current internship with a management consulting firm is helping me achieve that. This internship has provided me with the opportunity to learn and develop the skills needed to work as a consultant after completing my MBA.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE INTERNSHIP WILL HELP YOU WITH YOUR MBA STUDIES OR FUTURE CAREER?

My management consulting internship is greatly enhancing my MBA studies and future career. I am applying what I learn in class to real business challenges, which deepens my understanding and gives me practical insights. This experience is improving my problem-solving and communication skills, helping me excel in my coursework. Plus, I am building a professional network that offers valuable mentorship and career guidance for my long-term goals.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE?

My favorite part of my internship experience is the opportunity to interact with clients and gain a better understanding of their problems. This direct engagement allows me to see the real-world impact of our work and provides valuable insights into diverse business challenges.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS?

For prospective students, my advice is to take full advantage of your MBA program. Participate actively in class, network with peers and industry professionals, and pursue internships that match your career goals. Focus on building both hard and soft skills, as both are essential. Don't hesitate to seek help from professors and mentors, and to learn from your mistakes. Finally, balance academics with extracurricular activities to create a well-rounded profile and gain diverse experiences.

Alphy Thomas is a Full-Time MBA student in the Class of 2025.