Ever wondered what it takes to succeed in management consulting? More than 30 students and alumni gathered in Filene Auditorium on Nov. 20 to hear insights from Allison Bailey '87, chair of the Guarini Board of Advisors and managing director, senior partner, and vice chair of people and organizational practice at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The event was also available virtually for Guarini alumni.
The conversation, part of the Guarini Advisory Board Career Talks series designed to deepen connections between graduate alumni and current students and postdocs, offered an inside look at the consulting world. Drawing on her experience at BCG, Bailey shared practical guidance for those considering the field and reflected on the skills and mindset that set successful consultants apart.
Bailey highlighted several themes for students exploring consulting careers:
Consulting welcomes diverse academic backgrounds.
Speaking from over 25 years of experience at BCG, Bailey explained that firms value analytical thinking and the ability to learn quickly. These skills are common among graduate students and postdocs across many disciplines. In her view, people with PhDs are exceptionally well prepared, as they have experience with testing hypotheses and using structured problem solving.
Client work is at the heart of the role.
Bailey emphasized that consulting is fundamentally a relationship-driven profession. Consultants spend much of their time working directly with clients to understand their challenges, align on goals, and co-develop solutions that the organization can realistically implement. She noted that consultants who approach client problems with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn foster stronger partnerships and are better able to uncover insights that drive meaningful impact.
The learning curve is steep and continuous.
Bailey noted that consulting offers rapid professional growth, with frequent opportunities to take on new challenges and develop new competencies. She noted that AI is transforming the work, and being "AI fluent" is now a differentiator in both hiring and day-to-day work. Staying curious and embracing new tools and methodologies are essential for working in this fast-evolving environment.
Adaptability matters.
Consultants often work across industries and project types, making flexibility and openness to change essential. Thriving in the field requires a willingness to embrace ambiguity, learn on the fly, and adjust one's approach as client needs evolve. She emphasized that flexibility is not just a practical skill but a mindset.Consultants who stay open to change, seek feedback, and remain comfortable stepping outside their expertise are better positioned to contribute value and grow professionally.
Purpose can guide your path.
Bailey concluded that understanding what motivates you can help shape a career that feels both meaningful and sustainable. She noted that purpose does not need to be to be fully-formed. Sometimes it can be as simple as recognizing the types of problems you enjoy solving or the environments where you feel energized. Consultants who stay connected to what drives them, she said, are more likely to build careers that feel both meaningful and sustainable, even amid the pace and demands of the field.
