My experience working in a non-profit consultancy
Before joining BU 180 Degrees Consulting (180DC), I didn’t know much about the consulting industry, let alone thought I would decide to potentially pursue this career. I joined as an incoming sophomore in 2019 and became immersed in the world of consulting. My first encounter with case interviews surprised me, but I loved the thrill in which we were required to find the best solutions for Company X.
Of course in the real world, you get much more time, but the hands-on approach to solving cases is what really drew me to consulting. I also finished my first project with 180DC last fall, and it was an invaluable experience. Although non-profits have different areas of expertise and focus, the skills I learned are still transferable to careers in management consulting (and who knows maybe you’ll want to move into non-profits at the end!).
If I could break up my advice into two parts it would probably be:
Don’t hold yourself back
Erase all misconceptions of non-profit organisations.
Whether you plan to work for a non-profit or for-profit organisation, what you learn and the people you meet along the way will certainly help put your foot in the door and will push you towards getting your dream job in consulting.
Even if you are unsure of what you want to pursue, join 180DC branches (if your university offers it) or other on-campus consulting clubs; I think it’s a really good starting point for people who are unsure of what they want to do after college and for those who are interested in getting into consulting. Alongside this, you’ll be able to expand your network much quicker and get into leadership positions which will further hone the skills you already have/learned.
