Students of Questrom, MS-MBA Edition: Consulting at PwC

Chelsea Dilley, MS-MBA ‘17, Finds Her Passion in Financial Services Consulting

Converting an internship to a full-time offer isn’t easy.  But for Chelsea Dilley, MS-MBA ‘17, a summer at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Senior Associate in their Advisory - Financial Services - Risk & Regulation division proved successful.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a consulting firm that regularly recruits at Questrom, is one of the world’s largest providers of Assurance, Tax, and Advisory services. Chelsea has a legal background representing large financial institutions in international white collar litigation, and found the transition to PwC’s financial services consulting a natural next step.  During her time as an intern, Chelsea worked on site with an Atlanta-based client, focusing on an overhaul of their enterprise risk systems.  Her role involved a lot of project management work, and she credits Questrom's focus on teaming with her success.

Students of Questrom: PNP MBA Edition

2nd-Year MBA Candidate Danielle Valle Gilchrist Helps Dunkin's Foundation Rebrand

During the summer of 2016, Second-Year Full-Time MBA Candidate Danielle Valle Gilchrist interned at The Dunkin' Donuts & Baskin Robbins Community Foundation, just as the foundation's mission and focus were changing and they were in the process of emerging a new brand.  Joining the foundation during this important time presented an exciting challenge for Gilchrist, whose work during the summer helped facilitate this transition.   

When asked about the foundation's new direction, Danielle responded, "the foundation now brings simple moments of joy to sick and hungry children." She explained that in addition to having a partnership with a national food organization, Dunkin' Brands also supports children's health.  Her primary summer project was to benchmark children’s health partnerships with nonprofits and to make recommendations of which nonprofit organizations to partner with.  She credits her first-year Strategy and Marketing classes for giving her the tools needed to succeed in this role. 

Students of Questrom: MBA+MPH Edition

Name: Sam Read, Master of Public Health (MPH), MBA '17

Background? 

I was born in Washington, DC, grew up in Los Angeles, and went to high school in Bethesda, Maryland. I graduated with a BA in psychology from Bowdoin College in Maine, and then taught science to ESL students in Taiwan, before returning to the US to pursue a career in healthcare. I was a research coordinator at the UC San Francisco Cancer Center, and then a research associate at ICON (a contract research organization), monitoring operations at West Coast study sites for Phase III therapeutic oncology trials.

Why did you choose BU?

I was originally interested in just the MPH degree, but a professional mentor told me to consider dual MBA/MPH programs where I could build a solid business foundation, but also engage interests in health policy and epidemiology. BU immediately stood out, with top-10 nationally ranked Health Sector Management MBA and MPH programs. Going to school in Boston - a global biomedical hub - was also a big factor in my decision, and after I visited BU’s campus, I knew it was a place where I could challenge myself and succeed.

Questrom iTrek

The Questrom iTrek is a student-led trek to Israel over spring break, focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. The group visited Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and a Bedouin encampment in the desert. During the trip, students learned about the history and political situation in the region through visits to the religious sites of Jerusalem, the Holocaust Museum, and the Peres Center for Peace. The trip also included visits to multi-national and Israeli companies to discuss what gives Israel its innovative edge.

Health Sector Management Networking Night

On Monday April 4, 2015 the Health Sector Management Club (HSM) hosted a spring networking event for 1st and 2nd year MBA students, as well as MSMS students.  The event hosted 14 alumni and guests representing companies throughout the health sector.  Highlights included Shire Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Genzyme, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The students and professionals had a great time getting to know each other, and the event provided the students with an opportunity to learn about different careers in the health sector.  

PNP Adventures At The Museum of Science

Last week, twenty students in the Public and Non-Profit Club visited the Museum of Science to explore how the museum manages corporate partnerships and builds their brand with exhibits such as the recent (and very successful) Pixar display. They had the opportunity to meet with the Senior Vice President, Advancement, the Executive Director, Advancement and additional members of the team responsible for special events, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and government grants.

The group learned about fundraising and how corporate partnerships in particular are cultivated to provide different opportunities for scientific exploration at one of the most recognizable organizations in Boston.

According to participant Travis Kilpatrick, MBA '16, "[my main takeaway was] understanding how your supporters want to make a difference in the world is an opportunity to share how your organization helps them accomplish it - and of course [I enjoyed] exploring the museum afterward!" 

BUGVC #Guatstromlife

Over spring break, 30 Questrom MBA candidates devoted their time to helping entrepreneurs in Guatemala expand their businesses.  The BU Global Venture Consulting (BUGVC) Club is a student-run organization that takes their spring break each year to devote their time and business skills to helping grow businesses in the developing world.

The trip is completely organized by students, which is no small task!  This year, the trip began with two days in Antigua, getting a flavor for the Guatemalan culture.  Five days were spent in Xela, Guatemala’s second largest city, where we did the bulk of our work.  BUGVC partners with Thriive, a global non-profit that seeks to build prosperity in vulnerable global communities.  Students worked in teams of three and four, attacking problems that ranged from operations improvement to marketing campaigns to expansion to new markets.  The businesses included bakeries, commercial print shops, artisan crafts and local schools.  After our presentations and recommendations to the clients, the trip ends with 2 days at Lake Atitlan for some a well-deserved rest and relaxation in a truly beautiful setting!

BUGVC gives MBA students a chance to put into practice the skills they’ve learned while making at true impact on a living, growing business.  The club, just finishing its fourth trip, continues to be one of the most popular and sought-after experiences.  Check out the BUGVC Facebook page or Thriive Guatemala’s Facebook page for more information and pictures from the trip!

Innovative Workspaces Trek

On Friday, March 18, a group of 27 MBA candidates toured innovative workspaces throughout Cambridge, MA.  Led by the Leadership and Organizational Transformation Club, the group toured the Cambridge Innovation Center and Google’s Cambridge Campus with the goal of exploring how non-traditional work spaces can influence and encourage a healthy working environment for employees.  

The behind-the-scenes look at Cambridge Innovation Center showed how and why so many startups choose to begin their operations there, in what is arguably the largest collection of startup companies in the world!  Google provided insights into the design and thought behind their many amenities and interesting working environments, moving beyond just ‘fun’ into actually productive results.  All in all, the group learned quite a bit and now have a deeper understanding of the pros and cons of flexible and unique work spaces.

Photo Credit: Alyssa Moskowitz

Students of Questrom: Part-Time MBA Edition

Name: Lauren Murphy, Part-time Evening MBA, MBA 2016

Background? I was born in Boston but raised about 50 miles outside in Worcester, MA. I earned my bachelor's degree from Boston University in International Relations. Before coming to Questrom, I worked at a small non-profit in Boston whose mission focused on social entrepreneurship development in the Middle East and North Africa. I personally oversaw outreach and operations for conferences held on the ground in the region, which gave me the ability to travel to Morocco. Currently, I work in operations at the Boston University School of Medicine at the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, which is cutting edge research center that focuses on the effect of repetitive traumatic brain injury on athletes and veterans. 

Why did you choose BU? As a part-time student, I was looking for a program that gave part-time students the same opportunity and experiences as the full-time students. I knew getting your MBA was going to be a lot of work - especially while working a full-time job - so I was also looking for a supportive community both within the student body and the administration. I believe that I found all of that at BU. I don't feel that my education is watered down.  It is definitely a lot of work, but there is a strong community to support you as well. Part-time students are all embraced by the community and expected to participate in clubs and social events, which has only enhanced the overall experience.

Questrom Hits The Slopes

BU's Sports and Social Club planned a President's Day Weekend Ski Trip to Attitash Ski Resort in New Hampshire.  More than 30 first- and second-year Full-Time MBA, PEMBA, and MS-MS students travelled to New Hampshire for the Weekend.

The group left from Questrom Friday evening and spent Saturday and Sunday on the sunny mountain.  It was one of the coldest winter weekends of the year, with temperatures well below zero and windchills in the -30s!  That didn't stop us from hitting the mountain.

There was a great mix of expert skiers as well as first timers who had a fun time learning how to ski in Ski School.  After a full day on Saturday, we had a delicious group dinner at the Red Fox Grill and Bar right in town.  The trip received great reviews and everyone is already excited for next year!

TechConnect 2016

TechConnect is the MS-MBA Association's annual student-run technology business conference. This year, we are partnering with the Entrepreneurship Club with a theme of Platforms and the Sharing Economy.  We hosted a forum where technology experts, entrepreneurs, and students can share their opinions and hash out solutions to the question and solution of how Platforms are disrupting the technology world.

We want to host a forum

The MS-MBA Association is a student-run organization at Boston University’s Questrom Graduate School of Business that serves as a conduit for students and alumni of the MS-MBA Program as well as technology enthusiasts.  TechConnect was entirely student organized and run, with students reaching out to their networks to get speakers.  We were able to have panelists from Priceline, HoughtonMifflinHarcourt, HourlyNerd, Lyft, MediaMath, and Spot.  The keynote speech was delivered by the VP for Global Infrastructure at Disney.  

The conversations were engaging and there was a definite career focus throughout the day.  Many of the panelists said on the spot that they were hiring interns and full time employees!  

Ethics and the Ale Industry

Last week Questrom MBAs had the opportunity to meet the founders of Aeronaut Brewery during a private talk on ethics and the alcohol industry. They were also able to take a brewery tour and enjoy some taproom time as a nice break from coursework. 

Photo Credit: Hilary Hall 

Hosted by Questrom's Susilo Institute. 

Building Diverse Organizations

Yesterday, Cohort Q in collaboration with Women's MBA Association, Net Impact, and Latin American MBA Association, held a panel to discuss diversity in the workplace. 

Three leaders from diverse backgrounds discussed topics such as:

• Diversity vs. Inclusion 
• Affinity Groups 
• Unconscious Bias 
• Hiring for diversity 
• Mentorship

Pictured Below: 

Yvonne Garcia, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Client Solutions and PMO of the Investment Manager Services group for State Street Corporation.  
Tony Wieczorek - Engineering Manager at Localytics

Janet Kang, Senior Associate in M&A at PwC

Students of Questrom: MSMS Edition

Frank Lin

Masters of Science in Management Studies '16

Background:

My parents emigrated from Taiwan and finally settled in the city of Bangkok, Thailand, where I was born and raised. I grew up with my parents, three siblings and our dog named Melon. Growing up, I studied at a Thai-Chinese International School where I learned to speak English and developed my interests in science and technology. Afterwards, I studied Mechanical Engineering to pursue my interests in automobiles and design.

Why did you chose BU?

Questrom is one of the first schools in the entire nation to base an entire program on experiential learning. The opportunity to solve real business problems for a range of companies, from startups like The Paint Bar to Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, was what really attracted me. The diverse background of students that I am exposed to at BU made it an even easier decision to get my Master's degree here.

What are you involved in at BU?

Thanks to nomination by my classmates, I got involved in the Questrom Graduate Council as the MSMS Representative. The council has opened many doors for me to network with people outside of the MSMS Program, such as MBA students and professors. Also, as a member of the Leadership and Organization Transformation (LOT) Club, I had the exceptional opportunity to attend the HRPI Awards last Fall, where I had the chance to network with the best CHROs in the world today and witnessed Tracy Keough, CHRO of HP Inc, receive an award.

What do you love about Questrom?

Easily the people. The Questrom community is filled with motivated and supportive people that continuously push me to get out of my comfort zone. Throughout the MSMS program, I feel that the faculty genuinely cares about our success. They do not simply act as teachers of Finance or Marketing, but as mentors that guide us to become better business people.

Favorite memory?

Crossing the 10k Tough Mudder finish line with my fellow MSMS friends!

Sunday Funday

This past weekend Sports & Social club held a Yoga fundraiser at Shawmut yoga studio to get centered before a big football day! #namaste #questromlife

Ethics Across Questrom

"Business ethics is at the core of the Questrom School.  It is our Mission to 'prepare innovative and ethical leaders who understand the impact of business on society and create value for the world.'"

Last week the second year full-time MBA students experienced a week long Ethics intensive. During this course, they not only learned the fundamentals of ethical decision making, but met with CEO's of local organizations and worked on a Social Change Project that would have a sustainable impact for the community. The biggest take away of the week: You can make a difference in a short period of time if you put you mind to it! 

Some examples of Social Change Projects: 

• "Practice Mindfulness"- teaching students & faculty to be present 
• "From Surviving to Thriving" - support refugees who have been victims of trauma or torture to get the resources they need to restart their lives 
• "Burn Calories, Not Electricity"- campaign to show how making small changes can impact your health and sustainability 

Students of Questrom: Full Time MS-MBA Edition

Name Nathan Levy, MS Information Systems, MBA 2016

Background:

I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ where I lived with my parents and two younger sisters. Afterwards, I headed for the rocky mountains where I earned my bachelor's degree in international business from the University of Denver. Most recently, prior to coming to Questrom, I served as an acquisitions manager for a privately held investment company which specializes in venture capital and real estate. 

Why did you chose BU? Many business schools have the same feel. Most of their students are looking to get jobs in the consulting or finance field after graduation. Although I was aiming for a job in one of those two industries as well, I did not want to be surrounded solely by other people just like me. Questrom provided me a business school option where I could meet students with different professional interests other than mine. Now I am great friends with people who are going into the health sector community, public and non profit community, tech community, and many more. Networking is more robust at Questrom whether you are interacting with your peers or the faculty. Also, Boston is a great city to live in. 

What are you involved in at BU? Both years on the Questrom Graduate Council, the student government organization, and most recently as the elected president of the graduate student body. Last year, Cohort Cup champion as a part of cohort C. I played in the MBA Soccer World Cup with our travel soccer team and am a teammate on about five intramural sports teams each year. I also serve on the student advisory board for the full time MBA program, serve on a non-profit board for BU onboard, and attend club events hosted by Questrom clubs. I also played a minor acting role in a recent BU commercial, which is the start of my undeniable path to fame and fortune in front of the camera. 

Why do you love it here? The aforementioned diverse community that Questrom offers has been an amazing opportunity to meet people from all over the world and from a wide spectrum of industries. The support I receive from peers, faculty, and administration give me great confidence graduating from Boston University. Never have I been bored at BU, always have I been challenged, and the friends that I gained over the last year and a half I will have forever. 

Favorite memory? Drinking champagne from the Cohort Cup champion's trophy. 

To view more student profiles click here 

To set up a meeting with a current student email connect@bu.edu.