No news on the consulting front. I have my McKinsey 1st round interview (IWAS) on Wed. morning and will certainly give you the update on what happens then. I am hoping to also receive some feedback on my informal interview with Booz and maybe set up a first round interview with Health Advances. In addition, there are a number of firms I am still waiting to hear back from after submitting a resume and cover letter.
While we are waiting for something consulting related, I thought I would share a quick thought with those of you, like me, with scientific/medical backgrounds that are considering entering the consulting world.
I know it is easy to focus on prepping for cases, building your consulting resume, and networking tirelessly, but this weekend I stopped for a minute to think about the dangers of doing so. Remember, you are a scientist or physician right now and hoping that you will be a consultant in the future.
This weekend I went to a memorial service at the Children's Hospital Boston for families who lost a child to cancer. This was the second time that I had been to this service and it is always an exceptionally strong motivational tool for me as a scientist. It is easy to get lost in the tedious nature of harvesting samples, processing RNA, running gels and doing western blots without really thinking about the consequences of your actions. There is really nothing more sobering than being surrounded by parents who are grieving for children whose lives were cut short by a terrible disease.
While I don't work in cancer biology, my research is focused on developing drugs to treat muscular dystrophy...a pediatric disease with 100% mortality. I'm sure that the parents of these children struggle in the same way as parents of children with cancer and while I have been focused on finding a consulting position, it is my current responsibility to give 100% to research that may ultimately ease the suffering of some child.
The moral of the story is not to forget why you are a scientist or physician just because you are becoming a consultant. You are still responsible for doing your best for in your current position to serve those who are less fortunate then yourself.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
heyheyhey, good wrk with the blog..
ReplyDeletei too have just started my consulting applications. Best of luck to you buddy!
Absolutely agree. Although I find my job in research monotonous and at times very draining, it is useful to remind myself occasionally that I have to fulfill my current responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am in the process of applying for consulting roles and I have to say that sometimes the excitement of potentially getting a consutling job detracts from my work.
I have really enjoyed reading this blog (continuing to get caught up). I'm an RN who wound up in consulting and love it (we work largely with special needs trust companies and banks). Your post also reminded me of the importance of the work we to re: the end users. Best of luck with your search.
ReplyDelete