How I Got There: Management Consulting | Bennet Hayes (COL ’08)

Posted in Student & Alumni Stories

Bennet Hayes studied Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences and is now a Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group. Learn how Georgetown shaped his path, what led him to his current position, and more insights regarding his company and the broader consulting industry:

What activities at Georgetown did you find the most valuable and why?

My participation in club sports (basketball) was foundational to my Georgetown experience. Not only did the team lead to some of my closest friendships both during and after my time at Georgetown, but it also allowed me hands-on practice in collaboration and leadership.

How did you find your current position?

I interned at BCG in the summer between my years getting my MBA, then returned for full-time immediately following graduation.

What does a typical day look like for you?

The nature of consulting means that the true answer to this question is “it depends”. My day-to-day role can not only vary dramatically across different client engagements, but it can also evolve rapidly within one the scope of any given project. 

At its core, however, the role demands creative problem-solving and clear communication to help clients improve their future business strategies. 

What surprised you the most when you started working?

The extent to which the case interview process accurately simulates the job itself!

What skills are most needed in your role?

Structure and creativity in both analysis and communication are great building blocks.

What are the best ways for students to learn more about your industry?

All the typical strategies – Googling, following social media accounts, reading associated media – apply, but there also is no substitute for active networking. Informational calls with consultants helped me understand the field better than any other tactic did.

If you could go back and change one thing, what would that be?

It would be easy to name any number of small laments, but I think I would be misrepresenting myself if I pointed out any major career choice in this answer. For the better part of a decade, I made a series of unconventional career decisions, but I firmly believe they have combined to prepare me well for a current role that I am grateful to occupy. 

I think it’s very okay to not know exactly what you want to do with your long-term career as a college graduate, so don’t feel as if there is any ‘wrong’ decision at this point in your professional journey.