Barbara Harvey, consultant, Bain & Company

Barbara Harvey is a consultant at Bain & Company. She received a PhD in chemistry from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from INSEAD.

I was finishing up my PhD in biological chemistry when I started to consider consulting as a career choice. I had really enjoyed the problem-solving aspects of my PhD but was looking for a challenge outside the lab. I had limited experience of business but was introduced to the basics during an internship at an asset management company, where I found myself much more interested in the underlying business strategies than in the bonds and derivatives. The consulting industry particularly appealed to me because it offered exposure to a wide range of industries and business issues.

Starting out

I joined with people from many different backgrounds and experience levels; some were straight out of undergraduate programmes while others had trained as accountants, lawyers and doctors. Many of us were new to business and the first 6–12 months were a very steep learning curve. Between the formal training and ongoing coaching, however, it never felt daunting and many of the skills I developed in the science lab have been invaluable, in particular communication, problem solving and project management skills. Looking back, I’m amazed at just how much I have learned over the past few years.

I have worked in industries including mining, advertising, beer and semiconductors

One of the key highlights is the people; my colleagues are diverse, very smart and a lot of fun to work with. I have made many friends and found invaluable mentors and role models.

Another advantage of consulting has been the variety of experiences it has offered me. I have worked in South Africa, Moscow and San Francisco, in industries including mining, advertising, beer and semiconductors and Bain also sponsored my MBA at INSEAD.

Advice to graduates

It’s hard to get a real sense of the job before you start. Talk to people doing the job already. Find out when the consultancies are visiting your campus and take the opportunity to find out more from them directly. And use the recruitment process to find out more – it’s your chance to evaluate prospective employers as well as vice versa.