Smith School Holds 10th Annual MBA Consulting Forum

Attendees gather outside Tyser Auditorium

Panelists offer insight into “Consulting in a Downturn Economy”

Raj Sharma, CEO of Censeo Consulting Group, greets Jim Wedge (MBA 2009).

Jeffrey Stevenson of Booz Allen Hamilton and MBA students interact.

On October 3, 2008, students from all of Smith’s MBA programs gathered at Van Munching Hall for the Smith Consulting Forum, a full-day event featuring speakers, panels, and networking opportunities. Now in its tenth consecutive year, the forum is a collaborative effort of the MBA Consulting Club, faculty, staff, alumni, and corporate partners. Those who attended were able to enjoy interactive consulting-related activities, with a focus on learning about the consulting profession and making personal connections with professionals in the field.

“Consulting is thought leadership,” said Dr. Robert Krapfel, Associate Dean of MBA and MS programs, in his welcome address. He explained to students that the consulting profession is sustainable, even in difficult economic times, because companies need the type of thinking that results from a rigorous intellectual form of leadership. “The transition from higher education to consulting is natural.”

The first panel discussion of the day was entitled “Consulting in a Downturn Economy,” moderated by Sowmya Murthy (Smith ‘05), Director of Product Marketing at Deltek Inc. This panel featured guests from Booz Allen Hamilton, Censeo Consulting Group, Accenture, and Huron Consulting Group. Panelists agreed in their positive outlook for the consulting industry, even in difficult economic times. They reminded the audience of MBA students that clients, especially in government, are facing enormous pressure to become more efficient, which provides excellent opportunities for consulting engagements.

After a networking lunch, participants reconvened for a panel discussion called “Consulting from a Client’s Perspective.” Instead of hearing from consultants, the audience interacted with representatives from companies that hire consultants. Mark Huson, Vice President at Kaiser Associates, moderated the panel, which included business leaders representing Oracle Corporation, W.R. Grace & Co., Lockheed Martin, CNA Safety and Security, and CORT. The panel presented relevant anecdotes of the consultant-client relationship and emphasized the importance of delivering a solution that is the best for the client’s specific needs.

The forum continued with a keynote address from Raj Sharma, CEO of Censeo Consulting Group, a DC-based provider of strategic supply-chain capabilities. Mr. Sharma’s firm is founded on a people-based approach to consulting, as opposed to a method-based approach. He has been featured in several magazines for his unique corporate culture, and students were visibly thrilled to hear his perspective on self-management and encouraged the attendees to “live your core values every day.”

After closing remarks, the forum moved to the Executive Meeting Lounge in Van Munching Hall, where students and company representatives met in an informal cocktail reception. Attendees were pleased with the MBA Consulting Forum’s results. “I was able to gain some new insight into the consulting industry,” commented first year consulting club member Jason Rusten, “and I also met representatives from companies I’d like to work for. It was a great success.”

Tim Lewis, MBA Candidate 2010, Smith Media Group