This week I started the Business Innovation Program (BIP), part of the Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship (CIBE). I and 24 other rising sophomores will be developing our leadership, business, and entrepreneurship skills over the next 5 weeks. Our speaker this week was Ron Dostal ‘92 and he was teaching us about management consulting. Before he came I had never worked on a case study before, now I have had the opportunity to work on 4. My favorite case study that we worked on was the FIFA case study. I enjoyed exploring the problem that FIFA is facing on whether or not to change how often the World Cup happens. One of the best pieces of advice that Ron gave us when telling us how to work through a case study or any problem really, is that sometimes you have to start at the end with your answer and work your way backward to figure out how you came to that answer.
Something that really stuck with me that Ron said was, “Get married to the process, not the answer.” I think this can be utilized in everything you do in life. I think that having the opportunity to learn from alumni like Ron is very beneficial and something that I am very grateful to have the chance to do. Through the first week, I have already learned a ton and can’t wait to see what the rest of this great internship has to offer. Before I end this I would like to give a huge thanks to Ron, Cassie Hagan, Brian Biddle, and everyone else that is a part of offering this incredible experience.
