WIB Academy: Experiences and Takeaways

RUCHIKA BUYAN

Entering college as a curious freshman lost in the conundrum of endless orientation events, meeting people from all over the world, and figuring out what classes to take and what clubs to join, it was intimidating to see that conversations about internships and professional ventures had already begun to spring, barely two weeks into college. I found myself clueless about what I wanted to pursue professionally while knowing that during these four years, I would have to unveil the answer to that question for myself. All I was aware of was that I liked economics and studying markets, but I needed to figure out what I could explore vocationally through my academic interests. Overwhelmed by the various pre-professional clubs and unsure of whether I possessed the knowledge base to apply to them, I was intrigued by WIB’s Cohort Academy program which instead of anticipating my knowledge of terms like “consulting”, “investment banking”, “networking”, and the like, aimed to explicate what they meant and familiarize me with what career paths could be paved out of interests in the realm of business.

The program spans the course of a semester, wherein experienced upperclassmen who have undergone the recruitment process and possess an intuitive and in-depth comprehension of finance and consulting guide a cohort of around twenty first-year and second-year students through weekly sessions. The sessions were delivered using interactive presentations encouraging group discussions to facilitate collaborative learning. We were first introduced to consulting, comprising the fundamentals of primary roles and responsibilities of a consultant, the advantages and disadvantages of the job and industry, the skillset required to succeed, the recruitment timeline, and viable exit opportunities. We also learned about the types of interviews held, including behavioral and technical, while also engaging in a beginner-level mock casing round during the session. Similarly, we transitioned into learning about career opportunities in finance, from investment banking to sales and trading to hedge funds to private equity. The most valuable aspect of these sessions was hearing from a panel of upperclassmen who had already successfully undergone the recruitment process in specific industries from the aforementioned ones. Getting to know the first-hand experiences and advice amplified my insights into what each vertical offered and demanded, enabling me to gain clarity on which field best aligned with my skillset, passions, and interests. 

Partaking in this cohort academy program not only helped me dissolve the majority of my anxieties surrounding my professional pathways but also allowed me to meet some of the most talented and diverse individuals, both peers and WIB leaders who spearheaded this initiative, taking with me meaningful connections that I hold even a year later today. Particularly as a woman of color seeking professional opportunities in career fields where we have been historically underrepresented, it is challenging to find and navigate resources, with accessibility to such resources being a barrier to equity in itself. However, WIB’s active commitment to dispelling such impediments evinces its dedication to empowering women, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explore my rudimentary vocational interests in an environment where no question truly felt like a silly or stupid question. Reflecting on my participation in this program, I realize it was incredibly valuable and pivotal in helping me understand what I want to pursue professionally and how I can best utilize resources at Brown for the same.