Aloha! I’m Kylee Hamamoto from Honolulu, Hawaii. I’m a first-year in Pierson studying Economics, and a part of the Fall 2024 YUCG Analyst Class.
When I first applied, I had no prior consulting experience. In fact, I was initially unsure whether consulting was the right path for me. My mindset going into my first year at Yale was to “throw a bunch of things on the wall and see what sticks,” and YUCG was one of the opportunities that caught my eye. I knew I had an interest in learning how businesses operate and solve complex problems, but beyond that, I wasn’t entirely sure what consulting would entail.
Prior to Yale, I had developed a strong interest in business through my experience founding and running my own international social entrepreneurship nonprofit organization. Through this experience, I became deeply passionate about the social impact of businesses and the ethical implications of their decisions. I’ve seen firsthand how business can be a powerful tool for driving positive change, and that’s what initially drew me to consider YUCG. I realized that consulting offers a unique opportunity to help businesses not only grow but also make more ethically and socially responsible decisions. For me, consulting is more than just problem-solving — it’s about guiding companies to make choices that have a positive effect in society. Whether it’s adopting sustainable practices or prioritizing social equity in their business models, I believe consultants have the power to shape a more responsible and inclusive future. Being part of YUCG has allowed me to explore this intersection of business and social impact in a way that aligns with my values.
It’s been over a month since I first joined, and here are some of my takeaways:
1. You don’t need business experience coming in
YUCG provides you with the tools, mentorship, and support to learn and grow, regardless of your background. YUCG welcomes students who are new to the field, giving us the confidence to dive into the world of consulting without feeling out of place. Even if you don’t see yourself pursuing consulting as a career, the problem-solving approaches and skills you pick up are applicable to virtually any field — whether you’re interested in tech, social impact, or the arts. It’s really about developing a way of thinking that can help you tackle challenges in whatever space you’re passionate about.
2. Diversity and an interdisciplinary environment
One of the most striking aspects of YUCG is the diversity of its members. I’ve met peers from an impressive range of academic disciplines — everything from Computer Science and Classics to Art History and Global Affairs. This interdisciplinary environment has been a great learning opportunity for me, as it brings together different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. It’s a great space to exchange ideas and learn how to approach issues from multiple angles.
3. Finding my mentors on campus
YUCG has also given me the opportunity to connect with incredible mentors and upperclassmen who’ve generously shared their time and advice. Whether it's learning how to approach case interviews or managing school-life balance, I’ve always felt supported by people who were in my shoes not long ago. Beyond formal mentorship, these relationships have turned into genuine friendships, strengthened by experiences like morning hikes, dinners at the dining hall, or trying out a new spin class together. The mentorship I’ve received has been integral in helping me navigate my Yale experience so far.
4. Firsthand experience from working on real-world projects
Another key part of the YUCG experience is the chance to work on real consulting projects with companies. These projects allow us to apply the skills we’ve been learning in a practical setting and gain firsthand experience in solving business challenges. From analyzing market strategies to proposing new operational improvements, I’ve learned so much about working with businesses in New Haven to identify and address their needs. These projects have helped me sharpen my problem-solving abilities and given me a glimpse into what a career in consulting might look like.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue diving into new projects that will challenge me to think critically and creatively. I hope to expand my consulting skills and deepen my understanding of how businesses can balance profitability with social impact. In addition to gaining more hands-on experience, I’m eager to build stronger connections with the amazing people I’ve met in the club. Whether through collaborations, mentorship, or simply sharing ideas, I know that these relationships will play a huge role in shaping my growth. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can both contribute to and learn from this dynamic community as I continue my journey in YUCG.
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