Hosted by Clarion | A Lumanity Business
This summer, we will be featuring blog posts written by PhD students who participated in Career Services’ Career Exploration Fellowship (CEF), a program that helps doctoral candidates explore their career interests through networking opportunities with advanced degree professionals. Click here to learn more about CEF.

Describe your experience working with your host.
My CEF host was Dr. Roni Nagle, a senior consultant at Clarion|A Lumanity Business. My experience with Roni has been incredibly enriching and transformative. We met every two weeks, and from the onset, Roni was a generous mentor, patiently guiding me through the intricacies of her projects and providing invaluable insights into the consulting industry.
What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?
This opportunity has further solidified my passion for life sciences consulting. Learning about her motivations for entering consulting resonated with me and made me realize we shared similar stories. Her guidance has not only enhanced my skills and confidence but has also significantly contributed to my professional development.
How did your CEF experience benefit your future career plans?
My CEF experience has been instrumental in shaping my future career plans. Roni walked me through the various projects she works on, giving me a clear understanding of real-world applications and expectations in the field. Additionally, her insights into case interview expectations have provided me with invaluable preparation for future opportunities.
What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
The most valuable part of my CEF experience was making meaningful connections with Roni and the network of people she introduced me to. These interactions have been incredibly beneficial, providing me with diverse perspectives and valuable insights.
Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?
CEF is an unparalleled opportunity to bridge academic expertise with real-world industry experience. Through hands-on projects and mentorship from seasoned professionals, CEF participants gain invaluable insights and connections that significantly enhance their career prospects and prepare them for diverse roles beyond academia.