Name:
Ms. Sara Beth Shelton
E-mail address:
sarashelton@bearingpoint.net
Education Information
Undergraduate Major:
Family Studies
Degree Received:
BS
Graduation Year:
1995
Advanced Degrees:
Masters in Public Policy
Job Information
Employer Name:
BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting)
Employer Web Site:
www.bearingpoint.com
Present Job Title:
Senior Consultant
Brief description of my job responsibilities, e.g. a typical week in my job:
I am currently on a contract with a large federal government client. We are helping them improve their business processes,
implementing a quality assurance program, managing an inspection inventory and payment mechanism, developing policies and
procedures documentation for their customers, and developing business and functional requirements for system development.
Suggestions I would give to undergraduate students with regard to courses,
internships, and other means of preparation for my career field:
I would actively seek challenging internship opportunities, even if they are not specifically related to your field of
study. Most employers understand that a person just out of school does not have a lot of experience, and they do not expect
them to be experts in their chosen field. Even general work experience, though, can be used to demonstrate the intangibles
that are important to all employers - diligence, professionalism, and attention to detail.
My career path in getting to this position:
Throughout my coursework at UT, I became interested in public policy. I received my graduate degree in Public
Administration/Public Policy from UT Chattanooga, then went to work for the state legislature in Nashville doing legislative
research and analysis. I enjoyed the research, but the legislative branch does not provide many opportunities for growth and
advance, so I looked for a similar position with a private sector firm. BearingPoint (or KPMG at the time) was looking for
someone in their Public Services division that had a good understanding of government, the regulatory environment, and
research methods. I was offered a position, and have been with BearingPoint for four years. This profession has a mixed
reputation because of the people who live up to the stereotype - they talk too much about "adding value" and "increasing
efficiency" - but I really enjoy it. We work really hard, but the rewards are worth it.
Other advice for students interested in gaining entry into and pursuing a career
in this field:
It is important to have strong oral and written communication skills. If your writing or public speaking skills are
lacking, focus on those in your remaining time in school. Also, be honest about your inexperience (if you are a first-time
job seeker). Employers are realistic, and know that you will not be saving the world in your first six months on the job.
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