Get to know the Director of Marketing & Outreach of 180 Degrees Consulting UCLA!
Samantha is a third-year Business Economics major with a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities from Bali, Indonesia. She has been a part of 180DC since her freshman year, and has been a part of and has led numerous consulting projects, serving clients from the education sector to technology startups. This summer, Samantha will be joining Deloitte Consulting as a Business Technology Analyst.
Q: Why did you join 180DC and how did you hear about it?
I joined because I wanted to learn more about consulting. I was a freshman at the time, and I was really scared about getting locked into one job function and one industry after graduation, because I wanted to explore so much! When I stumbled upon consulting, I knew that it could offer me the variety of experiences that I wanted. I decided that I should join a consulting group on campus to learn more, and I heard about 180DC through a friend of mine who was in the club. Upon further research, I got the impression that 180DC was very welcoming and friendly — so I applied and I’m glad I did!
Q: What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned through your time at 180DC?
I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned is project management. After leading several projects, I realized that it’s extremely hard to manage a group of very busy students, and it’s important to set realistic expectations and to take deadlines seriously. I also began to truly understand the importance of communication in a teamwork setting. Being able to lead and manage people is still something that I am constantly working on.
Another skill that I think is really useful is to communicate with clients in a professional manner. Being able to say that I have real-life experience in conducting meetings and presentations with real professionals is something that can really set you apart from your peers in college.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to read fiction books, write stories (I have a dream of publishing a novel one day), and write in my bullet journal. If you also like to bullet journal, message me!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully by this time, I will have enough professional experiences through consulting and other relevant jobs to know what I want to do and to start my own business. I’ve always wanted to have something of my own, but I don’t really know what industry or field I want to be in yet. Right now, I am exploring my options, but in 10 years I hope that I’ll have it figured out!
Q: What did you do last summer, and do you have any plans for next summer?
I interned at an VC firm that specializes in impact investing last summer as an investment analyst intern. I interned at the Jakarta branch and learned so much about the vibrant, Southeast Asian startup scene! Next summer, I will be joining Deloitte as a Business Technology Analyst in their technology consulting division.
Q: What is your favorite thing about 180DC?
I love how everyone in 180DC is very supportive and inspirational. The people in 180DC are very well-rounded and everyone is doing their own thing outside of consulting, which is very refreshing to see. We have people with their own startups, people who are heavily involved in nonprofit work, and people pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, finance, and more. Being surrounded with these people makes you want to do more, give more, and explore more!
Q: What advice would you give to your freshman self?
You are capable of doing so much more than you think! Don’t be afraid to apply to things and take advantage of all the opportunities at UCLA. Don’t be afraid to try for leadership positions, because you’re never going to be truly ready for them anyway —but once you commit to it, you will learn and grow into it.
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