Business Case Studies & Business Publications

A Dream Job? Alyssa Smith’s Challenges i...

Elias, Allison, Ve...

Case

A Dream Job? Alyssa Smith’s Challenges in Motherhood and MBB (A)

Elias, Allison; Velasquez, Victoria; Elliott, Annie

OB-1469 | Published October 14, 2024 | 6 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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In spring of 2022, nearly three years after being one of the only Black women in the history of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business to have secured a coveted job offer from one of the “Big Three” consulting firms—McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group (MBB)—Alyssa Smith was faced with one of her toughest career decisions to date. From the start of her career in consulting, she knew she had found a strong professional fit in the industry. She had great problem-solving skills and an ability to break down complex problems into their component parts. Almost two years into her job as a consultant, however, Smith had given birth to her first child. The career that had once energized her was now creating challenges: Management consulting demanded 24-7 commitment. Smith was no longer certain that this job was the right fit for her. Smith needed to make a decision quickly. Her current work situation was taking a serious toll on her emotional well-being. Should she leave consulting, which had been, at one point, her dream job? What personal and professional considerations should factor into her decision?