Name: Sammy H.
Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL
Office Location: Cincinnati, OH
University: Miami of Ohio
Major: Entrepreneurship & Finance Double Major
Start Date: June 2022
Starting Role: Consulting Development Program

Describe your role.

As a member of the Strategy Center of Excellence (SCOE) Team, I help Merchandising in strategy planning by aggregating and interpreting category insights. I also collaborate with stakeholders to align strategy with key business initiatives and cross-functionally utilize strategy insights for actionable outcomes. The ultimate aim is to empower Kroger stakeholders to amplify the customer perspective and integrate strategic thinking into daily decision-making and planning processes.

What was your experience like in the Development Program?

Participating in the Development Program was an incredible experience. It allowed me to embrace a student-like role once more, alongside over 10 peers who were also part of the program. Graduating without a clear sense of my full-time path, 84.51°'s Development Program offered me both the opportunity and resources to discern my preferred work domains and potential teams of interest.

How do you believe the 84.51° Development Program compares to other comparable programs?

84.51°'s Development Program distinguishes itself through various aspects, with the standout being the robust support system offered from the very beginning. Upon joining, I was assigned a mentor, buddy, and manager, each engaging in a weekly 1:1 meeting with me. Alongside fellow program participants and an extensive network of program alumni, I consistently had a circle of support eager to connect and assist me throughout the journey.

How do you believe the Development Program equipped you for success at 84.51°?

The 84.51° Development Program provided me the essential time and resources to explore my interests, upskill effectively, and become fully prepared to excel in a permanent role at the company. These resources encompassed training and exposure to all areas of the business, hands-on project applications, and a robust support system including mentors, buddies, and peers.

What did you learn from the Development Program that you have transferred into your current role?

The transfer of knowledge from the Development Program to my current role has been comprehensive, with a significant highlight being the skill to translate intricate data insights into overarching themes that shape a compelling narrative. The Category Deep Dive project notably honed this ability, immersing me in weeks of soap category data analysis that then needed to be transformed into a coherent and comprehensible high-level story for a wide variety of audiences.

Is there anything you wish you had known about the Development Program prior to enrolling?

In retrospect, I recognize the value of understanding early on that the Development Program wasn't about striving for perfection or expecting flawless performance. While I eventually grasped this concept, I wish I had realized from the outset that the 10+ week duration was designed for embracing mistakes as part of the learning process.

What has been the most memorable experience or favorite project you’ve worked on?

My favorite project that I worked on in the Development Program was doing a Promotional Analysis for one of PearlRock Partners’ brands in beverage. I am super passionate about startups, so I loved learning about the barriers and nuances of being an emerging brand in retail by having the opportunity to present my findings and engage in a conversation with the Company’s business leaders.

Did you go through the internship program at 84.51° prior to graduating? If so, what was that experience like?

Yes! Having experienced the internship, I find my perspective closely aligned with that of the Development Program, given the comparable training, resources, and support. Notably, what sets the internship apart is the remarkable emphasis on taking interns seriously; at 84.51°, interns are afforded a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the business through impactful projects.

What advice would you give students who are interested in working in the consulting industry?

For students aspiring to enter the consulting industry, my advice is to engage in purposeful self-reflection, particularly during your initial years. Consultants have the unique advantage of engaging in diverse projects for various clients, prompting you to discern what aspects of the work resonate with you and what doesn't. This introspection will provide a clearer insight into your passions and guide you toward pursuing them, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction. Given the substantial time commitment in our careers, prioritizing work that aligns with our passions is crucial for lasting fulfillment.

What’s your favorite part about working at 84.51°? Do you have a favorite benefit or perk that is offered?

The flexible hybrid model is a source of excitement and gratitude for me. Having family in Chicago and a boyfriend in Denver, this arrangement has enabled me to maintain productivity from various locations across the country.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work hours?

I'm passionate about entrepreneurship, mental health, physical activity, female empowerment, and food. Beyond work, my greatest joy comes from spending time outdoors with loved ones, exploring new and delicious restaurants, and traveling to breathtaking new destinations. In my post-grad life, I've also embraced reading, and I'm proud to have initiated a Cincy Girls Book Club with over 20 members!