Here's how MBA consulting projects and internships helped Rhett Mixon land a high-flying technology consultant career with KPMG
With a competitive labor market in front of him, Rhett Mixon knew he needed to bolster his resume to give himself the best chance of career success. “I felt like I needed to strengthen and polish before I went into the workforce. I wanted to be as prepared as I could,” he says.
He decided to enroll in an MBA to gain the skills and work experience that were missing from his resume and open doors in his career that would otherwise be closed to him.
It paid off, too. Before graduating, Rhett landed a role as a technology consultant with Big Four accounting and professional services firm, KPMG.
Gaining valuable work experience during an MBA
Recently graduated from an undergrad degree in engineering, Rhett lacked the practical work experience that would help him stand out against the competition in the world of work.
However, the University of Oklahoma (OU) Price College of Business MBA made up for that tenfold, he says. After joining the program, he made sure to take advantage of every opportunity to apply the theory he was learning in classes to the real world.
In the Business Consulting Practicum, for example, OU MBA students work together with companies to address business problems they are facing.
“There wasn’t a textbook that laid out a 10-point plan. We had to figure out a solution in a real setting while under pressure. This completely challenged my ability to creatively problem solve,” says Rhett.
Gaining an insight into the world of consulting through experiences such as these prepared Rhett for his fast-paced career at KPMG.
During his MBA, Rhett also completed two internships. Organized by the University of Oklahoma’s Ronnie K Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth, Rhett interned as a healthcare consultant.
In his team, Rhett helped conduct market research and competitor analysis, and map out a five-year plan for business growth.
Rhett’s second MBA internship was with Northrop Grumman—a US multinational aerospace and defense technology company. Here, he worked on projects involving data visualization and analysis.
Without these diverse practical experiences he gained on the MBA, Rhett feels he wouldn’t have landed his role with KPMG.
“I learned how to do things on the spot and use my initiative, put together stellar presentations, and improve my communication. All these things laid the foundation for me becoming a good consultant,” he says.
What it’s like to launch a technology consultant career at KPMG
It’s no secret that the recruitment process at top companies like KPMG can be tough. To land his role, Rhett faced three interviews.
“In my final interview, the director wanted to make sure I really wanted to be in the industry, and I was aware of the ask of a consultant and what life as a consultant would be like,” he says.
Thanks to the ample industry experience Rhett gained during the OU MBA, he felt able to confidently show his foresight and commitment.
In the first week of his new role, Rhett was sent to a training facility in Orlando to learn the basics of what it’s like to be a consultant at KPMG. Then, he had to get to grips with the software he would be using every day.
Despite this rigorous training, every day as a technology consultant is different, meaning Rhett has constantly been forced to think on his feet.
Currently, Rhett is is responsible for implementing KPMG’s IT management software, ServiceNow, to drive business growth.
“Some days can be like trying to drink from a water hose, but on the MBA you learn to attack a problem over and over until you find a solution which has been extremely valuable in my role,” he says.
The day-to-day role of a technology consultant means constant communication with various developers and stakeholders. In such a collaborative work environment, Rhett says he’s hugely relied on the teambuilding skills he picked up in MBA projects.
“It’s important to be able to build rapport not only with your team but with the client. The client has to trust you and believe you are competent. If they do, the adoption of a certain technology becomes a lot more successful,” says Rhett.
The MBA was the launchpad Rhett needed to take off in his career. He is now a year into his consulting career at KPMG and is only looking forward.
“I’m surrounded by incredible people who are pushing me to grow even further as a consultant and in technology,” he says.
Student Reviews
University of Oklahoma - Price College of Business
an Unregrettable choice of university
The University of Oklahoma has been a great experience for me. The professors are all very knowledgeable and willing to help where needed. The campus is also very beautiful and there are plenty of activities going on all the time. The student body is also really friendly and I have made a lot of new friends here. Overall, I'm really glad I chose OU and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great college experience.
It is a life changing experience for me.
I am enrolled in a Ph.D. program that is research-intensive. I get continuous guidance from my supervisors that help me to conduct my research skillfully. I will gladly recommend students to study here.
Good institution
Good institution for in class courses. Online classes are pretty hard because the instructors are most of the time not available. The student has to do everything on their own without any assistance.
Best school ever
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Amazing Univeristy
OU is an amazing university. Love the athletic department so much. They have so much hype and love for their athletes and students typically maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m engineering student and OU has one of the best teachers and facilities I had so far. I know their engineering program is prestigious but I don’t know much about the other departments. Beautiful campus and amazing social events. Diversity is enormous. LOVE IT SIMPLY.
Getting the best at OU
I am a current student at the University of Oklahoma and I must say, I am extremely impressed with the quality of education and resources available here. The professors are knowledgeable and truly care about their students' success. The campus is beautiful and there are always events and activities happening. The community at OU is welcoming and diverse, making it a great place to grow and learn. I highly recommend this university to anyone looking for a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience. Boomer Sooner
Everybody is really helpful over here
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Oklahoma
I would say it is the best university in town. The education, knowledge, curriculum, extra curriculum activities, modern laboratories, big grounds, and spacious classrooms. I would say everyone who can should study here.
well maintained facilities
The OU campus is truly breathtaking with its vast green spaces and modern facilities. These facilities are contemporary and meticulously maintained, housing state-of-the-art science labs, a vast digital resource library, and cozy study areas perfect for late-night cram sessions. As someone from Oklahoma, attending this university has been a dream come true and has provided me with the most fulfilling years of my life. My freshman year was incredibly enjoyable, filled with fantastic friends and daily adventures. The friendships I've established here are lifelong, and I feel immense gratitude for my time at OU.
a home far from home
Attending the University of Oklahoma brought back nostalgic memories for me. My sister graduated from this university in May 2019, and while she had spoken highly of it, she hadn't quite captured how much I would come to adore this school. It has become a home away from home, with its welcoming atmosphere, kind professors, stunning campus, and impressive football team that resonates with my high school football experiences. I am grateful for the chance to study at the University of Oklahoma and receive an exceptional education.
psychology major
Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy the University of Oklahoma (OU), but I ended up falling in love with it. Your college experience at OU largely depends on what you invest in it. While it was sometimes challenging to build friendships and step out of my comfort zone, the university offers numerous clubs and opportunities to engage with new people. As a psychology major at the University of Oklahoma, I firmly believe that the professors and the quality of education surpass those of any other university psychology program. This enables students to connect with professionals globally and fosters personal growth. In terms of academics, I find that professors are highly accessible to students, and there are abundant resources available to support academic achievement.
great support
The campus offers a wide range of dining choices and excellent accommodation. It is reasonably affordable and offers support in locating scholarships and financial advisors to help students manage their finances. My overall experience has been far more positive than I anticipated, and I am completely satisfied with my decision to enroll at OU.
Beautiful campus scene
The University of Oklahoma has such a large and diverse population that you can't help but find your place here. There are many colleges, courses, and professors to choose from. I grew to love the environment, social life and community. The school has an amazing and breathtaking campus with many clubs and ways to get connected.
architecture program
I have been able to explore a wide variety of academic subjects during my studies. The university's dedicated faculty members have been crucial in fostering my intellectual development and providing guidance. I have always felt supported by the staff and my professors, especially in the field of architecture. My experience so far has been a positive journey.
passion for literature
The University of Oklahoma created a fantastic educational setting that blends a passion for classical works with modern research. As a student at the university, I observed a diverse array of opportunities available not only to myself but also to other postgraduate students. I appreciate the variety of campus events and the vibrant nightlife.
