Get to know our finance director and senior consultant!
Adrika is a third-year UCLA student double majoring in Statistics and Economics from Southern California. Outside of classes and 180DC, she is involved in Uconsulting and the A Capella team Naya Zamaana. She has a passion for theater and performance, and she has been singing opera for nearly 10 years. Professionally, she has also acquired a diverse set of experiences, from working at a charity fundraiser startup to a multinational software development company.
Q: Why did you join 180DC and how did you hear about it?
Even before focusing on a specific field, I had decided my professional life would be dedicated to my intellectual curiosity, analytical mindset, and hope of making a sustainable impact. I came across the club before beginning my sophomore year, while doing research on various business organizations on campus. Ultimately, working with 180DC sounded like an amazing way for me to not only gain consulting experience, but dually serve a greater purpose of helping a nonprofit get one step closer to their goal of helping their target population. And it has been all this, and so much more!
Q: What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned through your time at 180DC?
I think the most valuable lesson I have learnt, and continue to relearn every time I work on a project, is how important it is to truly collaborate — not just collectively agree on one idea or one opinion, but discuss different thought processes as it is of utmost importance to approach a business problem from all directions. It is only then that you can create a comprehensive, informed, and robust solution for your client.
Building off of that, it has been such a treat to see how different team members attack a client issue in such different, but equally effective ways. That is the distinguishing factor for 180DC — our members come from such diverse backgrounds, with differing skills, academic goals, and professional experiences and this makes for a great team environment.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
I am involved in an a cappella team on campus, so if I’m not in class or studying, I’m probably singing or spending time with my amazing team! I have been singing for about 15 years now, and music and performance have always been, and will always be a huge part of my life, so I am very grateful to have the opportunity to exercise my creativity and passion.
Q: What did you do last summer? Do you have any plans for the next summer?
Last summer I worked on the Financial Analysis and Planning team at a multinational software development and management company. This summer, I will be working as a Tech Consulting Intern for PwC.
Q: What is your favorite thing about 180DC?
I touched on the diversity of the club earlier, but on top of that, the team is just so supportive and warm. It is really important to have a good support system in this field — any aspiring consultant will tell you that the recruitment process is incredibly draining and can be very overwhelming, so it is important to surround yourself with like-minded individuals, who will help you through the process (emotionally, academically, professionally, you name it). I am very lucky to have my wonderful 180DC family — they have provided me so much guidance, motivation, and support.
Q: When you came to UCLA, what did you want to do with your college career, and has it changed ever since?
Coming into college, I had very little idea about what I wanted to do. Ultimately, I knew I valued collaboration and strengthening my interpersonal skills, and also knew I had a very analytical, left-brain heavy way of thinking and approaching issues. I spend my first year learning about my various career options, and once I learned about consulting, I was amazed at how my skills and professional goals fit so well with the field. I would say my yes my concrete goals have definitely changed, but ultimately I am still trying to pave a professional path that allows for my continuous growth.
Q: What advice would you give to your freshman year self?
Be more proactive about finding professional opportunities! Put yourself out there, ask for guidance, and search for a community that will motivate you!