Meet one of our new recruits from Fall 2018!
Victoria is a first-year student from Hacienda Heights, CA, studying Pre-Business Economics. She joined 180 Degrees Consulting on her first ever quarter at UCLA and she is also involved in numerous clubs and organizations on campus, such as the Undergraduate Business Society (Career Development Committee Member) and Bruin Women in Business (Consulting Committee Member). Read this short interview to get to know her better!
Q: Why did you join 180DC and how did you hear about it?
I first came across 180DC when looking up business clubs at UCLA a few months before freshman year started. After going to the 180DC Fall Info Session, I decided to apply because 180DC differentiated itself from other consulting clubs on campus by combining consulting with social impact. 180DC also really encourages hands-on learning, as I was placed in a project team from the start and prompted to learn along the way. Having this initial learning curve helped me learn about various aspects of consulting, and I am definitely still in the process of learning more.
Q: Why are you interested in consulting?
I once heard someone describe consulting as “being a doctor for businesses,” and I think that’s a great way to put it. Consulting mixes business with creativity, something that I am definitely looking for in a future career. I love how consulting cases encourage me to strategize, reason, and — at times — think outside the box.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in LA?
I love going out with friends and trying cute vegetarian/vegan restaurants and smoothie bars that have great Yelp reviews. I’m not vegetarian or vegan, but I like to see if foods in those categories taste any different than their normal counterparts. For example, I recently tried SunCafe Organic in Studio City and was blown away by how delicious (and non-vegan) their mac and cheese tasted. 10/10, would recommend.
Q: When you’re not exploring LA, what do you like to do in your free time?
I really enjoy blogging, photography, and videography. Depending on my mood, my hobbies can also lie on opposite sides of the spectrum. I love hiking and exploring national parks, yet I’m also perfectly content staying home and snuggling up to a good Netflix show!
Q: What did you do last summer?
Last summer was the longest summer I’ve ever had, as it was the transition between high school and college. I spent the first half of the summer as a barista at my local boba shop, and I spent the second half traveling to various places in China, Cambodia, and Canada. My experiences in each of those countries were very different, but they will all forever hold a special place in my heart.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
I could never get tired of pizza. My favorite toppings are mushrooms, olives, and extra cheese… no pineapples though!
Q: Last but not least — what is your favorite thing about 180DC?
My favorite thing about 180DC is definitely my fellow club members. There are so many driven and inspiring students in this organization that I am grateful to have met. I am also so glad I attended our winter retreat, because I was able to get to know everyone on a more personal level.