Miles Fuller, PhD
Graduation Year: 2016
Advisor: Layden, Brian
Current Position: Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Miles Fuller grew up in Atlanta, GA and completed his undergraduate degree at Morehouse College. Miles joined the DGP in 2012 and completed his PhD in the lab of Dr. Brian Layden in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology. He is currently a Partner at the Boston Consulting Group.
What made you want to go to graduate school?
I was exposed to lab research as an undergraduate at Morehouse College while volunteering in a breast cancer lab at the Morehouse School of Medicine and various summer internships. During this time I engaged with many graduate students and graduate degree holders, which provided first-hand insight into the wide range of career options made available to PhD graduates. I place a high value on that flexibility and capability development.
What brought you to Northwestern and the DGP?
I had the opportunity to engage with key members of The Graduate School several times in national undergraduate research conferences. During these interactions, we built strong relationships, and I gained an appreciation for the commitment these leaders made to investing in students from a diverse set of backgrounds. This was augmented by a uniquely positive experience during the interview process and Northwestern’s strong institutional reputation.
What did you study in graduate school?
My dissertation focused on elucidating the therapeutic potential of short chain fatty acid receptors in the treatment of insulin resistance. Specifically, we interrogated the role of gut microbiota in up- or down-regulating insulin production and beta cell proliferation pathways.
What was your first job outside of academic research, and how did you get it?
During my final year in graduate school, I participated in the case interview recruiting process with BCG to secure a role as a Consultant upon graduation.
What is your current position?
I’m currently a Partner at BCG. My responsibilities include: structuring and solving ambiguous business problems for industry leading companies; recruiting and developing strong analytical talent; and identifying and securing new commercial opportunities to support c-suite executives and maturing opportunities into longstanding relationships as a trusted advisor.
How did Northwestern prepare you for your current career?
At Northwestern I refined skills that are key to the success of BCG consultants, including: clear and concise communication, analytical rigor/integrity, independent project management and collaboration.
What other experiences brought you to your current position?
In addition to my professional development in the lab setting, I also played an active role in The Graduate School’s Advanced Degree Consulting Club. This community provided a strong network of members on a similar journey to learn from and with as I pursued career opportunities in management consulting.
What advice would you give to current students interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?
Find a mentor. There is so much to learn to effectively navigate the recruitment process for consulting. If you can find someone that has gone through the process and is willing to coach you, that guidance is invaluable. Take the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences to determine whether this path is actually a good fit for you and, if so, how to efficiently navigate it.
Do you have any final advice for graduate students?
I would emphasize again to find a mentor in whatever career path you are pursuing. It is so important to leverage others’ experiences.