Wagner Consulting Group Hosts Consulting Bootcamp with Cristian Ariza (MPA-HPAM 2018)

Written by the Wagner Consulting Group Board, Karishma Patel (President), and Difa Farzani (First-Year Representative). 

In November, the NYU Wagner Consulting Group (WCG) hosted an in-person, interactive Case Study Bootcamp featuring guest speaker Cristian Ariza (MPA-HPAM 2018), a Strategy Manager at Deloitte and a proud Wagner alumnus. The one-hour workshop consisted of a brief introduction to consulting, an interview structure, and concluded with an interactive group practice case with Ariza. Students were able to apply their analytical, out-of-the-box thinking to establish a sustainable solution as a team. 

WCG's secretary and former KPMG senior consultant, Andrea Chavez, began the Bootcamp with an insightful presentation on the basics of case studies and interview expectations. The presentation identified a strong case study approach as well as resources for continuous practice. 

Afterwards, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and learn from an expert in the field. Ariza facilitated the case study with guided questions and emphasized the importance of frameworks and continuous practice during real interviews. He explained that a case mimics real business situations where clients pose a multitude of information, and it's up to the consultant to decipher the crucial parts to answer the question at hand. The consultant's job is to structure the challenge, analyze it from different perspectives, and guide the client toward a solution that is both feasible and impactful.

Ariza elaborated on four essential steps of consulting problem-solving: identifying the problem, thinking logically, analyzing the data, and sharing a clear action plan. 

Students sharpened their ability to organize information under pressure, and exercised their mental math skills, learning to perform quick estimations and data calculations without a calculator. This skill, Ariza noted, reflects the ability to think critically, interpret data efficiently, and communicate insights clearly in fast-paced consulting environments.

The session closed with a reflection on consulting as both a career path and a mindset. Students shared how the consulting toolkit, structured analysis, clear communication, and practical problem-solving can be applied across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors to create meaningful impact. 

To stay updated on Bootcamp sessions and other events, please sign up for WCG's interest form and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. We look forward to seeing you there!