Now about a year into the position, Hunt describes his experience at McKinsey as challenging but rewarding.

“I have worked with talented colleagues on complex problems for different clients, and I learn something new pretty much every day,” said Hunt. “In my first few months, I have supported mostly tech-focused engagements, including figuring out how to leverage AI in our clients’ businesses, which has been an exciting space to be in. The pace is fast and the expectations are high, but the support, mentorship and feedback have made the growth curve feel achievable.”

While Hunt studied accounting at Quinnipiac, his experiences both inside and outside of the classroom helped him find his passion for consulting.

“I chose accounting because I wanted a rigorous and technical foundation in how businesses work at a financial level. Over time, I realized I was most energized by big picture problem solving, not just the numbers behind it. That is what led me to consulting,” said Hunt.

Hunt applied to McKinsey through Handshake, a platform provided to all Quinnipiac students to help them discover new career paths and find amazing internship and full-time job opportunities.

Once his resume was selected by the firm, Hunt participated in several rounds of interviews, including behavioral and case-study components to assess communication in teams, problem-solving skills and the ability to work with data under pressure.

“My final round featured three back to back in person interviews, which was both intimidating and exciting. By that point, all the preparation with cases and mock interviews was paying off, and I felt confident in my abilities. It was a long process, but each round gave me a chance to refine my story and show how my Quinnipiac experience prepared me for the role,” said Hunt.

For students who are also seeking to land competitive roles after graduation, Hunt’s advice is simple.

“Find your ‘X factor.’ Recruiting for top roles, especially in consulting, is extremely competitive and having a solid GPA and a couple of clubs on your resume is no longer enough. You need something that is uniquely yours and then build a clear story around it,” said Hunt. “Whatever your X factor is, whether it be research, entrepreneurship, leadership, athletics or community work, make it strong enough that it jumps off the page.”

While reflecting on his Quinnipiac experience, Hunt recognizes the myriads of networks and experiences that are available at the university. He encourages current students to not let these exciting opportunities pass them by.

“If you consistently show up, do the heavy lifting and execute academically, socially and professionally, you can land full-time roles at top firms,” said Hunt. “Quinnipiac gives you access to great people and opportunities, but you must be the one who leans in. Take advantage of things like the Sleeping Giant State Park, athletic games and campus events, because they help you build community and keep perspective while you are working hard.”

Specifically, getting involved outside of the classroom was one of the main ways that Hunt grew into the person and professional that McKinsey wanted on their team.

“Beyond the classroom, Quinnipiac gave me a lot of repetitions in working with different types of people and managing a busy schedule,” said Hunt. “Being part of the club baseball team taught me about teamwork, leadership and performing under pressure, all of which translate directly to client work. It made the transition to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment at McKinsey feel much more natural. Building that foundation in college, both in and out of the classroom, made it easier to trust the process and handle the intensity of consulting later on.”

Hunt also had several faculty and staff mentors at Quinnipiac who believed in and supported his development.

Throughout his academic success, Hunt appreciated the support of Jill Koehler, associate dean of career development, and Aamer Sheikh, professor of accounting.

“Jill Koehler was instrumental in helping me craft my story and tailor the exact resume I used to apply to McKinsey, and I highly recommend leveraging the career development resources at Quinnipiac. Aamer Sheikh, my academic adviser and favorite accounting professor, taught me the ins and outs of financial accounting and analysis, which is the backbone of the work I do today,” said Hunt.

Outside of the classroom, Hunt also found support from staff he met at the Recreation and Wellness Center. Specifically, Tom Ellett, chief experience officer, and Tami Reilly, director of fitness and wellbeing, were pivotal in his Quinnipiac experience.

“I built a relationship with Tom Ellett during our time at the gym together, and he was a constant source of perspective and encouragement. I always looked forward to talking with Tami Reilly at Wellness Wednesdays and going to her events, whether it was watercolor painting or baking cookies with the elderly. She reminded me to stay grounded and to take care of my wellbeing. Each of them played a different role, but together they pushed me to aim higher and believe in my abilities,” said Hunt.

As Hunt continues to excel in his analytics role at McKinsey, he is always appreciative of the ways his Quinnipiac experience helped shape him. He wants to continue to be a resource for current students.

“I love giving back to the Quinnipiac community, so feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn and I will do my best to support,” said Hunt.