Meet longtime Point B’er and Campus Recruiting Lead Melissa Rutledge. A career consultant-turned-Talent Acquisition Director, Melissa brings her passion for people and process improvement to connect great talent with exciting career opportunities – at any career stage. We recently caught up with Melissa to learn more about what’s on her mind after hosting 11 virtual professional development sessions to over 200 students across more than 30 campuses.
COVID-19 shifted a lot in 2020. Can you share a little bit about how campus recruiting was impacted?
Like many things last year, our campus recruiting efforts went virtual in 2020. Luckily, we had piloted conducting virtual events in 2019 and had a strong framework ready to go. Our focus in 2020 was forging new relationships to expand our talent network and reach a more diverse set of students.
One of our goals was to educate students on the consulting industry and its potential career pathways – especially for those who may have never considered consulting before, or maybe had a different background than is typically associated with our industry. In partnership with Point B’ers from across the company, we developed PATH, a virtual program of various professional development sessions to provide students with key insights, tools and skills – like case study preparation and building their personal brand – as they start their careers.
Sounds like you got to work with Point B’ers from all over the company. What was that like?
I really enjoyed partnering with consultants from all across the country to develop presentation materials and deliver content to students. Different regions and geographies may have had different points of focus, but overall it was wonderful to see Point B culture – that family feeling of support and camaraderie – permeate each interaction.
Anything else to share?
It was so fun to engage with students from different campuses across the country. I really felt I got a chance to connect and get to know the students, particularly in some of the focused discussions and breakout sessions.
What advice would you give to folks who are just getting started in their career?
Make as many connections as possible! If you’re on a virtual call, try to join on video so folks can put a face with a name – and see how engaged you are! Don’t feel like you need to dress to the nines…we won’t be – business casual attire that makes you feel comfortable and confident will be your sweet spot. Ask questions (live and in the chat), take time to send follow-up emails and provide feedback on the event. The more interactions you have, the more the team is going to remember you when your application for an open position comes through.
Favorite Point B memory?
I have a lot of fond memories from when I first started. I got my offer to join Point B when I was very pregnant – my daughter was born just 6 days later. A few months later, even before my first official day as a Point B’er, I was able to meet the team during a holiday party. It was our first night away from our newborn, and my partner and I spent the night up in Manhattan Beach. Point B’ers welcomed me with open arms and I instantly felt at home. I remember having drinks after dinner with Mike Pongon and thinking just how cool it was that the CEO of our company was so easy to connect with. Later in my first year, I hosted a National Corndog Day event at my house. We consumed a lot of corn dogs, tater tots and beer. Good times!
Last meal you cooked?
Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala and Chana Saag. It was a request from my 11-year-old daughter as it is her favorite food.
Early bird or night owl?
A bit of both right now. I used to be a night owl and was never in bed before midnight, but last year I made a resolution to shift my schedule. Now I try to get up every day at 5:30 AM, so I am rarely awake after 11 PM anymore.
Best work-from-home hack?
I try to start every morning by meditating and working out – I love the tone it sets for my day. I also find that by showering and getting dressed like I was going into work, I feel more engaged and productive…even if I am wearing slippers most of the day!
