In September 2021, I was a college senior at CSB/SJU, nervous but excited to accept my first full-time job with ThreeBridge Solutions, set to begin after graduation in June 2022. Somewhere between then and my first day, the company rebranded to Turnberry Solutions—which would become the company I’d call home for the next three years.

Now, a little over three years later, I’m closing this chapter—and what a chapter it has been.

From Bootcamp to Business Impact

I joined Turnberry Crew, an innovative talent program focused on developing high-performing junior consultants in the early years of their consulting careers. I didn’t fully grasp what IT consulting meant during our onboarding bootcamp—and, thankfully, neither did the girl next to me (who quickly became a great friend). We figured it out as we went, supported by a strong foundation of resources, encouragement, and a shared drive to grow.

What I Appreciated About Crew

Crew gave me room to explore and grow. I appreciated:

• Training and development that made consulting feel less intimidating
• The knowledge that roles were temporary, and change was part of the experience
• Unlimited PTO (yes, I took advantage of it!)
• Supportive managers and engaged client directors
• Crew Happy Hours, Coffee Roulettes, and First Fridays that built connection beyond the work
• The opportunity to contribute at big corporations, while still feeling part of a small, tight-knit crew

What Was Hard About Crew

Not everything came easy, and consulting stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. I had to navigate:

• The uncertainty of “what’s next” between projects (thankfully, I never had a gap)
• Frequent client on- and offboarding
• Balancing two sets of expectations—from the client and from Turnberry
• Utilization targets and the stress they can bring
• Interviewing for new roles once contract was coming to an end
• Learning how to build credibility quickly, only to start over again somewhere new

And still, every challenge brought growth.

My Client Journey

Over three years, I had the opportunity to work on three client projects:

Wells Fargo

At Wells Fargo, I crafted and distributed a biweekly newsletter to over 3,000 people—my first real taste of internal communications at scale. What started as writing evolved into so much more:

• Planning and executing a virtual conference with over 4,000 attendees
• Launching communications as a shared service across teams
• Supporting video production, SharePoint migration, and process documentation
• Becoming the calm presence my team could rely on—someone they were “happy to have at Wells”

Allianz Technology

At Allianz, I supported the Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) function, completing over 2,000 outsourcing assessments. This project taught me the power of clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and leading with influence, even when business owners weren’t eager to comply.
Some highlights:

• Closed three major audit findings with a quick turnaround time
• Helped segment over 250 vendor engagements
• Gained CEO approval on a business case for tool adoption and co-led implementation
• Took the lead on tracking and reporting for critical initiatives

GeoBlue

Most recently, I joined GeoBlue to support their marketing operations during a rebrand. I managed tactical projects, coordinated with vendors, optimized automation tools, and helped streamline campaign workflows. This role gave me a closer look at marketing tech and systems thinking—two areas I now want to continue growing in.

Beyond the Projects: What Made the Difference

Some of my most meaningful memories and growth moments came from what happened outside the day-to-day tasks:

• Joining the Well & Able Executive Board as Communications & Marketing Chair—and later as Co-Champion—promoting wellness and fostering connection across Turnberry
• Participating in over 15 training sessions and enrolling in additional leadership development through the Crew Leadership Academy
• Attending First Fridays, Crew Bootcamp, social hours, and building friendships that stretched across projects and cities
• Being trusted by managers to take initiative, lead meetings, and bring clarity to chaos

What I Learned

I’ve learned:

• To navigate ambiguity with grace—pun fully intended
• That being detail-oriented and thoughtful is a superpower
• How to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• That consulting is about people first—relationships, trust, and responsiveness
• To trust myself, speak up, and stretch outside my comfort zone

The People Who Shaped This Chapter

To the people who made this experience unforgettable—thank you. 

It really is about who you work with. The teammates who become friends, the managers who mentor you, the clients who trust you, the peers who cheer you on—all of it makes a difference. This chapter was richer, more meaningful, and more enjoyable because of the people I had the chance to work alongside.

What I’m Taking With Me

Personally:

• Confidence in who I am and how I work
• A clearer sense of what I want in my career (and what I don’t)
• Lifelong friendships and a deeper connection to the professional world

Professionally:

• Real-world experience managing projects, building communication strategies, and supporting complex organizational change
• A portfolio of work experience and lasting results I’m proud of
• Skills that will carry me into whatever’s next—project coordination, stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and more

Looking Ahead

As I close this chapter, I leave with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s next. This role held me through so much life—many trips, moves, growth, hard days, and big wins. It was never perfect, but it was mine—and it shaped me.

To anyone stepping into their first post-grad job: it doesn’t have to be your dream job to be meaningful. Every meeting, every project, every new challenge—there’s something in it for you. If you’re lucky, you’ll leave knowing more about yourself, your values, and your direction.

Here’s to the next chapter.

With gratitude,

Grace