Why I chose consulting over a traditional engineering path

Saachi Varshney

Why I chose consulting over a traditional engineering path

When I learned about Credera at the University of Georgia’s career fair, I was immediately drawn to the Technology Solutions practice because it combined software development with business problem-solving. That opportunity to continuously learn while delivering meaningful solutions sparked my interest.

In my previous internships, I primarily worked on individual projects, so I also wanted to be able to collaborate with a team on a real client-facing problem and see how technical solutions come together from start to finish.

As I weighed my options, what mattered most was finding an environment where I could learn practical skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and make meaningful contributions while continuing to grow as both a software engineer and a communicator.

Built-in support

My first impression of Credera was how supportive and transparent the entire interview process felt. The recruiters stayed incredibly responsive throughout, keeping me updated on what to expect at each stage.

That transparency stood out and made me feel valued. The entire process felt welcoming and gave me a clear sense of the culture Credera values.

Walking in the first day was exciting. Credera brought interns from different locations to Dallas for onboarding, creating an early opportunity to meet everyone and start building connections. Several presentations focused on understanding consulting, learning Credera's culture, and preparing for a successful internship.

One presentation that stood out was Principal Architect Johna Rutz's session on communication as a consultant. It gave me real clarity on what makes consulting unique and the mindset needed to succeed, especially since improving my communication skills was something I wanted to focus on.

The leaders and mentors I've worked with have been incredibly invested in my success and development. Interns are paired with both a project mentor, who supports day-to-day responsibilities and project work, and a career coach, who guides the overall internship experience and professional goals.

Having both mentors made me feel welcomed and supported from the beginning. The team challenged me with meaningful work while providing consistent guidance, feedback, and encouragement to help me grow.

I felt especially recognized through the thoughtful feedback I received from my teammates. They took the time to highlight specific things I was doing well, explain why those strengths mattered, and share areas where I could continue to grow. The feedback went beyond general encouragement. It was actionable and helped me understand how to become a stronger team member.

Knowing that my contributions were noticed and that people were invested in my growth made me feel valued and motivated to keep improving.

A new path forward

As a third-year Computer Science major at the University of Georgia, the internship showed me that my academic background can open doors beyond traditional software engineering roles. Working with the Technology Solutions practice showed me how technical skills combine with business problem-solving through consulting, particularly through building and implementing solutions for clients.

It encouraged me to think more seriously about consulting as a career path because I enjoy the balance of developing and using my technical skills while collaborating with clients, understanding their needs, and working across a variety of projects and industries.

For any student considering applying to Credera, especially if you're unsure about consulting, I would encourage you to apply. My experience made me aware of a completely different career direction and showed me how fulfilling consulting can be while still letting me apply my technical skills. The transparency, mentorship, and opportunities to work on meaningful projects gave me a realistic understanding of the work and helped me grow professionally.

Beyond the learning experience, it has also been genuinely fun, and a great opportunity to work alongside truly supportive people.