Corey Schumacher's work as a research specialist supports a global firm's management consulting teams across North America. She credits the iSchool's courses with exposing her to the many possible career tracks open to graduates, including her current role.
Where do you work and what is your role?
I'm a senior research specialist at Bain & Company, working in the information services department and affiliated with the consumer products and retail practice area. Bain & Company's information services department is a global team of more than ninety researchers. I am one of four researchers in the Chicago office and support consulting case teams throughout North America. My primary role is providing secondary, external research to consulting teams. In addition, I work on collection development by evaluating subscription resources, knowledge capture by creating wiki entries on various topics, and the training of new consultants on how to perform research.
What do you like best about your job?
After eight years, I'm still learning and growing professionally. Bain and my colleagues are committed to my professional development. I've never met a group of more supportive people.
What do you see as the most important impact of your work?
I provide data and insights that influence a case team's work. It's exciting to see the results of weeks or months of work by hearing the recommendations that consulting staff give the client or reading an article that Bain has authored. With regard to the research training I provide the consultants, it's always a good feeling to know that I've taught someone a skill that they can use for the rest of their career at Bain.
How did the iSchool help you get to where you are today?
I wouldn't have known this type of job existed without the course, Searching Online Information Systems. I also appreciate all the course options that were available. Before starting graduate school, I did not have any library experience, so having the ability to learn about different library jobs plus meet people with varied backgrounds allowed me to figure out where I wanted to end up after school.
What advice would you like to share with iSchool students?
Network: join associations, participate in informational interviews, and take advantage of practicum and internship opportunities.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I have a love/hate relationship with running and also enjoy biking. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy a good nap. And of course, reading.