About Keira
Country: United States
Undergraduate Degree: BS in International Business
Previous University: Northeastern University
Q: What is your background, and what brought you to D'Amore-McKim?
A: I grew up in a small town, and when it came time to choose a college, I knew I wanted to be somewhere vibrant with global opportunities. That drew me to Northeastern for my undergrad. As an international business major, I fully embraced everything Northeastern had to offer, including two Dialogues of Civilizations, a co-op in France, and a flexible curriculum that made it easy to earn credits abroad. Those experiences shaped me in ways I never expected, personally and academically.
Q: Why did you choose the PlusOne program over other graduate options?
A: I considered other graduate programs, but D'Amore-McKim's PlusOne in International Management stood out. With my undergrad in international business at Northeastern, it was a perfect fit and completing it in one year meant I could move quickly into the workforce. The PlusOne program just made sense for so many reasons. It let me keep the momentum, dive into grad classes right away, and take what I'd learned even further.
Staying at Northeastern allowed me to learn in a community I knew and trusted, work with professors I respected, and transition smoothly into graduate school. My research with Professor Caligiuri and her mentorship on cultural agility made a real difference in my growth and preparation for the next stage of my career.
What international experiences have you had as a student?
A: My international experiences through Northeastern's Dialogues of Civilization and global co-ops were truly transformative. Studying in the Middle East and the Balkans, and working at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, gave me firsthand insight into global business dynamics and cultural agility. These immersive opportunities helped me understand how history, politics, and economics intersect in real-world decision-making. They also pushed me to reflect deeply on what I value professionally. These experiences helped me realize I am passionate about strategy and consulting, specifically solving complex problems across diverse contexts and cultures. They broadened my worldview and clarified the kind of impact I want to make in my career.
Q: How did your classroom learning strengthen your interest in consulting?
A: During my PlusOne MS in International Management, I worked on projects for global companies like Gap, Maersk, Nike, and Netflix. Tackling complex business challenges through data analysis and collaborating with teammates from diverse backgrounds built directly on the insights I gained studying abroad and working at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Diving into policies, financials, and industry dynamics confirmed my passion for strategy and management consulting and showed me how rewarding it is to solve complex problems for clients.
Q: How did you support students as a co-op peer mentor?
A: I started as a floating peer mentor, meeting students one-on-one to help with resumés, mock interviews, and job search strategies. Later, I supported a full class of 40 students alongside two advisors. I shared my experiences, helped students build confidence, and guided them through the often-intimidating interview process. Seeing how my support helped students feel prepared and succeed was rewarding.
Q: What advice can you share with future students?
A: My biggest piece of advice? Say yes to everything you can. Whether studying abroad, joining clubs, mentoring, or diving into hands-on projects, getting involved makes the experience truly rewarding.
One of D'Amore-McKim's biggest strengths is the professors. They bring incredible real-world experience as CEOs, authors, and public speakers, yet remain deeply committed to teaching and student success. Early on, I was hesitant to attend office hours, but everything changed once I started building those connections and seeking their advice. Their advice has been invaluable, and that support helped me succeed.
