Jamison Greene graduated from Notre Dame in 2022 with dual master’s degrees in global affairs and business administration. He recently spoke to the Keough School about his role with the Boston Consulting Group in Lagos, Nigeria and shared his most impactful experiences in the MGA and MBA program.

Q&A with Jamison Greene

What are your primary responsibilities in your role at the Boston Consulting Group?

As a management consultant, my role centers on solving complex problems for clients by developing actionable strategies and delivering measurable outcomes. Initially based at the Washington, D.C. office, I worked primarily with federal and state government clients to help them adopt private-sector best practices, focusing on operational efficiency, digital transformation and policy implementation.

Currently, through the company’s Africa Immersion Program, I am consulting in Lagos, Nigeria, where I am supporting a mid-sized private-sector company. My responsibilities include designing and implementing operational strategies to enhance productivity, conducting market analyses to identify growth opportunities, and building internal capabilities through structured training programs for key staff. This work has involved managing cross-functional teams, facilitating workshops, and providing hands-on support to embed sustainable solutions. Next year, I will transition to the Nairobi, Kenya office, where I aim to continue leveraging my expertise to address challenges in high-growth markets, further deepening my understanding of diverse cultural and business environments.

What are the best parts of your job, and what do you find challenging?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is the opportunity to work directly with clients to address their most pressing challenges and deliver meaningful results. I enjoy the process of diagnosing issues, designing innovative solutions, and seeing the tangible impact of our work on organizations and communities. Building trust and strong relationships with clients is especially fulfilling, as it creates a partnership that ensures sustainable outcomes. My past experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana taught me invaluable skills in empathy, collaboration and cultural sensitivity, which have been instrumental in fostering these relationships.

The most challenging part of consulting is the steep learning curve on each project. No two engagements are the same, and each client’s needs demand a unique approach. This requires quickly mastering new industries, adapting to diverse organizational cultures, and thinking creatively under tight deadlines. While challenging, this constant variety keeps the work dynamic and exciting.

Why did you choose the joint MGA/MBA program at the Keough School of Global Affairs?

The MGA/MBA program offered the perfect combination of skills to align with my career aspirations at the intersection of international development and economic growth. I saw the dual degree as a way to gain both the analytical frameworks and the business acumen needed to tackle systemic global challenges.

The program provided flexibility to explore career opportunities across sectors—private, nonprofit, and government—while developing leadership and problem-solving skills critical for driving meaningful change. I was particularly drawn to the program’s emphasis on inclusive economic growth and innovation, which closely aligns with my passion for creating scalable solutions that benefit underserved communities.

For anyone considering the MGA/MBA, I cannot recommend it enough. It uniquely equips its graduates to thrive in diverse roles from consulting to foreign policy, and it provides a solid foundation to make a real impact on global issues.

Which aspects of the Master of Global Affairs program impacted you the most?

The Integration Lab (i-Lab) experience during the MGA program was transformational for me. I worked on a project with Chemonics International, focusing on private-sector engagement in health supply chains. My role involved conducting stakeholder interviews, identifying best practices in Chemonics projects and developing a strategic framework to improve supply chain operations through collaboration with the private sector.

This project demonstrated how consulting can create value not just for individual clients but for broader ecosystems, such as improving access to life-saving health supplies in underserved regions. The experience strengthened my problem-solving, stakeholder management, and strategic planning skills, which have been directly transferable to my current work in consulting. It also cemented my belief that consulting can be a powerful tool for driving systemic change, making it a defining moment in my career journey.

What skills or knowledge from the MGA program do you draw upon in your current position?

One of the most valuable skills I gained from the MGA program is the ability to analyze complex, cross-sector challenges with a systems-thinking approach. My coursework in economic development and global policy taught me to assess the interconnected factors driving systemic issues—a perspective that has been instrumental in consulting.

Additionally, the program’s focus on relationship-building and stakeholder engagement mirrors the client-facing nature of my current role. For example, working with diverse teams during the MGA program helped me develop a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics—an asset I draw upon while working on projects across Africa. The ability to bridge organizational and cultural gaps has been crucial in aligning client goals with practical, high-impact strategies.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering an MGA/MBA degree?

If you’re considering the MGA/MBA degree, my advice is simple: don’t overthink it—just go for it. The program offers an unparalleled combination of academic rigor and practical application, providing opportunities to explore a wide range of career paths.

At Notre Dame, you’ll benefit from the Keough School’s global focus and the Mendoza College of Business’s expertise in leadership and strategy, alongside access to a robust alumni network. Whether your goal is private-sector consulting, nonprofit leadership, or a career in government, the MGA/MBA program equips you with the tools to excel in any environment. Personally, the program gave me the confidence to navigate complex global challenges and the expertise to create meaningful impact. If you’re passionate about driving change at the intersection of business and global affairs, this program is an investment in your future.

Originally published by Renée LaReau at keough.nd.edu on December 06, 2024.