My Experience on the Sustainability Pro Bono Case Team

BY: SARAH SUN '29

At risk of sounding cliché or repetitive in light of other blog posts, I was, like many, entirely unknowledgeable about consulting at the start of my freshman year and wholly intimidated by the field. There was, however, more than my inexperience or general anxiety around comp holding me back when I opened the CBE application for the first time. As someone passionate about the humanities, I have been made more and more aware that there is an implicit narrative, the “sellout” narrative, that if you enter a sector that is more traditionally lucrative (finance, consulting, etc.), you are giving something up or betraying a more authentic or intellectual version of yourself. I wanted to feel like I was contributing something, either to myself or the world at large, through the activities I was doing.

I found that feeling through being part of CBE through its genuine commitment to sustainability and social impact, which I believe really differentiates it from other organizations. In addition to CBE’s sustainability grant, BPS scholarship, Arda Awards, and ventures competition, one of my favorite CBE initiatives is the sustainability pro bono case team, typically run in the fall semester. Alongside CBE’s regular case teams, the sustainability pro bono case focuses specifically on mission-driven, unpaid work in support of a local environmental organization.

Of course, it was difficult at times being on two case teams and adding extra casework to an already busy semester, but I felt there was something truly special about working on a case that is completely optional: all members of the case team are there because they want to be, and they have a shared passion for sustainability. The experience was heightened by our clients’ equally strong passion for their work and their genuine curiosity around the recommendations we provided. I recall many heartwarming moments when clients expressed their appreciation for our research, or when we joked together about putting branded stickers on our laptops and water bottles in solidarity with their cause. We formed such a close, productive connection that our client even asked us back the following semester to continue working with us on the initiative we had helped design.

The pro bono case also gave me an opportunity to interact closely with members of CBE I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten to know. Shoutout to the kindest and most supportive people: Oliver, my MD and the Director of Sustainability at the time, Gracelynne, my CTL, and Jen and Mariah, my associates, for creating an encouraging and collaborative environment. I loved all of our group outings (all-you-can-eat sushi, yum) and late-night gripes about executing double the standard number of slides, board reviews, and presentations. Even after the case ended, I would run into all of them around campus, catch up, and have remained extremely close. I have received countless pieces of advice that were totally CBE-unrelated, from choosing classes to college life, and I owe many good memories and good decisions to them.

Looking back, I realize what makes CBE unique is its community and positive impact; I believe the CBE extracurriculars combine both. If you find yourself in CBE, I really encourage you to look beyond the traditional case team experience and join some of the extracurriculars, including the pro bono case team. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and even knowing how demanding it could be at times, I would absolutely do it again.