Forum Patel, a junior majoring in Computer Science & Business at Lehigh University, thought she was interested in consulting, especially tech consulting. Like a lot of students, she knew the buzzwords: travel, big clients, problem-solving, long hours.
What she didn't know was what consultants actually do.
Enter Forté’s Career Ready Certificate.
Through the Career Ready Certificate, Forum explored both consulting and technology career paths and got a clearer picture of what the work actually looks like day to day.
She learned that standing out has less to do with having the perfect resume and more to do with asking better questions, having stronger conversations, and showing people how you think.”
“The consulting content explained how the work actually happens from structuring problems to analyzing data and presenting recommendations,” she said. “Then, transitioning into the technology unit showed how those same skills translate into more technical, data-driven environments.”
And through the Career Ready Certificate, Forum learned as much about getting a job as she did about consulting and technology career paths. She learned that standing out has less to do with having the perfect resume and more to do with asking better questions, having stronger conversations, and showing people how you think.
That lesson became crystal clear in one Career Ready Certificate section focused on informational interviews and networking. It completely changed the way Forum thinks about conversations with recruiters.
She realized that recruiters hear the same questions over and over again: What roles are open? When are deadlines? What majors do you hire?
The Career Ready Certificate encourages students to ask the kinds of questions you can't Google. One example that stuck with her was: “What did you do at work yesterday, and how does that actually impact your organization?”
“I focus more on asking thoughtful, specific questions so the conversation feels more real,” she said. “I’m not just another student they forget five minutes later, but someone they actually remember.”
That shift in mindset has stayed with her far beyond career fairs and employer conversations. Being more intentional about how she communicates, asks questions, and shows up has shaped the way she approaches leadership opportunities, campus involvement, and team projects.
[The Career Ready Certificate] gave me the confidence to take initiative and step into opportunities instead of waiting for them.”
Forum was recently recognized by Lehigh University with the Luminary Award, which honors people making meaningful contributions to gender equity and inclusion. She was nominated by multiple faculty and staff members for her work around leadership, empowerment, and creating more inclusive environments.
“Being recognized by my community in that way reinforced the kind of leader I want to be,” she said. “Someone who not only drives results but also creates inclusive and supportive environments.”
Forum believes the Career Ready Certificate played a major role in helping her develop that mindset.
“The program helped me become much more intentional in how I show up, especially in how I communicate, ask questions, and engage with others,” she said. “It gave me the confidence to take initiative and step into opportunities instead of waiting for them.”
Now, as she prepares for her summer internship at PwC in New York City, Forum says one of the biggest lessons she's taking with her is getting more comfortable with ambiguity.
Instead of waiting until she has everything figured out, she's more willing to take a first pass, share her thinking, and learn as she goes.
“I didn’t realize before how much the small things matter,” she said. “The kinds of questions you ask, how you follow up, and how you show up in conversations can leave a strong impression, especially early in your career.”
