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Meet Robert Kuehn
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| What advice would you give to new graduates?
I would tell new graduates that finishing school is really just the start. In fact, I believe one of my key responsibilities is to keep learning and maintain a leading edge on insight and knowledge for my clients.
What attracted you to consulting, and why did you choose Booz Allen?
The notion of having a continuous stream of client challenges and the satisfaction of applying what I’ve learned to each new problem. I am also impressed by the dedication of our professionals – at all levels – to serve the needs of our clients and build a professional community.
How does your MBA degree help you in your work?
The most important lesson from MBA school was learning how to collaborate and reach consensus on solving problems with classmates who each thought they alone had the right answer.
How would you describe Booz Allen Hamilton?
It’s like going to an amusement park and having no idea how it all works in concert. There are a lot of really cool rides. Everyone is swarming around. It seems impossible to you that it is all working, but everyone comes together to add their expertise and special skills and everything works – and the results are wonderful.
What has been the biggest benefit of mentorship?
Investment in my professional development by senior executives in the firm has helped me broaden my competencies as a consultant, and learn to better champion the needs of the firm. One partner, Dave Humenansky, helped me understand the firm, our culture, and how we can best serve our clients. His mentorship has been invaluable.
If you could sum up Booz Allen in one word, what would that word be?
Fulfilling. I am intellectually fulfilled. I am learning new things all the time and applying them. What else can you ask of a consulting firm? I can see being here for a long time.
How do you successfully manage a healthy work/life balance?
Consistent communication. I just had a baby last month, so I make sure to communicate what I am able to do and what my limitations are. The firm is flexible and adaptable enough such that I can continue to contribute to the firm, our clients, and still support the needs of my family and new baby.
What music is currently loaded on your iPod?
I don’t have an iPod. All of my music is on my laptop. Why carry both?
What was the oddest job you had prior to consulting?
I once worked at an amusement park called Waldameer, on a walk-through attraction named the Pirate’s Cove . It had a large pirate standing on the roof, cheesy blacklighting and strobe lights, and “yo ho ho” music that would play endlessly, over and over again. As an aspiring consultant, I used to read books on the job. Once I was scolded over the loudspeaker for reading, “if the operator of the Pirates Cove does not stop reading, he will be replaced!” At least I didn’t have to wear a pirate costume or a puffy shirt! | 
