Fairygodboss of the Week: Karoline Skatteboe

Fresh out of graduate school, Karoline Skatteboe is already making a name for herself. The GAMMA analytics associate at The Boston Consulting Group wanted to find a position that would allow her to learn and make an impact—and she certainly got what she asked for at BCG.

Originally from Norway, our Fairygodboss of the Week faced challenges moving to the United States on a track scholarship as she balanced adjusting to a new country, keep up with her athletics and schoolwork, and learning a new language. "Focusing on what is going your way rather than everything else was key, " she says.

GAMMA Analytics Associate, Boston Consulting Group

Boston, MA

I am a fresh graduate entering my eighth month at BCG. Prior to joining BCG I completed my master in Data Science at MIT, and before that, I got my undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Math, and Industrial Engineering at SMU in Dallas.

When I was deciding what to get my graduate degree in I was looking for a field that combined everything I love from all my areas of undergraduate studies. I spent two summers interning as a software developer but wanted to get closer to the application. And I love the ability to describe and evaluate how humans and the world works using number and quantitative methods. When I started looking for full-time positions I was looking for places where I would learn a lot, make an impact, and have a challenging workplace. I definitely got what I asked for with BCG GAMMA.

There are many things I am proud of. I am proud of getting my current position and everything I have accomplished in my short tenure in the professional world. I am also hugely proud of my athletic accomplishments, national championships, and national team appearances.

I am originally from Norway and moved to the United States for a track scholarship to do my undergraduate degree and be an athlete at the same time. It was incredibly challenging to move across the world, study in a new language, and have a new team and an entirely new training regime at all the same time.

I think for me focusing on the improvement and what is going your way rather than everything else was key.

My undergraduate advisor. She was the first woman I met who had a very successful tech career before joining academia. She was the one that pushed me to apply to MIT and is still a source of advice for me whenever I am facing a career decision.

I love to run and ran in college, so I try to get a run in every day. It is also a great way to catch up with friends.

I also love to read, cook, and travel. I try to listen to at least one audiobook a month, which is a great way to spend your commute. My New Year's resolution was to make a new recipe every week, which has also been a fun challenge so far.

Any early 2000s hit that throws me back to my early teens.

Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox.

I'm currently plowing my way through Ken Follet's millennial trilogy. I love books set in a historical setting so I can learn history while I am reading.

I am weak for running shoes—definitely have more than I need.

If I won the lottery I would definitely go for a summer house by the beach so I could look at the ocean.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. The worst thing that happens is you'll get a no, which is the default if you don't ask anyway.

Also, remember to be a little mindful every day. For me, trying to balance a heavy workload and a busy travel schedule while being able to squeeze in a run is key. This is my protected alone time where I can sort out my mind and feel at one with my surroundings. Some of my best ideas come to me while I am exercising.