Liana Pickrell ’19
What have you been up to since graduation?
After graduating in 2019, I moved to Chicago to start my career in consulting at Oliver Wyman. In 2021, I entered business school at the University of Michigan to broaden my business knowledge and gain skills in strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. I was able to have an in-person academic experience, made lifelong friends, and had the opportunity to travel to four continents and more than 10 countries! After earning my MBA, I returned home to California and moved to San Francisco, where I am working in brand management. Since relocating, I’ve hiked Half Dome, gotten in many ski days, and started volunteering at an animal shelter.
Who made an impact on your life at Northwestern?
Between Northwestern Community Development Corps (NCDC), Senior Week, Panhellenic Exec (PHA), and Dance Marathon, I spent most of my time outside the classroom in Norris, specifically the third floor at the NCDC office and in the SOURCE at Norris (shout out to Joe, Val, and Stacey). I credit my involvement in Northwestern student groups with giving me my foundation in learning how businesses run. As students, we had so much autonomy to run clubs, manage budgets, recruit our exec boards, sign vendor contracts, and navigate challenges that we’ll face in our lives and careers. I wouldn’t have done any of this without Alexandra Schnarre ’19 (yes, we are still best friends), as we served as copresidents of NCDC and Senior Week, and on PHA Exec together. I’m excited to have at least three trips back to Northwestern/Chicago planned already this year (shoutout to Erin, Jeannette, Michelle, and Sanji). Go ’Cats!