Darrick Loftus’ professional trajectory is a testament to the versatility and applicability of an economics degree. From his formative years at Purdue University to his current role at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Loftus has leveraged his education and experiences to navigate an evolving landscape of business and technology consulting.
A Florida native, Loftus initially had no plans to attend Purdue. “When the college search started, I applied everywhere — about 10 schools — but Purdue wasn’t originally on my list,” he says. It was his mother who suggested considering Purdue, and after being admitted to the business school and visiting the campus, Loftus made what he describes as his first grown-up decision. “I chose the more academically inclined of the two universities I was considering, and I think my family was very happy with that decision.”
His passion for economics was sparked in high school and solidified at Purdue. “Economics always drew me in,” Loftus says. “One of my favorite high school classes was an economics course, and at Purdue, the program felt well-rounded and applicable to many different fields.” This foundation played a critical role in shaping his analytical approach to problem-solving, an asset that has served him well in his consulting career.
At Purdue, Loftus found inspiration in specific courses that helped define his professional direction. “Econometrics led me toward consulting, giving me the technical skills I needed,” he says. “Behavioral economics was another game-changer. I didn’t even know it existed until I took the class, but it taught me how to set up experiments and present data effectively — something I use daily in my work.”
Graduating in 2016, his early career began at Accenture Federal Services, where he initially handled less strategic tasks. “At first, I was mostly learning and pulling data,” Loftus says. “But once I got good at that role, I was given the opportunity to build pricing models for our clients, helping with bid strategies. That was my first real chance to apply both econometrics and behavioral economics.”
Realizing the growing importance of data science and machine learning in consulting, Loftus decided to pursue an MBA at Georgia Tech. “I wanted to develop more technical skills, especially in coding, machine learning and data analytics,” he says. “Georgia Tech’s technology-focused environment was the perfect place to do that.”
After completing his MBA, Loftus joined Thought Logic Consulting, where he specialized in product management for technology products. His work focused on helping clients build and monetize revenue-generating tech solutions. More recently, he transitioned to Boston Consulting Group, where he works in IT strategy consulting.
“My role involves analyzing how businesses can solve problems through technology,” he says. “We assess current systems, identify gaps and find ways to reduce costs or improve efficiency — all with a focus on leveraging technology.”
Beyond his professional work, Loftus is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations, using his consulting expertise to help them optimize operations and fundraising. “A lot of great nonprofits get so mission-driven that they lose sight of big-picture sustainability,” he says. “I’ve helped organizations reimagine their boards of directors to improve fundraising and guided a clean-tech incubator in developing revenue models so they wouldn’t have to rely solely on philanthropy. Sustainability is key to long-term impact, and I enjoy helping organizations achieve that.”
Reflecting on his Purdue experience, Loftus emphasizes how the university’s rigorous curriculum prepared him for the real world. “I spoke with some of my fellow alumni at a recent Purdue event and we all agreed — the intensity of the School of Business programs set us up for success,” he says. “They didn’t let us skate by. We had to work hard, which built the resilience and problem-solving skills that have been invaluable in our careers.”
Loftus remains a strong advocate for the broad applicability of economics. “It’s not just about theories and formulas; it’s a way of thinking,” he says. “Economics teaches you to break down problems, frame them correctly, and develop data-driven solutions. Whether you’re in finance, consulting, technology or the nonprofit sector, that skill set is invaluable.”
