
Bloomberg was the most expensive data tool in our stack and the least used. At BCG, I designed and implemented a training system that helped researchers adopt Bloomberg despite severe access constraints. By embedding learning directly into live work, I achieved:
- **167% increase** in Bloomberg usage (1.5 → 4 FTEs)
- **25 minutes saved** per Bloomberg task
- **37% reduction** in client cost on Bloomberg-based work
- **Second terminal approved** due to increased demand
- **100% positive feedback** across 13 participants over two years
Together, these changes turned Bloomberg from a sunk cost into a reliable part of the research workflow. For my work on this project, I received the _Business Builder_ award for operational impact.
### The Problem
Bloomberg was underutilized across research teams. Despite its depth and cost, researchers defaulted to cheaper, familiar databases. The goal was simple: **Increase Bloomberg usage without disrupting client work or adding licenses.**
I started by interviewing researchers across practice areas to understand barriers. Patterns emerged quickly:
- Intimidating interface
- Limited understanding of Bloomberg’s strengths
- Strong habits built around alternate tools
- Friction caused by single-terminal access
### Constraints
- Only one Bloomberg terminal in the office
- Client work always took priority
- Learners needed hands-on practice to build confidence
- No room for traditional classroom training
### Design Decisions
These constraints shaped the following **key design decisions**:
- Replaced scheduled training with task-triggered learning
- Prioritized high-frequency workflows over full feature coverage
- Redesigned my own work schedule to unblock development under terminal constraints
Learners watched short, focused videos (5–8 minutes) mapped directly to real Bloomberg workflows, and learning activated _only when a task required Bloomberg_. After watching a video, they immediately executed the task on the terminal. I reviewed all initial outputs to maintain quality and mitigate delivery risk.
This allowed learning to happen without competing with billable work. I prioritized workflows that accounted for ~80% of Bloomberg value. Training materials included:
- Task-based video walkthroughs
- Comparative guides showing when Bloomberg outperformed other tools
- Troubleshooting documentation and escalation paths
- Lightweight job aids for on-the-job reference
The pilot launched with six researchers across key practice areas. I provided direct feedback on all early work. Over time, trained researchers supported new hires, making the system self-sustaining.
The system continues to onboard new researchers without additional licenses or formal training time.