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2013/14

the official graduate career guide to

ManageMent ConsultanCy 2013/14

graduate jobs l internships & placements l career advicewww.insidecareers.co.uk/mancon

What’s InsIde

all about the professionNEW Internship profiles

Graduate & senior profilessalaries & career paths

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yourconsulting career

starts here

yourconsulting career

starts here

‘All the information you need to start your management consultancy career.’

Alan Leaman, Chief Executive,Management Consultancies Association

‘The essential guide for anyone looking to become a professional consultant.’

Sandra Pollock, Manager, Institute of Consulting

The consultancy application process54Types of consultancies50Routes into consultancy48

Senior Consultant – PwC44Director – EY42Chief Executive – iMPOWER Consulting40Consulting Director – Challenge Consulting38

Associate – BCG34Associate – L.E.K. Consulting32Senior Consultant – Oliver Wyman30Associate – Marakon28

24 Business Analyst – McKinsey & CompanyResearch Officer – NERA Economic Consulting22

18 Frequently asked questions1612 Salaries & benefits

What is management consultancy?10

Introduction from the MCA07

ContentsIntroduction from the Institute of Consulting06

Consultancy work experience62The consultancy interview process60Consultancy assessments56

The future of the profession

About the Young MCA72About the MCA70Professional consultancy qualifications67About the Institute of Consulting66

The profession

graduaTe profiles

senior profiles

finding The righT job

inTernship profiles

The insTiTuTe & qualificaTions

reference Table

employer direcTory

VisiT our websiTe

For more advice, live jobs, internships, consultancy forums, industry news and updates

PublisherCambridge Market Intelligence LtdThe Quadrangle49 Atalanta StreetLondon SW6 6TUT: 020 7565 7900www.insidecareers.co.uk

EditorialLaura McFarlane Emma ManingtonMichael Hennessy

Associate PublishersInstitute of Consulting4th Floor, 2 Savoy CourtStrand, London WC2R 0EZT: 020 7497 0580www.iconsulting.org.uk

Management Consultancies Association5th Floor, 36-38 CornhillLondon EC3V 3NGT: 020 7321 3990www.mca.org.uk

AcknowledgmentsWe are indebted to Institute of Consulting and Management Consultancies Association for their support, in particular to Patrick Woodman, Kevin Kear and Consola Evans for their help throughout the preparation of the guide and for reviewing the text for balance and accuracy.

ISBN 978-1-86213-179-8Printed and bound in the UK by Cambrian Printers, Aberystwyth

DesignEmma ManingtonBandbox DesignAscend Creative Ltd

Copyright in individual articles © 2013 the authors, who have asserted their right to be identified as the author under s.7 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The compilation © 2013 Cambridge Market Intelligence Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication can be accepted by the publisher or authors.

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MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

06

IntroductIon

For many consultants and practices the past 12 months have been extremely difficult. As the economic climate has remained unpredictable and tempestuous, all businesses and sectors are struggling to adapt to the new circumstances they are operating in. And yet, despite these tough trading conditions, the fee income generated by management consultancies has shown a growth.

So, what is it that makes people want to join the consulting industry, what are the key skills that are needed in order to succeed and how can membership of a professional body help you in your career?

Everyone has different motivations for working in the consulting industry. Some experienced managers are attracted by the prospect of running their own business or a fresh challenge. For others it is the opportunity to work across a variety of sectors and experience a range of challenging assignments or tackle and solve clients’ business problems.

But, whatever your reasons, the elements of the role will be very similar. As a consultant you will be providing external advice for organisations that require specialist expertise or an objective external perspective on their business. You will be identifying and assessing a problem or analysing a specific area of an organisation, reporting the findings and formulating recommendations for improvement.

Becoming a consultant opens up a variety of job opportunities and career routes. Consultants may be employed in a consultancy practice which is both large and diverse. Many work in small practices, as members of in-house consulting divisions or in informal networks of associates and some work as sole traders. The breadth and depth of skills that consultants offer puts them in a unique position in terms of the services they can provide.

Whether they are known as a business adviser, business consultant or management consultant one key thing that binds the members of the profession together is a commitment to high professional standards and the provision of high quality, value-added services to their clients. That is where the Institute of Consulting has a crucial role to play. We represent some 5,500 advisers and consultants in the UK. Our combination of a community feel and hard edged commercial realism is what makes us unique. We stand up for the profession of consulting, we support consultants as they go about their daily business and we enable them to differentiate themselves from the competition.

And, as an organisation within the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), all Institute of Consulting members benefit from the strengthened relationship, the shared aims and the key underlying purpose of improving business performance and UK plc. This strategic alliance means all Institute of Consulting members have access to all the benefits that the 100,000 Member Community at the CMI do. The presence, influence and visibility of the Institute of Consulting has also increased ensuring that membership of Institute of Consulting becomes a ‘need-to-have’ rather than a ‘nice-to-have’.

With so many sources of information available, this guide provides a great resource for any aspiring consultant. It brings together a vast array of information to help you make an informed decision about your career.

By choosing to become a consultant you will be joining an exciting industry which will challenge you, excite you and reward you. I wish you every success for the future.

Sandra Pollock is passionate about providing first rate careers services and is pleased to introduce the Inside Careers Guide to Management Consultancy. Here, she reflects on the variety of opportunities available to those considering a career as a business consultant.

Institute of Consulting: Introduction

Sandra Pollock CMgr FCMI MC is an Institute of Consulting Manager.

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IntroductIon

Starting your career as a management consultant provides the opportunity to not only make a difference in some of the world’s biggest industries, it also provides you with challenging and engaging work that will allow you to explore your passions and test your skills in a rewarding, fast-paced and project oriented marketplace.

Whether it is working in retail, mining, oil and gas, or media and entertainment (or a bit of all of them!) you will gain experience and training that will allow you to grow and build your capabilities in a dynamic environment.

You may work in innovation and creative, new digital programmes or help organisations make complex organisational and financial transformations to their business or their supply chain. The varied work both here in the UK and around the world attracts some of the most talented people and helps the UK consulting industry to be a world leader.

If you are thinking about getting 2-3 years’ experience before going into industry (as many of us thought when we started) or find yourself, like me, in the industry for 20

or more years – the MCA is here to support consultants throughout their career and celebrates the impact that both member firms and individuals make as they progress through their careers.

So ask yourself if you will enjoy working with clients and colleagues to make some of the most challenging business programmes come to fruition, are curious to explore new ideas and ways of making an impact, and can turn that into real business outcomes.

The industry looks for people that have a passion for making a difference for our clients and our communities, have good analytical and creative capabilities to look at problems in new ways and can unlock the opportunities and values aligned to our firm’s core principles – focused on supporting clients to fulfil their potential.

Whether you are looking at big consultancies or specialised smaller practices you will find an engaging and diverse population of professionals that come together to drive impressive outcomes for the UK and world economies.

I hope you find this guide helpful in navigating your way through the choices and opportunities you have as you think about a career in management consultancy. The skills you develop at this stage of your career will be essential and invaluable as you continue to develop your potential as a business person in the field.

www.insidecareers.co.uk/mancon

The Management Consultancies Association (MCA) is the representative body for management consultancy firms in the UK and partner of Inside Careers. Aimie Chapple, the current MCA President, explains what makes consultancy such a diverse industry and what it takes to make a good consultant.

MCA: Introduction

Aimie Chapple is the MCA President 2013/14 and Managing Director – Client Innovation Lead at Accenture

You will gain experience and training that will

allow you to grow and build your capabilities in a dynamic environment.

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The Profession

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10

FREquENTLy ASKEd quESTIONS

THE FuTuRE OF THE PROFESSION

Don LeslieSALARIES & BENEFITS

wHAT IS mANAGEmENT CONSuLTANCy?

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tHE ProFESSIon

A management consultant provides external advice for organisations that require specialist expertise or an objective outside perspective on their business. Consultancy usually involves the identification and assessment of a problem or the analysis of a specific area of an organisation, the reporting of findings and the formulation of recommendations for improvement. Consultants are commonly called in for business improvement, change of management, information technology and long-term planning projects.

Setting up as an independent consultant is a popular career option for experienced managers or professionals who are looking for a fresh challenge. They are attracted by the prospect of running their own business or are seeking a second career or alternative employment after redundancy.

Consultancy can offer the choice of varied assignments, the ability to choose interesting work and the flexibility (within limits) of deciding when and where to work.

At the same time, independent consultants may miss the security of a regular income and a company benefits package, suffer isolation and reduced job security or face difficulties in maintaining work/life balance. These issues should be considered carefully before starting out on your own.

wHAT IS THE RANGE OF A mANAGEmENT CONSuLTANT’S wORK?Management consultants by their very nature are specialists because of the wide variety of management activities. The specialisms have been divided by the Institute of Consulting into the following areas of consulting activity:

Business strategy This involves long-range planning, the reorganisation of a company’s structure, rationalisation of services and products and a general business appraisal of the company.

Manufacturing and business servicesThis involves a review of the layout of a production department, production control arrangements, productivity and incentive schemes or quality control problems.

Financial and management controls This can include the installation of budgetary control systems, profit planning or capital and revenue budgeting, office reorganisation and administrative arrangements.

Human resources Working as a HR consultant involves advising on personnel policy, manpower planning, job enrichment, job evaluation and industrial relations.

Marketing This involves market research and business

Management consultancy is a varied profession, with projects and clients changing constantly. This can be the beauty but also the challenge of this industry. This first chapter outlines what management consultancy is, what the future of the profession looks like as well as what you could earn.

what isMAnAgeMent ConsultAnCy?

A definition of management consultancy from the Institute of Consulting

‘The provision to management of objective advice and assistance relating to the strategy, structure, management and operations of an organisation in pursuit of its long-term purposes and objectives. Such assistance may include the identification of options with recommendations; the provision of an additional resource; and/or the implementation of solutions.’

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wHat IS managEmEnt conSultancy?

forecasting, sales force training and the organisation of retail and wholesale outlets.

Environmental management This includes urban and regional development planning, international economic research, cost benefit and social analysis studies and physical, economic, ecological and sociological studies for the encouragement of quality of lifestyle.

Quality management The setting of policy and strategy, this involves customer satisfaction, performance measurement, people management and processes.

Information technology An IT consultant’s work can involve defining information needs, the provision of software, systems analysis and design, computer feasibility studies, implementing computer applications and making computer hardware evaluations.

In essence, a consultant’s job is to advise a company on improvements that could be made to its business. However, the range of work in consultancy is extremely varied and consultants can be found in almost any business sector. The variety of work available ensures that a career in consultancy provides diverse and interesting opportunities to any hardworking graduate.

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tHE ProFESSIon

The consultancy industry is growing again. Despite the uncertain economic outlook, management consultancies find themselves busier than at any time in recent years. The increased demand for consulting services means a corresponding increase in the number of consultants, particularly at entry level. Competition amongst the firms to recruit the best graduates is fierce, and this is reflected in the financial rewards offered by the industry.

THE EFFECT ON SALARIESConsultancies know that the main competition for attracting the best graduates is the investment banking sector. But because that sector is sluggish at the moment, more graduates are choosing consultancy as their preferred career. The demand for places far outstrips the relatively scarce supply of openings. This translates into salaries which have improved from previous years. At undergraduate level, the consulting arms of the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC) are all competing with each other and the top tier strategy houses (McKinsey, BCG and Bain) for top ranking students. If you are already in employment elsewhere, firms will pay a small premium over your current salary if they want to secure you. Experienced consultants find themselves more in demand than in the recent past, although salary increases available to switch firms are still lower in comparison with earlier years.

SALARy STRuCTuRES ANd BENEFITSWe take a look at some of the salaries which can be achieved whilst working within management consultancy. These figures are drawn from employed consultants (no self-employed consultants are surveyed) who work

in firms of all sizes, sectors and functional areas. The common thread is that they are working in or around London, the nexus of the consulting industry in the UK. Salaries in the rest of the country are 6-12% lower.

Analyst: £32,000These are roles for new graduates, or those with up to two years’ postgraduate work experience. At larger firms, the competition to hire has led to ‘little extras’ such as: sign-on bonuses of £2,500 or interest-free loans of £7,500, iPhones and iPads, gym memberships and personal development study support. Consultant: £50,000Consultants at this grade typically have around three years’ experience in consulting, or are fresh recruits into consulting but with a recently obtained professional qualification or comparable level of competence, e.g. ACA, CIPD, blue-chip company training programme graduate.

Senior Consultant: £60,000At this level the backgrounds of consultants start

Management consultancy salaries are comparable to some of the best paid jobs in the country. Starting salaries may vary but often increase rapidly with additional benefits also available. This article looks at what you could expect but why variations also exist.

what can I earn?sAlArIes & benefIts

Competition amongst the firms to recruit the best

graduates is fierce, and this is reflected in the financial

rewards offered by the industry.

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www.insidecareers.co.uk/mancon

SalarIES & bEnEFItS

to diverge. These can include mid-tier strategy house/boutique consultants with two to three years’ experience; average performers with four to six years’ experience at a systems integrator or a full-service consultancy and some work stream responsibility; or newly-minted MBAs entering consulting for the first time.

Manager: £75,000Here consultants could be: more experienced (five to seven years) delivery consultants; fast-track, straight from industry candidates; and top business school MBAs joining strategy houses. At manager level and with sales/business development responsibilities, the range extends to £90,000.

Principal: £95,000These tend to be consultants with eight plus years’ experience in the full-service consultancies, or engagement managers/project leaders in boutiques. 60% of consultants working at this level are involved in sales.

Director: £130,000Again, this salary band includes consultants as different as strategy consultants with three to five years’ experience and old hands with 10–15 years’ at a more traditional consultancy, or those with senior project management/programme management responsibilities.

Equity Director/Salaried Partner: £200,000These experienced consultants range from those with seven plus years at a boutique to 15 plus years in general consulting.

OTHER BENEFITSFew firms provide a car below manager grades. All offer a cash alternative to a vehicle, typically worth £6,000-£10,000 per annum. The bigger consultancies offer comprehensive benefits packages, with ‘cafeteria’ or ‘pick ‘n’ mix’ benefits policies (choosing between a higher salary or a longer list of benefits) common. most final salary pension schemes have been closed.

Smaller independent firms do not tend to offer extras such as private health schemes and gym memberships, and some are only now starting to contribute to stakeholder pensions. The overall package offered should

be scrutinised carefully, as comparisons based on salary only can be misleading.

At the large operational consultancies bonuses and profit shares tend to be less generous (7-15%) than those offered by the strategy and boutique firms (25-40%). Signing-on bonuses are still rare. The large partnerships are secretive about partner earnings but press reports indicate that senior partners enjoy packages in excess of £1 million.

Partner/director packages in niche firms vary enormously, with some earning the equivalent of an average footballer in the lower reaches of the Championship, and others who would be better off as Senior Managers or Principals in larger firms. These niche firms traditionally find it hardest to retain their experienced consultants and so bonuses can be as high as 50% of salary.

SALARy dIFFERENCES ExPLAINEdSalaries are banded and the bands overlap to take account of the level of remuneration necessary to attract and retain the high fliers on their way up and experienced specialists who are approaching the summit of their careers. ‘Up or out’ promotion policies which are common in strategy houses are less so in other firms, although clearouts of less profitable directors and partners in these firms are not unusual during tougher economic times. Consultancies recognise that experienced consultants who do not aspire

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tHE ProFESSIon

to the highest levels are worth retaining. whereas firms still claim to recruit only potential Partner/Director material, there is still a high turnover of consultants who see a three to five year spell as a means to widening their business exposure. It is these consultants who straddle the mid-range of the salary bands at all levels up to Manager.

The industry sector background of consultants, or their functional specialisation, also has a bearing on salary. This is commonly seen at the large operational firms and independents, rather less so at strategy firms or niche operations. Industry sectors that offer high levels of remuneration – pharmaceuticals, financial services and media – are serviced by consultants who have themselves usually worked in those sectors. Consequently, consultants hired from these industries can command a premium over their consultant peer group. Those at the lower end of the salary bands tend to have come from the public sector, manufacturing, or retail.

Salaries are also influenced by billings. Consultants are expected to bill fees of around 3-5 times their annual salaries. Therefore, consultants who work in sectors where high profits can support high fees fare rather better

than their colleagues who work in areas where fees reflect the lower profits of their sector.

The relationship between salary and billings becomes increasingly important the further up the ladder consultants rise. At manager level and above, the ability to win work is crucial. More and more time (typically 25–40%) is spent cultivating clients, writing proposals and participating in beauty parades (where a client chooses a consulting firm after seeing a number of presentations). It is very difficult to rise beyond this level if such business skills are lacking.

No one should be attracted to consultancy purely for the financial rewards. Although remuneration at Partner/Director level is comparable with the very best in other professions, there are many downsides. Job security has become poorer in recent years. Despite more attention being paid to the work/life balance, consultants still work long hours and not just Monday to Friday. As much of the work is carried out at client sites, frequent travel is common and a willingness to stay away from home for at least half the year is essential. Some firms ask new joiners to commit to 100% travel.

Yet consultants who choose this lifestyle do so because they enjoy the variety of work on offer, the opportunities to continue personal and professional development and the range of career openings available when they wish to leave. Those who hold a post with a well-established consulting organisation and those who choose to enter the profession over the next few years, can still look forward to a well-remunerated future.

Don Leslie works at Beament Leslie Thomas (BLT) www.blt.co.uk, a leading management consultancy recruitment consultancy. The firm is the most highly ranked recruiter in the Top Consultant reader polls for best management consultancy recruitment firm. Don himself was voted Best Individual Recruiter in 2013.

No one should be attracted to consultancy purely for

the financial rewards.

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16

tHE ProFESSIon

In a time of slow economic growth, MCA consultancies are showing that they know how to adapt to the new economic climate and its uncertain conditions. This helps to explain the industry’s success at a time when many other industries are not growing.

Although the amount of fee income that management consulting firms earn has grown every year since 2009, the industry only regained its 2007 fee income levels in 2012. This shows that there is still a way to go until the industry has completely recovered from the recession.

The industries that have used management consultancy the most in the past year are financial services (banking, insurance) and the public sector (central and local government) with construction and transport and retail growing the most rapidly.

Financial servicesLooking at the past year, most of the growth in the uK economy has come from financial services. In the short term this is a positive benefit to management consulting because the financial services has historically been the source of a high percentage of fee income for consulting firms. In the long term the industry will need to find other openings so that it doesn’t rely on financial services so heavily.

Research collected by the MCA suggests that new openings could come from adapting to customer demands and new technology. For example, using technology to remotely monitor health care or using social media to engage better with customers.

RetailRetail has been a real source of growth for the consulting industry. This may seem surprising considering the depressed outlook of many UK high streets. But behind the scenes, shops on the high street are changing and adapting the way they work to suit their customers’ preference to shop online.

For the retail sector to make a success of easy and accessible online shopping for its customers, high quality IT support is really important. Consultants are able to offer advice on issues, for example how to redesign the way a business is run, how to manage a large property portfolio or how to implement a new IT system.

MCA consultancies expect the growth in service industries (including retail) to increase significantly in 2013 so the growth in the retail sector will be an interesting development to monitor.

The recession hit the UK hard. The economy has not fully recovered and companies are limiting their spending to ensure they stay afloat. using the data from its Industry Insight Centre, the MCA look at what this means for the future of the consulting industry.

the future of the ProfessIon

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www.insidecareers.co.uk/mancon

tHE FuturE oF tHE ProFESSIon

Supply chain managementSupply chain management (organising how goods are delivered from one place to another) continues to be a real problem in many industries. The horse meat scandal was a very public example of the risks associated with global supply chains, where producers are responsible for the end product and everything that has gone into it.

quality of service and products is firmly back on the agenda for management consultants. There are still great opportunities to offer good advice on how to manage supply chains both internationally and in the UK.

Challenges and opportunities for the sector The MCA surveyed its members in 2012 to determine what the risks to growth in 2013 were. One of the main risks identified was weak economic growth in the Eurozone and political uncertainty across the EU. This is a risk for the consulting industry because clients want more work but at a cheaper rate.

As growth in the Eurozone has not picked up and the UK has not completely recovered from the recession, this had led many consulting firms to find work in other countries. Emerging economies are continuing to expand and UK based multinationals are often using UK based consultants to undertake work in their overseas operations.

Another important challenge for 2013 is helping the public sector to do more with less. Since the change of government in 2010, the public sector has spent a very limited amount on consultants. This is because its budgets have been dramatically cut.

The good news is that spending is now starting to increase, but it is nowhere near the levels for the pre-2010 period. However the public sector has recognised that it can benefit from high quality external advice and support in order to maintain and/or improve the services offered to the public.

The clear story to emerge from analysis of how the industry performed in 2012 is that any financial collapse in the public sector or financial services will have a negative effect on management consultancy because more than half of all revenue across the industry comes from these two industries. This is also an opportunity for consultancies; they know both of these sectors incredibly well and it is a chance to respond creatively to changing demands from their clients.

What does this mean for graduates entering the profession?Overall, clients want more for less. For MCA consultancies, they have helped their employees to adapt to the needs of their clients which has helped to keep the industry growing.

For graduates the key message is to be enthusiastic about new opportunities and ways of working and be open to getting new skills sets. Management consultancy is a vibrant industry and benefits from the knowledge and creativity of graduates.

The current economic climate continues to offer up challenges and problems that require expertise and insight to tackle them, and management consultancy is where many of the solutions lie.

The MCA’s Industry Insight Centre (IIC) provides authoritative data, easy-access insights and interviews with key players in the UK consulting industry.

There is still a way to go until the industry has

completely recovered from the recession.

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tHE ProFESSIon

Do I need a degree and if so, in which subject area?The vast majority of individuals who enter consultancy are graduates. They come from all disciplines – it is not necessary to have a business-related degree. It is advisable to take subjects that you will enjoy and at which you excel, as grades are the most important factor to firms. we recommend that students have at least 220 UCAS tariff points and a minimum 2:1 degree (in reality firms often ask for more).

whatever qualifications you have, employers will be looking for a strong academic record, for example with A levels we recommend at least three Cs and all candidates will need Maths and English GCSEs with an A or B grade.

What are employers looking for?Obviously they will want to make sure that candidates meet their entry requirements. However, students will also need to display a wide range of personal qualities. A would-be management consultant must possess the following traits:• Integrity: your clients’ needs come first. • An analytical mind: every problem must

have a solution.• Clarity of expression: both verbally and

in writing. • Empathy: the ability to recognise another

person’s point of view, although not necessarily agreeing with it.

Should I train with a small, medium or large firm?The choice is down to personal preference. A good indicator is how comfortable you feel during the interview. In larger firms, graduates tend to be placed within particular business sectors, whereas in smaller firms they would gain more general practice experience. Do

as much research as possible into what a firm does and what career options it offers. Talk to the firms you are interested in and to people who have worked with them. There are several good sources of information on a career in consultancy, such as the Institute of Consulting website www.iconsulting.org.uk and the MCA website www.mca.org.uk.

When should I apply?Although there is no fixed recruitment period, organisations generally have vacancies in the summer after exams. Some also take on trainees early in the new year. Check with your campus careers service for details of who is visiting your university and when. Once you have decided to whom you wish to apply, write to them as soon as possible. The first term of your final undergraduate year is the right time.

What happens after I join?On joining a firm of management consultants, the new entrant will normally receive several months of induction and training whilst also

We take a look at some of your questions about the profession to help you understand where you stand and where to focus your job search.

frequently asked questIons

Although there is no fixed recruitment period, organisations generally have vacancies in the summer after exams.

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FaQS

being under the guidance of an experienced consultant. During the induction and training period, the diagnostic skills of the trainee consultant are developed and the professional standards of their firms are impressed on their mind. Particular attention is drawn to the writing of clear considered English and the ability to present thoughts and ideas verbally to clients. In addition, the opportunity will be taken to provide additional training to fill any gaps in knowledge and experience.

Although no organisational framework is common to all consultancies, most have established a formal career structure for their staff: a consultant progressing to responsibility for the detailed day to day conduct of an assignment and later the team leader in a multidisciplined assignment.

How much can I expect to earn?Your starting salary will vary according to where, and for whom, you’re working. Your salary will match your increasing responsibility. The average starting salary for junior consultants is around £28-30,000.

How do I find courses leading to qualifications in consultancy?The Institute of Consulting offers two consultancy qualifications – a certificate for those considering, or new to, management consultancy and a diploma for those with more experience. Please check out the website www.iconsulting.org.uk for course providers. The Institute of Consulting has also developed a series of short practical training courses for individuals interested in getting into consultancy or further developing their competence as a consultant. Contact their graduate support service on 01536 207480.

What networking opportunities are there? Joining a professional organisation, or institute, is one of the best ways of finding out about networking opportunities – where you will meet like-minded individuals and potential employers alike. The Institute of Consulting carries a full listing of events running throughout the UK that include regional and expert groups and the MCA have a network for consultants in the first five years of their career called the Young MCA.

More questions?

Find the answers in our

employer Q&As:

www.insidecareers.co.uk/

mancon

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Internship Profiles

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McKinsey & Company

NERA Economic ConsultingRESEARCH OFFICER

BuSINESS ANALyST24

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NAmELOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREE

Victoria YungSouthampton Oxford Mathematics

IntErnSHIP ProFIlES

Why did you choose to do an internship?I had previously done two internships with different employers, during my undergraduate degree and immediately afterwards. Although I learnt a lot, I wanted to find a career I was better suited to which made use of my knowledge of microeconomics. I felt an internship with NERA was a great way to try a possible career and work with experts in the field of economics.

I chose NERA because of its strong reputation in the field of economic consulting, its global brand, and its location in London.

How did it tie in with your overall career plans?I wanted a career in which I could make use of the tools and concepts of microeconomics, having studied them extensively at university. I was considering continuing my studies to PhD level, but I was also interested in jobs where I could use a similar skillset. I therefore decided

that economic consulting was a good fit, as it combined some of the aspects of business I enjoyed (such as working in teams on a variety of different projects), with the subject I was interested in.

What was the application process like?The application had an academic focus. I sat an economics test based around logical reasoning, microeconomic concepts, and econometric techniques. Having passed the test, I was invited for face to face interviews with NERA staff. During these interviews, I was introduced to concepts I was familiar with in new settings and asked to tease out their implications.

What were your main duties?My main duties were research and data analysis. There was very little differentiating me from full time staff, except my junior status, so my job was to supply my team with the research they needed for projects. For example, I read some academic literature on monopoly regulation in order to inform a presentation my director was due to give, and consulted recently published EU Directives to understand the stipulations placed on firms in the energy sector.

My role also included a significant amount of work with data, in Excel and statistical programmes like Stata. One achievement that I was proud of during my internship was building a simplified model of the cost of generating electricity, which was later passed on to our client to inform their investment decisions.

MATTHEW MAIR

LOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREEPLACEmENT TyPE

London University of Oxford MPhil Economics Energy Team Internship

research officer nerA economic Consulting

There was very little differentiating me from full time staff, except my

junior status.

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What were the most important things you learnt from the internship?1. Firstly, I learnt a lot about applying

economics to the real world. This greatly informed my studies when I returned to university. I was able to combine my new knowledge of the workings of electricity markets with my interest in auction theory when writing my thesis.

2. Secondly, I improved my practical computing skills, which allowed me to work with data far more efficiently. This inspired me to take classes in basic computer programming when I returned to university – I wish I had done so much sooner!

3. Finally, I learnt that I enjoyed the collegiate and challenging intellectual atmosphere at NERA. I decided that I preferred this to the solitary style of research conducted in academia, and applied to return full-time.

Do you have any advice for someone seeking an internship?My advice to anyone seeking an internship is to have an open mind about which practice area you ultimately work in. NERA offers the opportunity to get a real feel for applied

economics, and the chance to work with experts in the industry. This can improve your knowledge for your return to university, and for your future.

I would also advise prospective interns to think about how your academic work can offer something original to the firm. NERA places a high premium on original thinking and if, in the course of your studies, you have used a new technique or have read the most recent literature on a topic then this can be a valuable contribution.

I learnt a lot about applying economics

to the real world. This greatly informed my

studies when I returned to university.

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NAmELOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREE

Victoria YungSouthampton Oxford Mathematics

IntErnSHIP ProFIlES

I had never imagined working in strategy consulting. Growing up, I was passionate about wildlife, nature conservation and development economics. I had read some of McKinsey’s research in my previous internship in the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests, so when a friend of mine decided to apply for the McKinsey summer internship I thought I would investigate further.

I read about the interesting work that the Sustainability and Resource Productivity (SRP) practice at McKinsey do and spoke with a friend of mine who is a consultant at McKinsey.

Applying for an internship made a lot of sense for me, because it would give me an opportunity to try out an industry I would not have otherwise applied to for a full-time job.

The length of the two-month internship was perfect: long enough for me to get involved and see if I wanted to do this for a significant period of time, but short enough for me to still have a 45 day summer break!

Initially I assumed that the most exciting part of my summer would be the opportunity to work for large organisations and help them with their biggest problems, but what really defined my internship were the people I worked with.

Before I joined I met up with my formal mentor Martin – a junior partner. His role was to help me understand the firm, evaluate me

over the summer and make sure that I had a valuable and realistic experience.

martin is a young Norwegian who studied public policy and international development and does most of his work at McKinsey on infrastructure and the extractive industry in Africa. He was passionate about development, and passionate about helping the best parts of business and development mix.

Martin helped and advised me throughout my internship – connecting me with interesting people within the firm who I could meet and speak with, and helping me understand my role.

Despite being incredibly busy, he took me out for coffee several times to chat about my concerns and help me understand areas where I could improve and always replied to my emails almost instantly. The individual attention and emphasis on helping me grow and develop was not at all what I expected, and was a recurring feature within the firm.

Over my eight weeks, I worked for a professional services company, helping them understand whether they should develop a new service line and with a large consumer electronics company, helping it define its sales and marketing strategy in Europe. On both projects I was in a team with just two other consultants. The work was exciting and challenging.

On my first client study I was responsible for building a financial model that would predict

AGASTYA

LOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREEPLACEmENT TyPE

London University of Cambridge Economics & GeographySummer Internship

business Analyst McKinsey & Company

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buSInESS analySt

the revenue and profit of a hypothetical division within the professional service firm.

This involved making a lot of assumptions, and contacting experts from within McKinsey and our client organisation to help me make these assumptions. It also involved building my first ever Excel model – with a lot of help from Rob, another consultant on my team.

I frequently participated in team problem solving sessions, where we sat around a white board and structured the work we should be doing, the questions we were trying to answer and discussed our hypotheses and ideas so far. My opinion was given weight within the team, and the hierarchy dissolved during these problem solving sessions, even when a partner was involved.

My second project was similar, except this time I was in charge of understanding the relative attractiveness of different countries – in terms of both macroeconomic indicators and forecasts as well as consumer electric and electronics spends. The real responsibility I was given on both teams, as well as the expectation that I would produce something that would be a part of our recommendations was surprising and exciting.

Of course I would not have been able to produce much without the outstanding support I received at every stage. An important criterion on which McKinsey

consultants – whether junior or senior – are evaluated is how they help others to develop.

Within McKinsey’s culture helping other consultants to grow is considered crucial. I was coached, and when I learned slowly, I was coached again.

The support system in McKinsey reminded me somewhat of my junior school, in the best possible way. I was constantly supported by very intelligent people – with a high IQ and equally a high emotional intelligence.

Constructive feedback and encouragement was a continuous part of my time in McKinsey. The experience, both of the work I did, how much I grew, but mainly of the people I was able to work with, was amazing. I would encourage others to apply – even if they initially believe that their career path may lie elsewhere.

The expectation that I would produce

something that would be a part of our

recommendations was surprising and exciting.

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graduate Profiles

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BCGASSOCIATE

L.E.K. ConsultingASSOCIATE

Oliver WymanSENIOR CONSuLTANT

MarakonASSOCIATE

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graduatE ProFIlES

Since joining Marakon I’ve been exposed to a wide range of sectors – from designing a consumer segmentation for luxury fashion to defining best practice in life insurance, mastered the ins-and-outs of Excel and PowerPoint, and made some great friends. Not a bad start nine months in.

Why did you choose a job in this profession?At university there were only two career options I had really thought about pursuing: investment banking and management consultancy. Having already interned in M&A it was clear to me that I wanted to seek out a job offering the same industry variety but with more client exposure and a better work/life balance. A passion for problem solving and a desire to work with top company executives to help shape their businesses meant I decided to focus on strategy consultancies.

Attending the university’s careers service consultancy fair was well worth the hectic squeeze amidst a day of lectures, and gave me a chance to hear first-hand what a job as a consultant was actually like. In particular, Marakon caught my attention that day. Whilst I had never heard of Marakon before, its representatives told me about its strong heritage, great training programme and opportunities for personal development.

But after a day of strong sales pitches it all sounded a bit repetitive. Instead, what drew me in was the email I received later that day from the person I had been speaking to – it

was this personalised approach which truly showed the difference that a boutique firm with a collaborative culture can make.

How did you get your job at Marakon?After being swayed by my careers fair experience I submitted a tailored cover letter and my CV, which thankfully paid off and I was invited for first round interviews. Juggling dissertation work and essay deadlines I set about researching case study tips, attended a case study workshop run by the careers service and bribed my friends into practicing a few with me. Instead of robotically memorising an answer for every possible case study (which I didn’t have time to do anyway) I focused on familiarising myself with the types of issues which are relevant to tackling different problems.

There were then two rounds to the interview process. The first round consisted of a case study and a CV-based interview, and highlighting examples from my CV demonstrating key ‘consultant skills’ the night before made the latter a lot easier. The second round had a similar format but with the addition of a client role-play, which was definitely an interesting experience as I had no idea how to prepare. Having survived the difficult client I then got a call offering me the job.

What are your main duties/roles?Fresh out of training I still only had a relatively vague idea of what life as a consultant actually involved – generally based a lot around solving

NAmELOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREE

Isabelle RiederLondon University of Cambridge Land Economy

Associate Marakon

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‘challenging and complex’ problems – when I got staffed on my first project with a FTSE 100 life insurance firm. Initially it was a challenge getting to grips with the intricacies of the industry, with its range of products, complex financials and numerous abbreviations which at first all sounded meaningless.

Nevertheless, a supportive team who were willing to guide me towards useful materials and take the time to explain difficult concepts meant that I was quickly able to start contributing to the project. The formal training I got outside of the project team also came in handy as I soon started with tasks from modelling product economics to critiquing different financial metrics. Working on a small

team with one partner and one consultant I also took on the role of managing our internal meetings, keeping track of our priorities and running our weekly feedback sessions.

Aside from client work, there has been a chance to get involved in supporting various marketing meetings and I’ve chosen to focus on consumer and retail for now. Lastly, firm building is another important aspect of my job, which can range from recruiting to planning our office quarterly events.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry?• Be selective – decide what type of

consultancy you want (e.g., purely strategy focused, operations, IT) and the type of firm culture which will best fit you.

• Be distinctive – tailor your cover letter by meeting representatives at company events and reading commentaries consultancies have published that you find interesting.

• Be prepared – practise case studies with friends and attend workshops, brush up on your maths, know your CV and have some questions ready to ask your interviewers.

• Be yourself – be as natural as you can to give those interviewing you a better sense of what you’d be like to work with.

Practise case studies with friends and attend workshops, brush up on your maths, know

your CV and have some questions ready to ask.

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graduatE ProFIlES

What do Oliver Wyman do?Oliver Wyman is a leading global management consultancy firm. I am part of the financial services practice, where we work with clients such as investment banks, retail banks, insurers, asset managers, governments and international organisations to name a few. The work we do includes strategy, operations, risk management, organisational transformation, and public policy.

How did you get your job at Oliver Wyman?I applied for an entry-level position during my final year at university after deciding to switch my career choice from investment banking to management consultancy. Prior to this, I had a summer internship at Morgan Stanley in sales and trading, as well as other work experience in banking. This background contributed to my decision to focus on financial services at Oliver wyman. New consultants are not required to specialise when they join and may explore several industries before selecting a practice group.

What was the interview process like?The interview process at Oliver Wyman was interesting, stimulating and surprisingly enjoyable due to the great people I met along the way. The first round consisted of two interviews, one CV based and one case-study, whilst the second round was one CV and three case-studies. Additionally, as part of the process, we were invited to network with consultants and partners at the firm which really gave me a taste of what it would be

like to work at the company. Before my final round interview I was invited to dinner with consultants and partners along with some other candidates. This was a great opportunity to ask questions about life at the firm and it was a fun, informal event.

Is there a work/life balance?I am lucky to work for a company that prides itself on good work/life balance. While there will occasionally be projects that require some late nights, there is absolutely no face-time culture, which means that we get the necessary down time too.

In addition to monitoring working hours and workload, the firm also provides a number of opportunities for flexibility. These include sabbaticals, 10/11 month work year, externships and the option to purchase additional holiday (which almost all of us decide to do). Additionally, the firm aims for consultants to work from their home offices on Fridays, which ensures that the firm culture remains intact.

What is a typical day like for you?Within Oliver Wyman I’ve been involved in projects where I’ve spent much of my time in client meetings and also projects which have involved a lot of numerical analysis or slide writing. Each project varies in size, length, location and subject matter. There are no set tasks for a first or second year consultant as it depends on what our clients have asked us to help them with. In a practical sense, my

NAmELOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREE

Jessica MarlboroughLondon University of Oxford Politics, Philosophy and Economics

senior Consultantoliver Wyman

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SEnIor conSultant

work includes carrying out research, building models in Excel, preparing PowerPoint presentations for clients, attending client meetings and a lot of thinking! Consultants are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and ideas in every project.

I have worked with clients in retail and investment banks, central banks, international financial organisations, clearing houses and private equity firms on a huge range of topics. I was also lucky enough to spend six months working and living in Madrid, as well as a short spell in Amsterdam. But, the majority of my time has been spent in London so far.

Entry-level consultants join the core consultant group (CCG) which provides the opportunity to experience projects in a variety of business areas. After a few years, consultants will align to one practice group and begin to specialise in that area, although this still gives many opportunities for breadth as the content in each practice is vast.

Oliver Wyman supports fast career progression and you are encouraged to take

on more responsibility as soon as you are ready. For example, I was pushed to take on a junior manager role after less than two years at the firm.

Travel is a major aspect of consulting and staffing is done on a global basis to ensure the best team is assembled for each project. This also allows consultants the chance to travel to interesting destinations; some of my colleagues are travelling from London to locations such as Brazil, mexico, Russia, South Africa and even Asia. Each project team is an international mix; recently I have been working with colleagues from Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Any advice for people wanting to get into management consultancy?The most important advice I can give is to go to firm events and talk to people. You also need to pick a company that is right for you. Talking to representatives at events is the best way to find out what a firm is like to work for, and to meet the people you will be working with. You will be spending a lot of time with company staff on projects, sometimes away from home, so it’s important that you understand if these are the types of people you would like to work with. Speaking to current employees will also help your understanding of what the company’s culture is actually like and what their career development programme entails.

When it comes to interviews, make sure you’ve done plenty of practice case studies. And, remember to talk about your life outside of work too – interviewers are looking for interesting colleagues as well as good consultants!

Consultants are encouraged to contribute their

thoughts and ideas in every project.

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graduatE ProFIlES

I joined L.E.K. in 2011 after graduating from Imperial College, where I studied Biochemistry. During my time at L.E.K. I’ve worked on projects across a wide range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, and insurance. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on a pro bono project for one of the UK’s largest charity organisations.

Having had little experience in a corporate setting prior to joining L.E.K., I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Looking back, I think one of the biggest surprises was how friendly the people were when I arrived and how many have come to be good friends.

Why did you choose a job in consultancy?It was late into my second year of university that I made the decision not to further pursue academia. I knew that I wanted to do something in business, but at the time I wasn’t sure of the industry or profession I wanted to focus on. The most important factors for me were that I worked in a job which allowed me to develop a wide set of skills, gain exposure to a range of industries and have a varied day to day schedule.

I looked into a number of career paths, but strategy consulting stood out because it involved short projects dealing with high level issues across a wide range of industries. Short project lengths mean that you get to work in lots of industries and you get experience of working with a completely different team every couple of months. Working on high

level strategic problems means that you need to be able to think holistically about the business and so allows you to develop a wide range of skills.

What skills are useful in the profession?I think that the two most important skills in consulting are the ability to structure a broad and often vague question, and the ability to communicate this structure concisely in both written and verbal form. However, these are skills which you will continue to develop throughout your career.

As a new joiner, skills that you would be expected to have already developed to some extent are the ability to prioritise tasks, conduct basic quantitative analysis, and summarise the key findings of information gathered from desktop research.

What are your main duties/roles?At L.E.K. you’ll find that your role and people’s expectations of you changes quite significantly over a short period of time. For example, in the first six months you’ll inevitably be ‘learning the ropes’ and get substantial experience in workplace best practices (e.g. creating slides and spreadsheets to specific standards), and both primary and secondary research.

Most new joiners will have developed secondary research skills to a certain extent, but mainly in a narrow subject area. In strategy consulting you will be working in completely different industries every few

NAmELOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREE

Dae Ho LeeLondon Imperial College London Biochemistry

Associatel.e.K. Consulting

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months, and so you will need to be able to quickly identify reliable sources of information in a subject area which is new to you.

After a year and half at L.E.K., I find that whilst I still do research to some extent, the majority of my time is focused on managing a small group of associates to complete a work module on time, analysing information to draw out the key commercial implications, and thinking of ways to best communicate the team’s findings.

Is it a 9-5 job?In short, consulting is not a 9-5 job and it’s no secret that consulting often requires hard work, which can lead to late nights at certain deadlines. Consulting requires you to tackle difficult questions which are often quite ambiguous at the start and, especially when working to a limited timeframe, you can find yourself working quite hard. It’s a fairly intense job and it keeps you busy and engaged throughout the day – and this is what makes it so rewarding. My colleagues are also a constant source of banter and we share a real sense of teamwork, which makes a big difference to the working environment.

Late working isn’t always necessary, however, and I’m a firm believer in the fact that if you’re clear on what you need to do and stay focused and efficient during the day, there is seldom the need to work late.

Working in consulting still gives you time to pursue hobbies and dreams. For example, in December 2012 I took five weeks off work to travel to Argentina and climb Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of Asia. In the months running up to the trip, I was able to navigate my way around work hours to train five times every week.

Any advice for the application process?The application process is a busy and pressured time for everyone. The most important thing to remember is it’s worth

investing a fair bit of time into your applications. What I found to be helpful was to block out a full weekend to do my company and industry research, another weekend to write up all the paperwork for my applications, and then a final weekend to review and edit. This meant that during the week I could focus on my other commitments without having applications in the back of my mind, and have all my applications finished in just over two weeks’ time.

If you have access to university careers fairs, you should attend them. I advise that you attend with these questions in mind:

1. What is actually involved in consulting, and does this fit into my mid-to long-term career goals?

2. What makes this company different from other consulting companies?

3. Can I see myself working with the people I meet?

The answers to these questions should be reflected in your cover letter.

I would also advise getting feedback on your CV and cover letter. Get feedback from your university’s careers service, and if you have any family or friends working in consulting, ask them to look over your application. Even help from someone in a similar industry can be very useful.

Develop a wide set of skills, gain exposure to a range of industries and have a varied day to day

schedule.

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graduatE ProFIlES

What do you enjoy most about your job?My favourite part of this job is the variety of the experiences we have and the emphasis BCG places on making the most of that variety. Work at BCG is project-based; you can spend six weeks helping a retailer with a market entry strategy, followed by three months implementing a change programme at a bank. Indeed, when you begin working here, you are encouraged to embrace that variety – to develop new skills and acquaint yourself with unfamiliar industries. Every project presents a new, unique challenge, making BCG a very dynamic place to work.

What are the most stressful parts of the job?Starting a new project is pretty stressful. That same variety that makes this job so engaging also regularly forces you outside your comfort zone. Our work requires us to understand our clients and their industries inside-out, and that can be quite daunting on day one!

Fortunately, BCG has extensive resources to help consultants newly staffed on a project to get up to speed. These include a library of resources drawing on insight from previous client work and internal projects, as well as a network of dedicated experts. BCG, as an organisation, is all about sharing knowledge and I have never felt stranded.

Is there work/life balance?Some projects are more relaxed than others. Even within a project, some weeks can be quite hectic, and others relatively calm. That’s simply the nature of the job.

That said, every manager I have worked with at BCG has been proactive about ensuring that I always have time to meet my personal priorities, whether that be a trip to the opera, dinner with friends, or time to go to the gym. Open communication around this point is essential. It is also important to manage your own schedule carefully, and to raise your hand if there is too much on your plate to manage feasibly.

What challenges have you come across and how have you overcome these?Consulting is a client-oriented business, and many of our clients are large, complex organisations with their own cultures, politics, and personalities. Navigating these organisations and working effectively with our client counterparts can sometimes be frustrating.

In such situations, I have found that it helps to be constructive and proactive. Emphasising

NAmELOCATION uNIVERSITy DEGREE

Tyler HillLondon University of Oxford Philosophy

AssociatebCg

My favourite part of this job is the variety of the experiences we have.

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aSSocIatE

someone’s strengths, for example, encourages them to bring those strengths to the table when you are working with him or her, and can greatly improve the productivity of your relationship.

What ‘soft skills’ have you found useful?This is a people business; getting along well with all types is a key to success.

Any advice for the interview process?Relax! So much of the challenge of the interview is coming across as comfortable and easygoing. BCG interviewers are looking for people with whom they would enjoy working;

the likeable aspects of your personality will have a harder time showing through if you’re a ball of stress.

Of course, this is easier said than done. The best way to ensure you come to the interview relaxed is to be confident. The best way to be confident is to prepare. BCG is very transparent about the format and content of the interviews. Familiarise yourself with all of the materials available, attend our campus talks and events, and get in touch with current BCGers who can talk you through the process. Also be sure to do a mock case or two with a friend: you can find several on the BCG website.

Find out what graduates with

your degree are doing:

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senior Profiles

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PwCSENIOR CONSuLTANT

EYDIRECTOR

iMPOWER ConsultingCHIEF ExECuTIVE

Challenge Consulting CONSuLTING dIRECTOR

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SEnIor ProFIlES

PAuL COOk Why did you choose a career in the industry?I started working in the civil service and received fantastic training but knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do forever; I enjoy change and variety too much. I started working in systems and people change at News International and worked for and alongside consultants. I enjoyed the work and that was what made me decide I should join one of the big consultancies. The rest is history. If you thrive on change and helping influence people to deliver tangible benefits, it’s a great career.

Describe a typical dayMy role involves marketing Challenge, selling new business and delivering consultancy. I could be meeting a client for the first time and trying to understand their problems. I might be working with my team to write a proposal and work out how we’d help a client and what it might cost. I may well be meeting the team on a client site and discussing the progress they’ve made and helping them with the difficult problems. I might be tweeting or writing some thought material about something I’ve seen in the news. I could be working with my colleagues to shape the future of Challenge. Or I might be producing the bills! When you’re part of the leadership team of a small firm, it’s hugely varied and certainly never dull.

What do you enjoy most about your job?The variety. When you think about the list of things above, it’s just never boring. Even the billing is important! You’re constantly thinking about ways to solve a problem, for clients we could be working with or issues facing people in industry. Social media has opened up a world for us to test out views instantly and see what people think. Deep down, I love solving problems for clients.

Where do you see yourself in the future?I’m a firm believer that the niche companies have a role to play and provide an alternative way of working to the big firms. I’d like to make sure small firms remain competitive and are a sustainable alternative. We’re working hard to grow Challenge and that’s where my immediate sights are set. Beyond that, I’d like to repeat the process perhaps in another niche.

Paul Cook knew he was good at maths but he wanted to find something useful to do with it. It was while working on national newspapers that he discovered he enjoyed implementing change. A chance meeting with a PwC partner resulted in a job offer and his first steps into the world of consultancy.

Consulting Director Challenge Consulting

Took up a role at PwC as a member of the change integration team

Became a Senior Consultant at BT Syntegra

Consulting Director at Challenge Consulting

Graduated from University of Westminster, joined the Civil

Service as a statistician

Joined News International as a Business Analyst

Set up as an independent consultant

2011

2003

2001

1997

1996

1991

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conSultIng dIrEctor

Are there any current threats to the industry?At the moment, I think the big threat comes from clients wanting and perhaps thinking they can do what we do. Everyone has read a change management book, how hard can it be?

Our approach is to work alongside the client, help them do what we do, lend our experience but quite quickly, leave them to manage the

change themselves. But I do think they benefit from some help along the way. Obviously economic conditions are tough but this has always been an opportunity for our industry to change the focus of our propositions and continue to help companies manage their way through crises.

Any advice?I loved my spell at PwC, they gave me a great training and I worked with some very smart people. I think everyone has to spend some time working in a big firm.

• I think you have to look for development in everything you do. To some extent you may not be able to control which roles you do, but you can always maximise the lessons learned.

• Never stop asking questions, be persistent and look to improve everything. Keep asking why.

• Everything you do has to enhance your CV, you’ve got to keep learning and developing as an individual.

If you thrive on change and helping influence

people to deliver tangible benefits, it’s a

great career.

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SEnIor ProFIlES

MARtIn CRESSWELL I became a consultant because I thought I would develop my knowledge and skills faster working with a broad variety of individuals from different backgrounds. I wanted the variety of making change happen on a broader scale rather than in one organisation.

My background was initially working in the public sector in local government. I trained as an accountant where I worked with a number of local authorities across the country, getting involved in strategic financial planning.

Part of my role was also creating outsourcing deals between the public and private sector and through that experience, and with my skills and expertise I was approached by KPMG to move to an advisory consultant position within their firm.

The appeal was to work across a variety of local authorities, working with like-minded, energetic people who were committed to improving the public sector.

What is a typical day like for you?My typical day is very much about managing people and trying to support and build relationship with clients; a mix of coaching my staff and operationally understanding where our market is and how we develop our services to meet the challenges facing our clients. Pivotal to that is continually articulating how we are different from other consultancies that we compete with.

A lot of the day is spent thinking about the future of the public sector and how we can help to sustain support to the vulnerable rather than simply cut services and staff. Specifically I am trying to create momentum around a new theory of change, that the public sector is about people delivering services to people, and therefore we must put the change of behaviour and culture at the top of our agenda. Systems and processes are easy; it’s the people stuff that’s the hard stuff!

What do you enjoy most about your job?Working with my people; I am very lucky, I have an enormously talented, vibrant and committed group of staff which continues to grow.

Martin Cresswell spent time working within local government before deciding to use the skills he had developed in a different way, not to simply discuss change but to make it happen. He tells us why human development is crucial to his business and why people are the key to effective change.

Chief executive iMPoWer Consulting

Head of Financial Planning at Liverpool City Council.

Business Development Manager at CSL Limited, an outsourcing company for the public sector.

Began working at KPMG as the Director of the public sector

division.

Director at Deloitte Management Consulting Limited.

Joined iMPOWER Consulting as Chief Executive.

2007

2003

1999

1995

1991

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cHIEF ExEcutIvE

Consulting is a people business. We sell the capabilities and intelligence of our people, and therefore it is critical that I provide an environment where they can contribute and succeed.

What would you like to achieve in the future?I want iMPOWER to be seen as the go to organisation for the most ambitious public sector organisations that really want to reform public service. I want iMPOWER to shake up public services, as we are starting to do.

What are the current challenges the industry faces?One of delivering value. I think all professional industries are being challenged now for the value they deliver relative to the price they charge. Clearly we need to reshape our consultant services in the public sector and charge appropriately for the services we provide.

Secondly the consulting industry needs to work out how to inspire and develop talent. I feel that we currently have a model where we are asking newcomers to the sector to jump in at the deep end without the right level of support – pile ‘em high and sell ‘em cheap. Reputationally sooner or later we will get caught out.

What is your advice for anyone in their early years in the industry?I would say do your research and learn more about consulting. Think hard about what you want to achieve, what’s your reason for getting involved in consultancy? Do you have a sense of purpose? The people who are most successful actually have a purpose in what they want to achieve.

Consulting is a people business. We sell

the capabilities and intelligence of

our people.

View more consultancy senior

profiles online:

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mancon

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SEnIor ProFIlES

Why did you choose a career in consultancy? For me, this was a combination of what I am good at and what I wanted from my career. Firstly, I knew I was good at problem solving and that I was able to combine analytical and mathematical skills with an ability to work with and influence people. I could break complex issues into simple parts and then work with people on each of those competent parts to solve the overall problem.

Secondly, there were two key things I wanted from my career: variety, which I basically saw as exposure to different types of issues, environments and people, and rapid career progression, which to me meant meritocracy and an environment where performance and progression went hand in hand.

Management consulting seemed like the obvious choice and whilst I may have changed a bit in the last ten years, those basic principles haven’t, which is why this industry continues to be the right one for me.

The old cliché of no two days being alike in consulting is actually true. However, whilst it can be difficult to describe a typical day, it’s easy to say what it is not. My days are not packed with meetings around meals: breakfast meeting, followed by a two-hour lunch, followed by dinner at a swanky restaurant. Nor am I in a new country every week going from one board presentation to another. In reality, my time is spent with our clients, either in relation to an existing project or in discussing a potential opportunity where we could support them, with my teams, leading the delivery of a project or coaching them individually on their career development or with others in the firm, working on our own performance, strategy or direction.

What do you enjoy most about your job? In addition to the points that made me choose this career in the first place, one of the things I’ve really enjoyed over the years is reading or hearing about the topics I’ve been working on in the news. Whether it has been preparing for the Olympics in London, getting the health service ready to respond in the event of pandemic flu (such as the

Sayeh Ghanbari works mainly with public sector clients, helping them with complex transformations such as setting up for the Olympics, preparing a response to Pandemic Flu and improving the processes, data and technology that monitor and control public sector spending.

Director ey

SAyEH GHAnBARI

Joined Accenture’s Stretegy practice in London as an Analyst.

Joined EY’s Advisory practice as a Senior Consultant.

Awarded the MCA Award for Change Management Consultant

of the year.

Graduated with a masters in Aeronautical Engineering from

Imperial College, London.

Completed a graduate internship with the European Commission in

Brussels.

2013

2012

2006

2003

2003

2002

Promoted to Director and leader of EY’s stategy consulting practice.

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dIrEctor

Swine Flu outbreak in 2009) or improving the technology and processes used to collate, analyse and report on the UK’s public spending figures and forecasts during times of economic strain, I haven’t been short of varied and interesting problems to solve.

Having these issues in the news and in the public eye just makes them more challenging and exciting; I’ve been very fortunate to have had a role to play in these events.

What would you like to achieve in the future? I generally avoid having really specific lists of achievements to tick off because I find them very constraining. I want to continue to do interesting work, continue learning, developing and progressing and continue to work with great people. This gives me enough of a framework to guide my career and set some short-term goals that excite me along the way.

One of those goals at the moment is supporting a number of people in my teams with their next promotion steps. I am very lucky in that I’ve had a number of people be very generous with their support and experience in guiding me through my career to date and I’d like to be able to pay that forward.

What are the current challenges the industry faces? In my view, there are three key challenges that the industry faces right now. Firstly, as our clients are becoming increasingly more global organisations that nevertheless want local input and insight, it is our job to be one step ahead which is tricky to do, particularly as many consultancies are not necessarily globally integrated or don’t have enough local presence themselves. Secondly, the buying patterns of our clients is changing as they are seeking more value from their advisers.

To be successful, consultants need to show increased skin in the game with their clients’ business and demonstrate tangible benefits from their involvement. If not, they risk becoming just temporary support, filling a gap in capacity rather than delivering any real change. Finally, the challenge to attract and retain the best people is becoming harder. Not only do people no longer see their careers with one or two organisations, people switch careers more often and have greater opportunities to do jobs that did not even exist ten years ago (who ever thought setting up a website to connect students at Harvard could turn you into the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company?).

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry? Irrespective of whether you are joining the industry as a graduate or as an experienced hire, as a consultant, you have to be comfortable with ambiguity and be flexible with your approach as things change all the time. Whilst this may sound straight-forward, it can be tricky if you are new to this sort of environment. This can sometimes make the transition from industry to consulting tricky or just take a bit of time.

I haven’t been short of varied and interesting

problems to solve.

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SEnIor ProFIlES

How did your career start?When I decided to study Accounting and Finance at Leeds University, I didn’t expect to end up working in consulting. I thought my career would follow the usual path of accountancy – training in a large accountancy firm, getting my ACA qualification and eventually setting up my own practice a number of years down the line.

My career did start off this way, and I joined the public services team at PwC in Leeds fresh out of university on their graduate programme, training to be a Chartered Accountant.

During the interview process I met some great people and heard more about the structured training programme so I was really excited about joining a professional services organisation which would invest in me, and that I’d get the opportunity to work with some great people.

What was your experience of the graduate programme?I spent my first two years at PwC balancing college with client work, gaining fantastic client experience which I could use to enhance my college work, and vice versa.

The graduate programme provided a strong support network, and was a great way to meet people – I’m still in touch with a number of the other graduates to this day (in fact, I met the ‘man in my life’ there who I am still with, 12 years on).

The ACA training and exams are comprehensive, fast-paced and challenging. I managed, to my relief, to obtain first time passes in all of the exams, and was delighted to qualify as a chartered accountant in 2004.

Describe how your role has changed over the yearsAfter the graduate programme, I spent the next three years consolidating my experience with internal and external audit clients.

Building the client relationships was one of the most rewarding parts of the job, but I started to crave a new challenge and a chance to really help change how an organisation worked.

senior Consultant PwCGeorgina had every intention of becoming an accountant once she graduated from university. Here she tells us what attracted her to consultancy and how she transitioned from assurance to consultancy within PwC.

GEORGInA

Graduated from University of Leeds with a BA in Accounting

and Finance

Trainee graduate Chartered Accountant with PwC in Assurance

qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC

Transferred to PwC’s Management Consulting practice

in London

2007

2004

2001

2001

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SEnIor conSultant

I didn’t want to leave PwC, so instead I took on a couple of projects within the public sector consulting practice, just to see how that work was different to my current role. My first project was with a City Council, advising them on their procurement of a residual waste treatment facility. This really tested my project management, presentation, and technical skills, but from that moment on, I knew that I could see my future in consulting.

Six years on, and following a promotion in 2009 to Senior Consultant, I now lead a number of our projects with local authorities across the UK in the procurement area of our Consulting practice.

How did you get to your position?With a lot of hard work, passion for what I do, and commitment from myself and others to support my career progression. I’ve seized the opportunities to develop myself – building strong project management and commercial skills, having the ability to communicate and build relationships, and teamwork and leadership skills.

Looking back, I’ve achieved a lot in a relatively short space of time. I’ve always worked for PwC, and yet I’ve still had the opportunity

to experience two different cities, and two different jobs, rising from a graduate to a Manager in Assurance, and now to a Senior Consultant in Consulting.

What do you enjoy most about working at PwC?What I love about PwC in particular is the positive reaction to change – my move to consulting from assurance was fully supported, as was my move to London from Leeds. This support has helped me to pursue new and exciting challenges but within the comfort of the same company. This was one of the reasons I joined PwC, and is definitely one of the main reasons that I’m still here. It’s also what consulting is all about – change.

I also really enjoy working with the public sector, in particular local government. The next five years will be particularly exciting in this sector, the decisions made by local government impact on daily life, and I get to be part of helping them to arrive at decisions.

What does the future look like for you?I’m excited about what the future holds for me. Our Consulting practice has significant growth plans, and there are so many opportunities to choose from. It’s knowing which one to pursue which is the hardest decision. Why am I still in consulting? Well, consulting offers a breadth of experience and development opportunities which I don’t think can be matched – you get early responsibility, diversity of work and the opportunity to work with some great people and great clients.

You’re encouraged to use your initiative, challenge current thinking and make a difference. It may sound clichéd, but I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather work, and I hope that each year is as rewarding, if not more so, than the last.

You’re encouraged to use your initiative,

challenge current thinking and make a

difference.

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finding the right Job

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CONSuLTANCy ASSESSmENTS

THE CONSuLTANCy APPLICATION PROCESS

TyPES OF CONSuLTANCIES

Sarah BurgessROuTES INTO CONSuLTANCy

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THE CONSuLTANCy INTERVIEw PROCESS60

Gemma GuyCONSuLTANCy wORK ExPERIENCE62

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FIndIng tHE rIgHt Job

Basic requirementsA strong academic background, to degree level with a minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent, is a standard prerequisite, as are good interpersonal skills. Beyond this there are certain professional benchmarks which will also dictate the route of entry.

Joining management consultancyAt the mid-senior level consultancy is typically the ‘second step’ in a fast-track career. The reason for this is one of commercial credibility. That is to say, in order to be marketable as a business adviser an individual’s background must show direct, first-hand experience of commercial issues. Additionally, the often sensitive or ‘political’ nature of a consultancy assignment requires a certain maturity.

There are, however, exceptions to this general rule. Some of the largest practices (e.g. strategy houses and the ‘Big Four’ like Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC) will recruit graduates onto their training schemes. The strategy houses, for example, will take a few of the highest fliers of their year – typically candidates who have achieved a 2:1 or first class degree from one of the most prestigious universities – and usually with a strong numerical basis to their academic background.

Bright, high-achievers will be recruited into the most junior consultancy grade, generally described as ‘analyst’ and, as the title suggests, carrying a remit that concentrates on the research and analysis of technical information to support more senior consultants in the provision of their services. On some schemes this is done through a rotation system allowing graduates to experience a range of practices and work areas.

Further study – MBAsIn some companies after a period of 4-6 years, junior entrants will need to complete an MBA (sponsored by their employer) in preparation for promotion to the more senior client facing roles. However, it is certainly the case that many of these graduate recruits do not survive the early years – the work is demanding and there is little opportunity for direct client contact.

Specialising in management consultancy laterFor many consultants, entry into the profession is made later, typically after having armed themselves with a broad-based background of commercial experience and often a professional qualification (for example ACA, ACMA, IPD). Most often this is achieved

Similar to many attractive career options, the entrance criteria for management consultancy is tough. Therefore, it is a good idea to understand the routes available to you in order to focus your job search. With the help of Sarah Burgess from BLT these are summarised for you here.

routes intoconsultancy

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routES Into conSultancy

as a result of completing a graduate training programme with a blue-chip employer. Described as being at the ‘experienced hire’ entry level, it is likely that such candidates will have acquired, to a greater or lesser extent, skills and expertise in one or more functional and/or industry-facing areas.

For example, skills in strategic planning and analysis, Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), organisational change, financial or IT systems and marketing are valuable; as well as exposure to any of the key consultancy markets, such as financial services, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), technology, telecoms or public sector.

Previous consultancy experience is not a prerequisite at this level, but only one or two practices will take candidates who have no relevant commercial experience – and where this does happen, the successful applicants will be of the highest academic calibre.

A subsection of this level of entry is the MBA graduate route. The MBA is certainly recognised as a useful springboard into consultancy for someone seeking to transfer from a specialist line background into a more broadly focused business role. Potential employers recognise that an mBA qualified candidate is usually highly committed to advancing their career; however, in what is an extremely competitive recruitment market, an MBA does not automatically guarantee entry into consultancy.

Job opportunities availableConsultancy was hit very hard during the downturn and we are only now seeing the

market slowly gathering momentum. As such the market is currently employer driven for many roles and consultancies tend to have very specific requirements for roles. Being able to demonstrate your transferable skills and industry expertise is very helpful and can help candidates make the leap from industry to consulting.

In summary, it is possible, in principle, to move into consultancy at various stages in a career. However, it is also true to say that the profession is very dynamic, and is constantly changing in response to economic climates and market forces. As a consultant you must be someone who relishes this volatility and the challenges it imposes.

Sarah Burgess works at Beament Leslie Thomas (BLT) www.blt.co.uk, a leading management consultancy recruitment consultancy. The firm is the most highly ranked recruiter in the Top Consultant reader polls for best management consultancy recruitment firm. Sarah herself was voted Best Individual Recruiter in 2011.

The profession is very dynamic, and is

constantly changing in response to economic

climates and market forces.

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With help from members of the Young MCA we take a look at the different types of consultancies and what they do, alongside the variety of areas in which you can find consulting work.

Consultancies vary in size, specialism and focus. At one end of the market the larger firms offer end to end solutions and, at the other, niche firms offer specialist skills and industry knowledge.

However, it is possible to broadly group consultancies into certain types.

Generalist consultancies These are large consulting firms that offer a wide range of services, from strategy consulting and human resources to IT and, in some cases, outsourcing on a global basis. Consultants within these firms have a broad knowledge of several different functional areas.

By comparison, a specialist consultant would have in-depth knowledge of only one area.

This offers consultants working in general consultancy firms the variety of working in different sectors. However sometimes generalist consultancies may hire specialist consultants to work on particular projects where a more in-depth knowledge is required.

Strategy consultancies usually small or medium-sized companies, as the name suggests, strategy consultancies primarily offer strategic advice to companies on a project-by-project basis. Strategy consultancies find solutions to problems for which there is no

types ofconsultancIEs

After graduating with a BSc e-business degree from the University of Liverpool, I joined one of the most prestigious graduate schemes in consulting at Deloitte. As a management consulting organisation, we advise some of the largest brands in the world. we help our clients to define their future strategies, implement complex technology and devise operations improvements as well as assist with finance transformation and leadership programmes.

Since joining Deloitte, I have worked on various projects across different industries, including financial services, media and retail. most recently, I have been working at a leading luxury brand as part of their digital team.

Working for Deloitte is very exciting because every day I am presented with different complex client problems, where there is no standard solution. Thus the best thing about Deloitte is the collaborative nature of working with world class professionals throughout the world to solve challenging problems.

LInA PAuLAuSkAItEDELOIttEMuLtI-CHAnnEL REtAIL COnSuLtAnt

GENERALIST

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tyPES oF conSultancIES

generic solution. They are innovators in a sense that they create custom strategies to fit the needs of a particular company.

Strategy consultants work out the problems in the operations and work strategy of a company. This involves long-range planning, the reorganisation of a company’s structure, rationalisation of services and products and a general business appraisal of the company.

Human resource consultancies Human resource (HR) consulting is a broad term which covers the processes of managing an organisation’s workforce. HR consultants are often brought in during mergers and acquisitions where an internal HR department is not large enough for the transition.

HR consultancies advice ranges from personnel policy, manpower planning, job enrichment, job evaluation and industrial relations. This may involve employee benefits and services, personnel recruitment, diversity and inclusion, personnel administration and human resource and capital management including training and strategies.

Information technology consultancies Information technology (IT) consulting covers a broad range of consulting services, as IT is an extremely diverse field. IT consultancies provide businesses with the tools they need to get the most out of their IT systems. This sometimes involves implementing and administering an IT system on behalf of a company.

Due to the nature of their work, IT consultants do not always have an intimate knowledge of a client’s industry. In a more complex industry IT consultants may work alongside other consultants who specialise in that particular sector.

IT consultancies give advice ranging from defining information needs, the provision of software, systems analysis and design, computer feasibility studies, implementing computer applications and making computer hardware evaluations.

Financial and investment consultancies Financial consultancies are made up of licensed professionals who are trained to help others make intelligent financial decisions.

Having graduated with a degree in Politics and International Relations from Royal Holloway University, I began my career prior to working as a management consultant by working in the third sector. I spent a couple of years working on career and employability programmes with students aged 5-25. This began my passion for helping others develop and get the most out of their work life.

This led to my interest in management consultancy, specifically in helping organisations succeed through the way they harness their people, so I began studying part time for an MSc in Organisational Behaviour. Whilst learning much of the theory I was keen to put it into practice so applied to work at Hay Group, their focus on rigorously researched methodologies in this area was a real plus point for me.

Our work focuses on employee engagement, leadership and talent, organisational design and reward practices. I have been fortunate to work across all of our major service lines and across a broad range of industries, from reward strategies in a fire service to a global talent assessment project with a multi-billion pound FMCG company.

MAttHEW BECkFORDHAy GROuPCOnSuLtAnt

HR

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Investment consultants stay up to date with the markets and use their expertise to advise clients on their investment portfolios.

Financial consultants are also known as financial advisers or financial analysts. The specialist advice offered by financial consultancies can include the installation of budgetary control systems, profit planning or capital and revenue budgeting, office reorganisation and administrative arrangements.

niche consultancies Much of the growth in UK consulting has been

a result of consultants leaving the larger firms and setting up their own consultancy firms in a particular sector or offering a specialist service. Niche consultancies are also started by leading experts in particular fields, using their expertise to help others improve their business.

Sometimes called boutique or specialist consultancies, these firms specialise in a particular field rather than general consulting practices and have an in-depth knowledge of their subject area.

Niche consultants can be found in almost any business area with consultants being able to work in a wide range of sectors. Some of the common areas for specialist consultancy include: • Construction• Engineering• Environment and energy• Hospitality and tourism • Law• marketing • Politics • Public sector • Retail • Transport.

I studied Business and Technology at Sheffield Hallam university, a great fit for a technology based consulting firm. Interestingly a career in consulting was not something that was actively pushed at my university despite the great foundations given by the course. Going into industry or taking an entrepreneurial route was the usual path. It’s always worth exploring a wide range of options for your career choice even if you think you have absolute clarity. CSC solves problems through technology enabled solutions; this varies from offering consulting on latest trends such as big data, cloud or mobile to implementing & running complex IT systems. CSC has been at the forefront of this industry for the past five decades.

I have been at CSC for almost two years after having joined as a graduate. At CSC I have worked in Healthcare, Transport and most recently Financial Services. One of the great things about CSC is the flexibility to chase what you want to do. CSC works with a huge number of clients and technologies, if you express an interest and the required ability in any one of those it’s not too hard to get involved.

JOE WILDECSCBuSInESS COnSuLtAnt

IT

Pick the consultancy environment that best suits your personality and your aspirations.

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tyPES oF conSultancIES

Choosing a firmChoosing which type of firm to work for is not an easy decision. When considering a prospective employer, pick the consultancy environment that best suits your personality and your aspirations.

Global firms offer a broader range of opportunities in total but a new recruit might be constrained in one opportunity for some time. The support for a consultant in one of the global firms is superb. The methodologies, case studies, training courses and support material are usually extensive, comprehensive and thorough.

Smaller firms (say 30-150 consultants) will still have extensive materials, perhaps more localised opportunities, but an individual will normally sample a wider variety of assignments. Those practices that are smaller still might specialise and offer as extensive an experience as the larger firms within the constraints of their chosen area of business.

Ensure that you know exactly what sectors the consultancy works in and whether it

specialises or is a generalist firm. you will need to decide if you want to focus on just one sector, or work in a larger firm where you may be given the opportunity to sample a range of different projects. Location is also important when choosing a consultancy. While a consultant’s role often involves travel, ensure you are comfortable with where you would be based and know about the different offices that you may work out of in other countries.

Be sure to know what work you will be expected to carry out as a graduate in the consultancies you apply to. In some consultancies you will find that you are expected to carry out the role of an analyst for your first couple of years. In others you may be working on projects with other more senior consultants from the start.

Talk to the existing staff at the firms you are interested in and talk to consultants in other consulting models. Remember, that having made a choice, the other options could be revisited later in your career.

I graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in Business and Management, making management consultancy a natural step into the corporate world – motivated by the ability to influence at the highest levels of organisations so early in my career.

EC Harris is a build asset consultancy. This means our job is to drive the maximum amount of value from the use, ownership, operation or development of a built asset.

I have found from my work here that you can get involved with anything you’re interested in if you seek out the opportunity, and also that everyone from the organisation is accessible and genuinely willing to help out with insight and advice.

As built asset consultants our role is to give honest and trusted advice to our clients, which sometimes means we have to deliver hard-hitting messages. Talking through potential scenarios and planning how to respond to these helps ensure that we get our point across without getting bogged down in client politics.

AntHOny PuRCELL EC HARRIS

GRADuAtE MAnAGEMEnt COnSuLtAnt

NICHE

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The first hurdle to getting a job in consulting is the application process. Some employers make the process a little easier by providing information on their application process and what you can expect at each stage, so be sure to check out the company site before you start your preparations.

The first stage of application can vary. Some companies, such as PwC, EY, Hymans Robertson and Roland Berger will ask you to complete an online application form. Alternatively, you may be asked to submit your CV and covering letter online by others including Bain & Company, FTI Consulting and Marakon.

Application formsApplication forms are becoming increasingly popular amongst consultancy firms, as they allow prospective employers to specify and structure the information they’re given in your application. you may find you are still asked to submit your CV alongside an application form, which discourages candidates from simply replicating information word-for-word from their CV.

All application forms are likely to ask slightly different questions, however there are some questions that you can expect to crop up throughout your job search. Take the time to think about and draft answers to each of these questions so you know what you want to include when they appear in an application form.

1. Why do you want to work for us?2. What does consulting involve? What do

you think makes a good consultant?3. Give an example of when you have

shown leadership or been particularly persuasive.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?5. Give an example of an achievement

you’re proud of.6. Give an example of when you have used

your problem-solving abilities.7. What have you learnt from previous

jobs/work experience? 8. Do you have any additional skills, such as

IT or languages?

Take your time when filling out application forms and make sure you provide answers for all of the questions you are asked. When you have finished your application make sure you proof read what you have written and check your spelling and grammar. Finally, ensure any additional documents and attachments have been uploaded correctly and either print or save a copy of your answers for future reference.

CV & covering letterIt is still common practice in many consultancy firms to request a CV and covering letter at the start of the application process. Some companies, such as BCG and McKinsey request

You have the skills and education you need, so what next? Your application is your chance to sell yourself to a potential employer and prove why you are perfect for the job. Read our article to find out what consultancy employers are looking for and what key information you should always provide.

the consultancyapplIcatIon procEss

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that you provide a CV and covering letter alongside your online application.

Your CV has one purpose and one purpose only – to sell you. A CV has a fairly standard layout with some small variations based on your qualifications and previous jobs. The five different areas a CV should include are: • Personal details – your name, address

and contact details. • Personal profile – succinct details

about your key skills, achievements and strengths.

• qualifications – your degree title, class and university, followed by your A level results and GCSEs in brief. (or equivalents.)

• Professional experience and achievements – job title, company name and dates with your achievements and short role description. List your most recent first.

• General skills – include IT and language skills alongside any relevant to the role.

Always make sure you tailor your CV to bring out the skills and qualifications an employer is looking for. Often the company will make this explicit in the job description, but in general for consultancy applications, you should be looking to emphasise:1. Any previous experience you have in

consultancy2. Your interest in business3. You communication skills and

persuasiveness4. Your leadership skills 5. Your problem solving abilities.

This is not something you should simply be stating in your personal profile – every part of your CV needs to back this up, including your hobbies, interests and other qualifications.

Bringing out particular achievements from your work experience (for example, a sales target that you surpassed or any additional responsibility you were given) will demonstrate the skills you acquired from the experience rather than simply stating them.

As a recent graduate, the length of your CV should be no longer than two pages. Remember that your CV will be given on average between 30-60 seconds of attention, so make sure you keep it concise and highlight your key skills.

Be social media savvy Your online activity is now an important part of the application process. LinkedIn is an excellent way to promote yourself and your skills outside of your CV. Update your LinkedIn page so it includes all of your relevant experience and qualifications; if you have done any work experience, then contact the person you worked for and ask if they would be willing to endorse your skills.

Employers are increasingly turning to social media to find out more about candidates. Google yourself and see what comes up. Remember to regularly edit your privacy settings in Facebook, or better yet, edit your profile and pages to ensure they reflect an image you would want a potential employer to see.

tHE conSultancy aPPlIcatIon ProcESS

Carolyn Wileman, HR Director at Redshift Strategy tells us what particularly impresses a recruiter when it comes to cover letters:

There is nothing more off putting than a standard letter that could have been sent to anyone. The recruiter reviewing your application should get a sense that you have done your research and that you genuinely know exactly why you want to work there and you can demonstrate why – this will be a much more impressive application.

Your online activity is now an

important part of the application process.

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In the consultancy recruitment process, assessments are common. They can take the form of online tests, an assessment centre or both. While these tests can seem very daunting, it is important to remember that they are not put in place to trip you up. Companies use assessments as a way of seeing what you can do and how capable you are.

ONLINE TESTSOnline testing usually happens near the beginning of the consultancy application process, after the application form has been submitted. Some of the consultancy firms that ask you to complete online tests before an interview include PwC, Deloitte and Towers Watson.

It is important to bear in mind that many tests cannot be retaken straight away, so before you begin it is important to prepare and give yourself enough time to complete the test.

Make sure you have any suggested equipment and ask friends or family to avoid disturbing you while you are taking the tests.

Occasionally companies will ask you to visit their offices to complete tests; these could be in either a written or on-screen format. Written tests are used by BCG, McKinsey and FTI Consulting.

Here we will look at the three types of test that are usually used by consultancy firms. You may take all or only some of these tests and they may be sent to you in a different order. The same tests are sometimes used in assessment centres.

Personality testsThese are used to identify the key aspects of a candidate’s character, their personal characteristics and personality traits. They help employers to see how well a candidate will fit in to the company framework and give an insight into your behaviour and level of competence.

Verbal reasoning testsVerbal reasoning tests asses your ability to understand written information and make logical conclusions. They are used for consultancy assessments as it is important for a consultant to be able to interpret and understand written information. Verbal reasoning tests usually involve a written passage followed by a statement. You must then decide if the statement is true, false or not possible to say without further information.

numerical reasoning testsNumerical reasoning tests measure your numerical potential and your ability to work with data rather than your learned mathematical knowledge. This is because, while qualifications like your degree or A level results show your hard work and ability to

Assessments are a common part of the consultancy recruitment process and many students are uncertain of what to expect from them. From online tests to assessment centres, we take a look at the types of test you may face and explain their purpose.

what to expect:consultancy assEssmEnts

Online testing usually happens near the

beginning of the consultancy

application process.

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learn facts, they may not reflect how well you will actually perform in the workplace.

Preparation for online testsThe scariest part of online testing for the majority of people is not knowing what to expect in each test. While it is not possible for you to know the questions in advance, you can attempt practice tests online. This will help you to get used to the format of the questions, the types of questions you may be asked and the amount of time you will have. Tests vary across different companies, but if you can start with a good idea of what is to be expected, you will find yourself more likely to succeed. On the Inside Careers website there is a range of practise tests for you to take.

ASSESSmENT CENTRES Also referred to as selection centres, these centres allow companies to assess a candidate’s ability and evaluate the skills they could bring to the organisation. Evaluations at assessment centres last between 1-2 days and take place following the first round of interviews and before the final selection.

What is involved?At assessment centres there will be a range of tasks which you shall be expected to complete. Activities are usually made up of a combination of aptitude tests, group and individual exercises, presentations and interviews. Some of the tests will examine your skills and knowledge of a particular area, while others will be looking at how you interact with others and work in a group environment.

Group exercises Group tasks often worry candidates the most. The main concern here is knowing what you’re being assessed on. Working well with the others in the group whilst you are competing with them for the position can leave candidates unsure of how to behave.

Group exercises can vary in topic, with some directly related to consultancy and others based on solving a business problem or even a simple unrelated task. They do however have one common theme: they are assessing how well you work with and interact within the group. Firms want to see evidence of your team working and communication skills, as well as problem solving skills and determination or drive.

Individual exercisesOne of the most common forms of individual task is an in-tray or e-tray exercise. You are set up on a computer with a fictitious email address. You will have to work your way through various queries in your inbox and deal with them accordingly.

conSultancy aSSESmEntS

Take practice tests

online at: www.insidecareers.

co.uk/placement/

assessment-centres

Assessment centres last between 1-2 days and take place following

the first round of interviews and before the

final selection.

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These exercises are looking to assess your decision making, problem solving, organisational and interpersonal skills. Your attention to detail and time management will also be noted.

Presentations You may be asked to prepare a short presentation either before your assessment centre or when you arrive to present on the day. Topics for these presentations can vary from the typical ‘why would you like to work for us?’ through to specific topic or consultancy related questions.

The audience may vary for your presentation; it could be the other assessment centre participants or senior staff at the company. If you are present for other candidates’ presentations, make sure you are attentive and polite: remember, you are still being observed by assessors even when you’re not presenting. Regardless of who you are presenting to, make sure you remain confident and professional throughout.

Firms are looking for you to display strong communication skills, enthusiasm, confidence and a genuine interest in the topic. Depending on the topic you may also need to show a sense of commercial awareness and the ability to identify key information.

InterviewsIt is likely you will have an interview at your assessment centre. These interviews are often held with a senior consultant and are largely competency based. Be sure to remain polite and professional but allow the interviewer to get to know you. While you may be the one being interviewed, you will be given a chance to ask any questions you might have; prepare yourself with a couple of strong questions about the company or their culture to show your interest.

Over the next couple of pages of this guide you will find more information on how to handle interviews and interview case studies.

Gillian Bray, HR Manager at CHP Consulting tells us her top tip for interviews:

Show that you truly understand the company you are applying to. Memorising the website then repeating parrot fashion is no good. A great candidate can talk about what the business does, where it is going and how it is a great career prospect, drawing on different references such as press releases or white papers. This is the kind of preparation that will make you stand out above other candidates.

Hannah O’Brien, Senior Recruiting Coordinator at Bain & Company tell us what does and doesn’t impress interviewers:

Impressive: It’s impressive to meet a focused candidate who has clearly thought through why they are interested in this career, what they can offer us, what Bain can offer them – and one who is well prepared and structured in their responses. It’s also impressive when a candidate consistently applies common sense to the numerical answers they come up with. Without the interviewer prompting them, great candidates ask themselves ‘does that number make any sense given what I do know?’ and either justify or revise the number on that basis.

Not so impressive: The worst thing to do is ramble. If, halfway through an answer, you’ve forgotten the question, clarify with the interviewer rather than trying to wriggle out of it. Also, look the part – casual clothes are a no!

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The interview process is a dialogue aimed at getting to know you personally, learning more about your analytical capabilities, and also introducing you to the company, the people and the work. You are assessed on your ability to listen, communicate effectively, and present yourself with tact, energy, and persuasiveness.

The interviewer looks for intellectual curiosity and creative thinking. And sometimes, they just want to find out what it would be like to spend a week on the road with you, working together on a client project. Interviewers value a sense of humour and a bit of ‘sparkle’ in your personality.

Most interviews are divided into three parts: personal background, consideration of a case study, and an opportunity for the applicant to ask questions.

Personal backgroundDuring the interview, the interviewer wants to find out more about you and how you would fit in the company. For example, you might be asked to describe ways you have been able to make an impact in a team environment in the past. Or you could be asked to describe a time when you were able to overcome obstacles, persuading others to go along with a decision that they had initially resisted. The interviewer may also simply be curious to hear your motivation for choosing to pursue a career with the company.

Case studyThe case study gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Because the case is likely based on a real client project your interviewer has worked on, you will gain a unique insight into what consulting is like.

The case study will feature a business problem that you will seek to solve during the interview. It will not require extensive knowledge of specific industries or processes, and some cases have no right or wrong answers. Your questions and thought processes are more important than coming up with an actual solution.

Questions and answersThe interview is your chance to ask questions about working in a firm or your interviewer’s personal experience. It is an opportunity for you to get to know the people and the culture of the company. Come prepared with the questions that matter to you, and your interviewer will make every effort to answer them.

Preparation for the case studyTo prepare for the case study discussion, you can review some practice cases from the BCG website. These examples will give you an idea of what to expect in the case study portion of the interview. You can also practice using BCG interactive online case. On the day of the interview, relax and be yourself.

The interview process can be a very daunting experience. What questions will you be asked? What is a case study and how do you solve them? BCG explain the process and provide us with some tips on how to succeed in a case interview.

the consultancyIntErvIEw procEss

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tHE conSultancy IntErvIEw ProcESS

While there are no set rules on how to solve a case study, you will find below some advice that can help you succeed.

Listen to the interviewer and ask questionsThe interviewer will begin by laying out the problem. You should take time to align your thinking, ask clarifying questions, and communicate your line of reasoning to your interviewer. The interviewer will also give you hints and help along the way, so don’t be afraid to take notes.

Structure the problem and form a frameworkTake a moment to think about the case to gain perspective. Putting together a structure and a framework will help you clarify each step and enable you to identify the analysis you may want to perform to reach a solution.

think before speakingTake some time to organise your ideas; don’t jump too fast to conclusions.

Focus on high-impact issuesConcentrate on the issues that will really make a difference and create value for your ‘client’, but make sure that you explain the reasons behind your choices.

Generate a hypothesis and explore options creativelyMake suggestions on how to solve the key issues you have identified. The interviewer will be looking for the same things a client would expect when working with a consulting firm – innovative approaches that can change the rules of the game and creation of lasting competitive advantage.

Demonstrate business judgmentGiven that there is limited information available, the interviewer will ask you probing questions about your comments, hypotheses, or conclusions to test your capability to use your judgment.

Make quick and accurate calculationsAt some point, the interviewer may ask you to make some simple calculations. Rather than testing computational skill, this is meant

to see if you can use numbers to quickly form opinions and guide decisions. Your calculations should be accurate and integrated into what you have discovered so far.

Synthesise your thoughts and draw conclusions from your analysisAt the end of the interview, you should summarise the key hypotheses and options you have developed. Then, conclude with your recommended solution to the client’s problem.

Don’t rush into the analysis without developing an understanding of the problemDuring the discussion, the interviewer will work with you to organise your thoughts and steer you towards a solution. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that check your understanding.

Don’t panic if the answer is not apparentThere is no right or wrong answer in our interviews, and you are not expected to know everything about business. The objective of the interview is for the interviewer to learn about your approach to solving business problems, so remember to discuss your line of thought with them.

Don’t defend your solution at all costsIf the interviewer challenges the solution you propose, don’t go on the defensive. Acknowledge the possibility that the interviewer has brought up a relevant perspective that you had not considered and re-examine your thinking accordingly.

Don’t internalise your thought processThe interview should be a dialogue between you and the interviewer, so make sure you communicate your logic and underlying assumptions.

One last piece of advice: be yourself and have fun discussing the case. If you find this conversation exciting and entertaining, you’ll likely enjoy being a consultant.

This article was contributed by staff at BCG.

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Work experience – different types?Consultancy work experience can take a variety of forms covering different types of work and it can be paid or unpaid. It can be part of a degree course, for example a sandwich course with an industrial placement where the university will specify the required duration; normally between 24-48 weeks. Work experience can also take the form of a summer internship, work shadowing, part-time work, voluntary work or a gap year.

Benefits to studentsWork experience provides a great opportunity to gain experience in a consultancy working environment as well as looking good on your CV. It can really help to make an informed decision on various areas of consultancy that are open to you. It will provide an opportunity to explore your options first-hand and gain insight into a specific organisations and how they work.

These opportunities also help to develop an awareness of professional codes of behaviour and the world of work, and allow you to build

a network of contacts that you may be able to leverage at different stages of your career. These contacts may also be useful when applying for graduate roles or simply seeking career advice.

Work experience also demonstrates a proven interest and commitment to that particular career. It will make you a more ‘rounded’ candidate, building both your technical/academic skills and softer skills. Most work experience roles will have a recruitment process which will provide great practice for those all-important graduate application forms and interviews.

As well as gaining valuable commercial insight into consultancy, you will also have developed broader skills such as time management, analytical and presentation skills. All of which will be put to good use in your final year. most importantly, if you show the right enthusiasm, determination and ability in the job, you could end up being offered a permanent graduate position at the end of your placement.

Benefits to employerswork experience provides benefits to both students and employers. As well as helping with your development as a student, there are a number of business benefits for the company. They can influence the quality of future employees, reduce recruitment costs by building direct links with universities, raise the branding/profile of the company and create a positive image amongst students and, of course, a monetary benefit of having additional resources at a lower cost than full-time, permanent employees.

Work experience is an important factor in helping graduates to get the job they want. As competition in the current job market toughens, employers are looking for graduates who are able to show they have applied their academic skills in a commercial environment. Business acumen is becoming more of a prerequisite for graduate programmes – a degree is no longer enough.

how to secureconsultancy work ExpErIEncE

As well as gaining valuable commercial

insight into consultancy, you will also have

developed broader skills.

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When to start lookingIt is never too early to start thinking about work experience. The earlier you start planning your work experience and thinking about your options, the better.

A number of the larger work placement schemes in consultancy will however target penultimate year students. If you find this is the case, you should still use your vacation time productively and build up a range of experience and skills that will make you more employable in your final year at university.

top tips There are various sources you can use to find consultancy firms offering work experience. One of the best available is your university careers service. Most careers services will have a placement officer who will be sent vacancy information directly from employers. If your university does not have a placement officer, your careers adviser will be able to provide you with some guidance on which companies to apply to and how to contact them.

Alternatively, you can be proactive – do your own research and apply directly to companies, most will have an online application form. But you shouldn’t constrain yourself to formalised work experience programmes, speculative applications are also often successful. If you know someone who works in the consulting industry, contact them to see whether you can get some informal work experience. Finally, put time into your application. Competition for work experience roles can be tough. The time you put in upfront into the application and assessment process will bring you large rewards.

Gemma Guy is Graduate Recruitment Manager at PA Consulting Group.

Use your vacation time productively and

build up a range of experience and skills.

For more tips on securing

work experience head online:

www.insidecareers.

co.uk/placement/work

experience-internships

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The Institute & qualifications

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ABOuT THE yOuNG mCA

ABOUT THE MCA

CONSuLTANCy quALIFICATIONS

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tHE InStItutE & QualIFIcatIonS

The Institute of Consulting is the professional body for business consultancy, responsible for the standards to which professional business consultants work.

The Institute of Consulting (IC) is the professional body for consultancy. Its role is to be the standard-setter and standard-bearer for the consulting industry and have clear strategic priorities that deliver exclusive benefits for its members. These standards are set in consultation with practitioners in business consulting and academics researching the profession and other interested professionals.

It specifies what is expected from professional practising business consultants and it is the IC’s job to make sure the professional standards are adhered to. Membership, therefore, clearly demonstrates that you will work professionally and your clients can be assured that you will put professional standards first in all that you do with them. IC members sign up to a Code of Conduct which provides their clients with additional reassurance. A copy can be found on the IC website.

In addition, the IC is the only UK based organisation that has the authority to confer the Certified management Consultant (CmC) Award for competence in consultancy. This award demonstrates that a management consultant has strong consultancy skills and experience, assessment involves endorsement by client references. It is a challenging process and differentiates consultants and demonstrates competence to work in the areas of consultancy in which they claim proficiency.

The institute provides the means for business consultants to demonstrate that they work to high professional standards and have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to carry out competently the assignments they accept. This is a significant differentiator for business consultants when meeting potential clients.

Joining the ICWhether you’re a sole practitioner or employed within a consultancy, membership of the institute gives you the tools to succeed.

Far more than just letters after your name, it’s a comprehensive support system that stays with you throughout your career. Benefits of membership are:• Evidence of your professionalism to clients.• Continuous route for your career

development, from online CPD to a qualifications pathway.

• A full programme of networking events, locally, nationally and digitally.

• Support for your business development with a National Register and tender alerts.

• Industry-leading online information services at your fingertips, including ConsultingDirect.

Becoming a member of the instituteFull membership is open to practising consultants. Members can be admitted as students if they are interested in becoming business consultants. Anyone who works in another field and wishes to become a consultant may join as an affiliate and when their experience develops move into one of the full membership grades. All grades allow access to benefits.

you will find information about membership as well as the full range of benefits at www.iconsulting.org.uk/membership or alternatively, call on 01536 207 307.

Contact detailsInstitute of Consulting,4th Floor, 2 Savoy CourtStrand, London WC2R 0EZwww.iconsulting.org.uk

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conSultancy QualIFIcatIonS

Increasingly, people who buy consultancy are looking for assurances that the consultants they employ are appropriately qualified and adhere to high ethical and professional standards. This is done through professional qualifications, some of which are outlined below.

As one of the professional bodies for business consulting in the UK, the Institute of Consulting (IC) offers consultants a structured professional development framework to support ongoing learning and development.

It offers a range of recognised qualifications for the business consulting profession that are awarded by the Chartered Management Institute. If you are looking to move into the profession, gain independent validation of your skills or wish to consolidate and embed your existing skills whilst networking with your peers, its specialist programmes are delivered by a range of training providers who are externally quality assured on a regular basis.

The IC has a number of professional qualifications from which to choose; the Level 5 in Professional Consulting; Level 5 Business Support, Level 7 in Professional Consulting, (all at Award, Certificate or diploma), taking you from an introduction to consulting essentials through to the skills and competencies to

become a consultant. In addition there is the ultimate accolade – the Certified management Consultant (CMC).

The professional development framework defines qualifications that will develop and assess your skills in the following areas:• Management consultancy • Business support/advice.

Beyond the qualifications, experienced consultants can apply for the CMC Award which is a marked differentiation for the confident and competent consultant. Whatever stage you are at in your career and whichever qualification you take you will:• Learn the most up to date tools,

techniques and skills. • Increase your marketability with clients

and employers.• Network with your peers and leading

training providers. • Be presented with new business

opportunities. • Maximise your potential. • Develop alternative ways of thinking.• Gain added confidence. • Non-members receive free student

membership – all students on our qualifications gain access to student support resources, including the Body of Knowledge during the course and upgrade on completion.

Choosing your qualification The Level 5 in Professional Consulting qualification gives an opportunity to gain an understanding in consulting essentials. It is intended for people who are considering a move into the profession from a

professionalconsultancy qualIfIcatIons

The IC offers consultants a

structured professional development

framework to support ongoing learning and

development.

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tHE InStItutE & QualIFIcatIonS

functional discipline, or for those who wish to obtain an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed in the field of management consultancy.

As an aspiring management consultant, you will learn about:• Consulting essentials• Planning and managing consultancy

interventions• The client relationship• Communication for consultants• Problem solving tools and techniques for

consultants.

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, but it is expected that most candidates are intending to enter into a management consulting role and will therefore be educated to degree level or hold a minimum of two years’ business experience.

More experienced consultants should consider the Level 7 Diploma in Professional Consulting which will develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to operate as a management consultant. It is intended for people who want to enter management consultancy from a functional discipline, or for those who wish to develop the skills and knowledge needed to operate in the field of management consultancy.

As a developing management consultant, you will learn about:• Organisational structure and culture• Entry and diagnosis• Managing consultancy interventions• Tools and techniques for effective

consulting• Group dynamics and facilitating skills• Professional practice• Professional development in consulting• Managing the business of consulting• Communicating strategies for consulting• Strategic performance management• Organisational direction• Strategic project management• Organisational change• Leadership and coaching and mentoring

skills.

It is recommended that candidates are educated to degree level or equivalent, or hold

a minimum of five years’ business experience.

The Level 5 qualification in Business Support is also an introductory unit to business support that gives the learner a full understanding of the importance of communication and relationship building, understanding the business support process and the importance of how to conduct and develop oneself as a business support adviser.

Within the Diploma, IC have introduced units from CMI Management and Leadership & Coaching and mentoring qualifications to give the learner the option to further develop their skills in the role of a business support adviser.

Both the Certificate and diploma in Business Support are aimed for all business support professionals, whether you are considering embarking upon a career in this field or are already a practising business adviser. Studying for these qualifications can be adapted to suit the individual’s particular needs.

In order to obtain the certificate, candidates must complete the mandatory unit and at least two optional units to a minimum of 24 credits in total to achieve this qualification. Assessment for these units can include evidence drawn from observation of client contacts, candidate reflective accounts, professional discussion, oral and written questioning, testing and evidence from prior experience.

To obtain the Diploma, candidates must complete all mandatory units and one

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optional unit to a minimum of 45 credits in total and a 2,500-3,000 word work related project. There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification.

Units covered in the Certificate/Diploma in Business Support areaThe BSC will cover the following units:• Introduction to Business support• Develop effective business support

relationships with clients• Enable the client to analyse the business

implement change• Develop business support networks• Reflective practice and development in

business support• Monitoring the business support service.

Optional units:• Conducting a management project• Marketing planning• Operational risk management • Organisational corporate social

responsibility• Introduction to management coaching

and mentoring• Management coaching and mentoring

and the organisation• Management coaching and mentoring

skills• Management coaching practice• Management mentoring• Management of action learning• Managing the change process.

All qualifications can be completed at Award, Certificate or diploma level.

The Certified Management Consultant AwardThe Certified management Consultant (CmC) Award is the mark of a competent and confident consultant. It is the only internationally portable consultancy award and is recognised in 67 countries. The IC is the only organisation in the UK who is able to award the CMC and is accredited to do so by the ICMCI. It provides a real differentiator that is recognised globally.

The CMC Award is achieved by completing a competency-based assessment process supported by experienced assessors who assess the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to be a successful consultant.

CMC is an independent endorsement mapped to professional standards and competences, that: • Proves your ability to provide solutions to

client business needs that create value. • Demonstrates that you have the

experience and knowledge to deliver. impartial and professional interventions.

• Differentiates you as a consultant that delivers high quality services.

• Sets the standard for what is expected of preferred suppliers of consultancy services.

• Indicates to clients and peers that you have been independently verified against universally accepted standards for experienced business consultants.

CMC remains current and relevant through a three yearly recertification – providing proof of continued development and competence.

To find out more about both qualifications and to download syllabuses, see the Institute of Consulting website at:www.iconsulting.org.uk/qualifications.

The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) Award is the mark

of a competent and confident consultant.

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About the MCAThe MCA is the leading trade body for the UK’s management consulting industry and comprises most of the country’s top firms. It promotes high standards in the industry and the contribution its members make to the economy.

Management consultants help take organisations further than they would go on their own. The MCA’s member companies help create better leaders, better decisions and better delivery.

These companies represent two thirds of the UK consulting industry in fee income, estimated to be worth £9-10 billion in 2012, employ more than 50,000 consultants and work with every leading UK public and private organisation. They add real value and do amazing work.

the consulting industryThe UK consulting industry is extraordinarily diverse, and this is reflected in the membership of the MCA. Members encompass all strands of consulting from ‘pure’ strategy and management consulting firms to IT, engineering, HR, outsourcing, accounting and corporate advisory companies. The range and sophistication of modern management consulting is a significant strength of the UK economy and a source of great competitive advantage.

The industry’s performance in 2012 is one of continued consolidation and growth. Despite uncertain economic conditions, fee income has increased by 7% from 2011 to 2012.

Financial services, retail and the public sector have all seen a strong level of growth with financial services continuing to contribute the largest share of private sector fee income.

Retail is a surprising area of growth, particularly as 2012 saw several high street chains either closing or going into administration. However the high street is changing as customers chose to make more online purchases.

the role of the MCAThe MCA’s mission is: ‘To promote the value of management consultancy for the economy and society as a whole’.

To achieve this, its main focus is on three key roles:• Being a powerful voice for the consulting

industry.• Standing up for high standards of

The Management Consultancies Association (MCA) is the leading professional body for the UK management consultancy industry and many of the top practices in the UK belong to it. By promoting high standards and the true value of consultancy, the MCA is ensuring its members are an integral part of any successful business.

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about tHE mca

professionalism and integrity within the industry.

• Creating better engagement with and between members and their staff.

A powerful voice for the industryThe mCA informs and influences public debate on topical issues, and provides authoritative data on the industry. It commissions research and policy analysis and represents the industry in discussions with Government and other stakeholders.

Its aim is to ensure that management consultancy is better understood and recognised by the wider public as well as by existing and potential clients. By being ‘the voice of the industry’ the MCA tell the positive story of management consultancy, as well as combating some of the myths and false perceptions surrounding the profession.

Promoting standardsThe MCA promotes high standards in the UK management consultancy industry. Members meet strict entry criteria and annually confirm their compliance with its Code of Practice. membership is a badge of quality that testifies to the standard of services provided and

the organisational values behind them. This reassures clients that mCA firms exemplify quality in the industry.

Outstanding pieces of consultancy work and the best individual consultants are recognised each year in the MCA Awards. Case studies are submitted jointly by firms and their clients and the awards are fiercely contested, with the winners announced at a gala dinner each spring. Full details of the winning entries are available on the MCA website.

uniting the industry The MCA enables the industry to come together, network and turn common challenges into shared opportunities. Every member is represented in a council that helps set the agenda for the industry and guide MCA activity.

The MCA run a series of overarching networks which consultants can progress through as they move forward with their careers. These networks offer professional development, networking and the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers within the industry.

The networks facilitate the sharing of experience and best practice within the industry through initiatives such as the Young MCA, the Consultancy Buyers Forum, the Think Tank and a set of issue-based working groups and committees that shape our events, policy and research programmes.

For more informationThe MCA’s Consulting Update newsletter and the Consultant’s Compass blog provide anyone interested in the management consulting industry with news, tips, interviews and thought pieces which address the main issues facing the industry.

you will find more information about the mCA on their website at www.mca.org.uk

The MCA enables the industry to come

together, network and turn common

challenges into shared opportunities.

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tHE InStItutE & QualIFIcatIonS

The Young MCA is the professional network for those starting out a career in management consultancy. Throughout the year, the network delivers a diverse and engaging programme of events where attendees have the opportunity to build their network, to further their professional development and share experiences.

about theyoung mca

The Young MCA is a network organised by the mCA for member consultancy firm staff in the first five years of their consulting career.

Its mission is to contribute to the enhancement and development of the UK management consultancy industry while maintaining the industry’s high standards. The network is run by the MCA and a steering committee of young consultants who are elected by the network. The steering committee has overall responsibility for the Young MCA’s goals and actions.

Professional development & networkingThe Young MCA team deliver a series of events and networking opportunities for members. These events typically combine a business focused session, which delivers personal development content, followed by the opportunity to network with, and learn from, peers within other member consultancies. Senior members of the consulting community are often invited to share their experiences and pass on their advice.

Events highlights of 2013 include learning the skills of persuasion from one of the country’s most popular magicians and the first ‘young Women in Consulting’ event with a Q&A session with some of the industry’s top female consultants.

Online community The Young MCA has an ever growing online community, mostly communicated with via the group’s LinkedIn page which has grown in numbers over the past couple of years.

Here Young MCA members share and discuss industry news, viewpoints and resources which have added value to the industry as a whole. Members also have the opportunity to raise their profile and voice their opinion through a number of online publications associated with the MCA and the industry.

Promoting consulting as a careerPart of the Young MCA’s strategy is to promote consultancy as a career. The network holds a number of university ‘consulting

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about tHE young mca

careers’ sessions during the academic year and work with graduate recruiters to show what life is like as a consultant.

The network also contributes to various career publications to give their first-hand knowledge of the career path of a young

consultant. The Young MCA recently produced a report on the views and experience of recent consulting recruits ‘who wants to be a management consultant?’.

The report aimed to answer the following questions:• what qualifications do young consultants

require to enter the industry?• How do young consultants perceive

management consultancy before entering the industry?

• How have perceptions changed as a result of working as a management consultant?

• What future ambitions do young consultants hold for their own consultants?

Download ‘who wants to be a management consultant?’ for free at www.mca.org.uk

you will find more information about the Young MCA at www.mca.org.uk/youngmca

The Young MCA team deliver a series of

events and networking opportunities for

members.

Des O’Connor- young MCA Chair & Management Consultant at Mott MacDonald:

‘The Young MCA is a great place for new recruits to the consulting industry to network with their peers. All consultants within the MCA membership are welcome; regardless of the size of the firm or the sector they operate in. The Young MCA Community is also great for career development and networking

opportunities which broadens your perspective of the industry and there is a fantastic social side to each of the events we run.

We look forward to welcoming a host of new consultants in our community over the next year and don’t forget to look out for us at university career events.’

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Employer Directory

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REdShifT STRATEgy

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Who we areBain & Company is one of the world’s leading strategy consulting firms. For the last ten years we have been ranked No.1 ‘Best firm to Work for’ by Consulting magazine.

What we doWe work with top management teams to tackle their key issues and generate lasting financial impact. We are focused on results and delivering substantial, lasting financial impact to our clients. Our clients include some of the most successful global companies and private equity firms.

A career at BainAs an Associate Consultant (AC) you will be responsible for solving business problems and helping the team work on our clients’ critical issues. in addition, you will learn how to develop and implement practical solutions to drive tangible financial results for your clients. Bain offers unparalleled flexibility – ACs have the opportunity to pursue an MBA, go on externship or take a leave of absence to do charity work or travel.

Your professional developmentThroughout your career at Bain, we offer excellent training. Your first year starts with two weeks of detailed training in your office and a further two week global training programme, where you will train alongside your international colleagues. in addition, you will be assigned a mentor to help guide you through your career as well as receive ongoing coaching, both informal and formal, from senior case members and peer group sessions to ensure that you continually develop your skills. Bain is a meritocracy – your progression is driven purely by your performance, not by your tenure.

What we look forBain people are dynamic, entrepreneurial and thrive on early responsibility. We look for exceptional graduates and postgraduates from any degree discipline who demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, initiative, leadership and teamwork.

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How to applyApplication form, covering letter and Cv online

Contact informationgraduateRecruiting.london@Bain.com

Application deadline3 November 2013

Scan for Bain & Company’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesNo fixed quota

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points360

Starting salaryCompetitive

No. of employeesOver 6,000 worldwide

Locations49 offices in 31 countries

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

At BCg, your talent and ambition are just the starting point for a life-changing experience in which you will grow personally and help shape the future of multiple companies. Shaping a better world – through the success of our clients and our people – is more than our mission, for BCgers, it is our shared sense of purpose and the way we measure the impact of our work. That is why the best organisations in the world trust our advice.

You will create lasting impactThe best companies in the world trust BCg to help them solve their toughest challenges. Our customised approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of markets and competition with the ability to realise change in close collaboration with all levels of the client organisation. We help our clients transform their businesses and stay one step ahead of the competition.

You will grow furtherBCg is growing, and our growth creates a path for you: broader choices, faster learning, and rapid advancement. ‘grow further’ is not just a promise, it is a belief that is deeply rooted in our people processes, in the way we work, and in our leadership approach.

You will thrive in an environment of creativity and performanceBCg is more than an award-winning workplace – it is an unparalleled environment to create your own success story. Challenged by mentors and supported by our teams, you’ll learn while working with a diverse group of exceptional individuals.

Management consulting at its bestBCG is a global management consulting firm and the world’s leading adviser on business strategy. founded in 1963, BCg is a private company with more than 75 offices in 43 countries – a purpose-driven firm with a mission and passion to be the partner of choice to transform business and society.

www.bcglondon.com/www.bcgperspectives.com

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How to applyOnline via apply.bcg.com/ukuniversity

Contact informationlonrecruiting@bcg.com

Application deadline1 September to 3 November 2013

Scan for BCG’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesNo fixed quota

No. of work experience vacanciesNo fixed quota

Type of work experience offeredinternships

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points340

Starting salaryhighly competitive

Benefits23 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, golden hello, life assurance, bike scheme, gym membership, performance bonus and social events

No. of employees7,500

Locationslondon

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Booz & Company is a leading global management consulting firm focused on serving and shaping the senior agenda of the world’s leading institutions. Our founder, Edwin Booz, launched the profession when he established the first management consulting firm in Chicago in 1914. Today, we operate globally with more than 3,000 people in 58 offices around the world.

We believe passionately that essential advantage lies within and that a few differentiating capabilities drive any organisation’s identity and success. We work with our clients to discover and build those capabilities that give them the right to win their chosen markets.

We are a firm of practical strategists known for our functional expertise, industry foresight, and ‘sleeves rolled up’ approach to working with our clients. Our people are our greatest asset. We recognise that it takes exceptional individuals with different talents and perspectives to develop the innovative solutions our clients expect. And we believe the most effective teams reflect diverse backgrounds and ideas. Booz & Company recruits the best and brightest from leading business schools, undergraduate institutions, and other degree programmes, as well as experienced professionals with outstanding track records.

if you are bright, motivated and numerate, Booz & Company offers you a career with diverse and challenging assignments, engaging colleagues, unmatched opportunities for professional growth and achievement, and the satisfaction that comes from helping clients solve their most critical issues. But we know there is more to life than work, and that we all benefit when employees are happy, healthy and leading a well-balanced life. To that end, you will find the firm has many other types of communities: diversity groups, athletic teams and social networks. We also offer employees abundant opportunities to give something back to their communities through self-chosen projects, firm sponsored volunteer projects and pro bono assignments at non-profit organisations. A

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How to applyCv and covering letter online

Contact informationlondon.recruiting@booz.com

Application deadline27 October 2013

Scan for Booz & Company’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesNo fixed quota

No. of work experience vacanciesNo fixed quota

Type of work experience offeredinternships

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points340

Starting salaryhighly competitive

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, season ticket loan, life assurance, gym membership performance bonus and social events

No. of employees3,000

LocationsWorldwide

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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Capgemini management consulting programmeWith more than 125,000 people in 44 countries, Capgemini is one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services.

Our management consulting programme is recognised throughout the industry for turning bright, ambitious graduates into expert management consultants. We work with some of the world’s largest and most successful organisations in both private and public sectors. That means you’ll be going into the biggest companies and making them work more effectively.

Projects range from customer experience transformation programmes to integrated supply chain solutions and business transformations. All of them involve changing how companies operate, behave and deliver their strategic objectives, and you’ll be helping them do that.

On joining the consulting programme, graduates are placed in one of our Capability Teams (CT), digital Transformation and Business Analytics, finance Transformation, Operating model and Performance improvement, Programme and Transformation management, Supply Chain, Technology Transformation and Employee Transformation. you can then decide whether to remain in this CT for the remainder of the programme, therefore starting your journey to develop a specialism from day one. Or you can rotate into another CT after six months in order to develop a breadth of knowledge across different areas.

Our management consulting graduates think that our CdC (the Consultant development Community) is the best scheme in the industry because we mix real jobs from day one with a fantastic support structure and amazing learning opportunities, in a uniquely fun and collaborative environment.

How to applyApplication form online

Contact informationwww.uk.capgemini.com

Application deadlineApril 2014

Scan for Capgemini’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies120

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points320

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, season ticket loan, bike scheme and social events

No. of employees120,000 worldwide

LocationsNationwide

International opportunitiesNo

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

CHP Consulting helps asset finance companies improve their business performance by implementing our software – AlfA Systems – and applying our wide-ranging experience of the industry. Blue-chip clients such as Bank of America, Barclays, deutsche Bank, Société générale and Toyota financial Services have reaped the benefits of CHP’s finest assets: our people. We are extremely proud of our track record of successful projects, a testament to the skills, experience and knowledge of our consultants who develop organically through the company from graduate joiner to Senior manager.

You will receive training at our London office in all things necessary to get you started on a project. you’ll then be working on a client site or based in the office, and your first role will typically involve software development. during a project, as well as the design and development of the software, we also need to modify business processes to ensure the client is working as effectively as possible, test that everything works, transfer all the data from the old system to AlfA, and provide support through the go-live process and into the future. during your career, you will spend time working in each of these areas.

A good ChP consultant has the ability to see an end goal, break down the steps to get there, and put in the effort to achieve it. Therefore, any hard-working and ambitious graduate can be successful as long as they have a logical mind, enjoy working as part of a team, have pride in the work that they do, and see their career immersed in the worlds of both technology and finance.

CHP is established in the UK, US, Asia-Pacific and throughout Europe. You will be expected to work in locations in Europe and we see a steady flow of UK consultants on secondment further afield, so if this sounds like your kind of thing, we can make that happen too. A

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How to applyOnline

Contact information20 gresham Streetlondon EC2v 7JE recruit@chp.co.ukT: 020 7920 2722

Application deadline1 September to 31 december 2013

Scan for CHP Consulting’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies20

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points320

Starting salary£35,000

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, study support, interest-free loan, season ticket loan, life assurance, gym membership and social events

No. of employees170

Locationslondon (hQ), Australia and uSA

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

About usOne of the world’s leading economic consulting firms, Compass Lexecon provides law firms, corporations, and governments with expert economic advice on competition, regulatory, litigation and policy matters.Our team in Europe includes over 50 economists based in Brussels, london, madrid and Paris.

Our approachOur firm is well known for developing a thorough understanding of the issues that face our clients, relating those issues to relevant economic theory, and then supporting our analysis with solid and persuasive empirical evidence.

Our successWe have provided advice on some of the most high profile cases before the European Commission, the general court, national competition authorities and regulators. Our strong reputation is recognised by our clients and peers. We have over twenty experts featured in The international Who’s Who of Competition lawyers and Economists 2013, including ten based in Europe.

Our ideal candidateWe are looking for economists with excellent analytical and communication skills to join our team.

We are interested in candidates expecting to attain a masters or Phd in economics, especially those that have specialised in industrial organisation or econometrics. We will also consider undergraduates who expect to obtain a first class degree in economics.

Our vacanciesWe currently offer full-time Analyst and internship opportunities across our European offices and accept applications throughout the year. We value strong STATA and/or Excel skills. Language skills are also a plus.

How to applyTo apply to Compass Lexecon Europe please send an email to: European.Recruiting@compasslexecon.com attaching your covering letter and Cv (including your grades). Please state in your covering letter which office you are applying to and whether you are applying for an Analyst or intern position.

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How to applyCovering letter and your Cv (with grades) by email to: European.Recruiting@compasslexecon.com

Contact informationEuropean RecruitmentCompass Lexecondavidson Building5 Southampton Streetlondon WC2E 7hAT: 020 7632 5115

Application deadlineOngoing

Scan for Compass Lexecon’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesFlexible

No. of work experience vacanciesFlexible

Type of work experience offeredinternships

Disciplines recruited fromEconomics

Min. degree required1st

Min. UCAS points360

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits25 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, season ticket loan, bike scheme, performance bonus and social events

No. of employees50 (Eu) 380 (global)

Locationsin Europe: Brussels, london, madrid and Paris

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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How to applyCovering letter and Cv by email

Contact informationPetra Reitererrecruitment@credo-group.com

Application deadline17 November 2013

Scan for Credo’s live jobs

No. of employees40

Locationslondon and dubai

International opportunitiesyes

Credo is a leading boutique strategy consultancy, working for the CEOs and boards of today’s most forward-thinking companies. We provide solutions for key strategic issues – which markets, what business model, how to achieve above market returns.

We undertake cutting-edge, high impact work in markets that matter, such as business services, transport, healthcare, telecoms, energy & environment, and have an extensive private equity practice.

We believe the Credo culture is a critical part of our success. We have a flat management structure, an open and supportive office atmosphere, and organise regular social events. Our smaller case teams mean greater responsibility and influence early on, so you can develop closer relationships with your colleagues and clients, and make more of a difference, faster.

Dynamic environmentyou will be joining a partnership with a track record of strong growth and ambitions to further develop the business. We are consistently seeking to deepen our expertise in our key sectors, and have successfully expanded into adjacent sectors in which we can leverage our key strengths.

At Credo we involve all our Consultants in the continuing development of the business. you might work alongside a Partner on a proposal, manage our research budget or become involved in graduate recruitment – offering important experience and responsibilities beyond case work.

Training and progressionNew joiners are supported by an intensive week-long induction training programme, and continuous improvement is developed through Quarterly Training Days. Associate Consultants undertake external training courses on financial Analysis, whilst Senior Consultants and managers have access to personal training budgets to tailor courses to their specific needs.

Structured feedback is given at the end of each engagement and there are six-monthly promotion opportunities. Promotion is entirely on merit and not dependent on firm performance, meaning the speed of your progression is entirely up to you.

No. of graduate vacancies10+

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Starting salarymarket leading

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, golden hello, bike scheme, performance bonus and social events

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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How to applyOnline at:www.fticonsulting.co.uk/graduates

Contact informationTania fraser davidson Building5 Southampton Street Covent garden london WC2E 7hA

Application deadline17 November 2013

Scan for FTI Consulting’s live jobs

No. of employees4,000

Locationslondon and Paris

International opportunitiesyes

About FTI ConsultingIt is the talent and expertise of our people that makes FTI Consulting a global thought leader in business advisory services and consulting. We provide our clients with clear analysis of complex economic and financial issues for use in legal and regulatory proceedings and strategic decision making. Our clients include leading law firms, corporations and government agencies.

What we doOur Economic and financial Consulting practice works on a wide range of assignments, addressing business issues that have real-life implications. Our work is interesting, challenging and varied and involves:

• Business and intellectual Property valuation• Claims and disputes• Competition Policy• international Arbitration• Regulated industries

Challenges that our people have worked on in the past include: • how should European energy markets be regulated?• how valuable is Premier league status to a football

club?• how much should competing operators pay for

access to Sky Sports?• How can the economic concept of market definition

be applied in the financial services industry? Extraordinary graduates, extraordinary opportunitiesIf you have, or are expecting a first or upper second class degree from a top university and are looking for a career that will fulfill you at a firm that will give you the opportunities to succeed, then we encourage you to apply. We look for highly analytical, numerate graduates and postgraduates who are able to think creatively. We offer our recruits a range of training and development opportunities from an induction programme introducing the key technical aspects of the job to in-house training and support for further qualifications, such as ACA, CFA, or masters programmes in related areas.

Apply Now!for details of vacancies in each of our practice areas and to submit your application, please visit our website www.fticonsulting.co.uk/graduates

No. of graduate vacancies15

Disciplines recruited fromAny numerate or semi-numerate degree

Min. degree required2:1

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, study support, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme and social events

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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How to applyOnline at: www.hymanscareers.co.uk

Contact informationRichard Prescott T: 0207 082 6337 (london and Birmingham) and Carla henison T: 0141 566 7894 (glasgow and Edinburgh)

Application deadline4 November 2013

Scan for Hymans Robertson’s live jobs

No. of employees600

LocationsBirmingham, Edinburgh, glasgow and london

International opportunitiesNoMake the most of who you are. Be you.

get your career off to the very best start with hymans Robertson, the uK’s award winning, independently owned pensions, investment and risk consultancy. many of the uK’s biggest pension schemes rely on our advice and we provide consultancy services to leading organisations, including fTSE100 and public sector companies.

We offer a comprehensive programme of training and support to our graduate trainees. That means you’ll get all the help you need to achieve your actuarial qualification, whilst also getting some of the best possible hands-on experience.

you’ll be encouraged to take on responsibility and get involved in client work and projects from a very early stage. you’ll also work alongside some of the sharpest minds in the profession, at all levels across the firm.

if you’ve already decided to work in pensions and benefits, or are looking for a rewarding career in financial services, training with hymans Robertson to be an actuarial, investment or risk modelling consultant, is a great step forward. We’ll equip you with a range of skills that you just won’t find in any other profession.

you’ll be trained in economics, probability, statistics, financial mathematics and behavioural psychology, and be given the opportunity to apply those skills to real business situations. With our support you’ll develop strong commercial awareness, communication and problem-solving skills.

We want you to make the most of who you are and, as part of this, you’ll be able to design an individual and tailored study plan with your study mentor. you’ll have true flexibility around which actuarial exams you take, at a pace that suits you, and you can advance your career as quickly as you want and in your own way.

We’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and really make your mark.

We have also been awarded a Best Companies ‘Two Star’ rating for 2013 as a great place to work and that demonstrates our commitment to our most important asset – our people.

No. of graduate vacancies20+

No. of work experience vacancies7+

Type of work experience offeredSummer internships

Disciplines recruited fromEconomics, finance, mathematics, science, statistics and other numerical disciplines

Min. degree required2:1

Starting salaryhighly competitive

Benefitsgenerous leave entitlement option to purchase, healthcare, pension scheme, study support, interest-free loan, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme, gym membership, performance bonus and social events

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

L.E.K. Consulting is an international firm that specialises in strategy, transaction services and performance improvement consulting. it advises the largest private and public sector organisations, private equity companies and smaller, more entrepreneurial businesses.

With a reputation for resolving the most complex commercial issues, l.E.K. helps business leaders consistently make better decisions, deliver improved business performance and create greater shareholder returns.

The firm was founded in 1983 and employs over 1,000 staff in 22 offices across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. L.E.K. has been named ‘Professional Services firm of the year’ at the City A.m. awards 2011, which celebrate the most successful firms in London’s financial and business community. L.E.K. stands out as the only major global strategy consulting firm to have grown from a UK base and was the first strategic consultancy to win the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in international trade.

Associate (entry level) position: l.E.K.’s Associate role offers exposure to multiple industry sectors and a wide variety of commercial challenges. The nature and pace of l.E.K.’s strategic work facilitates the rapid development of a highly analytical skill-set, which is underpinned by a structured training programme.

Training programme: We operate a very comprehensive training programme which is structured over three years. New joiners will have an initial two-week full time training programme, followed by continuous monthly training sessions, which are tailored to the needs of your position. l.E.K.’s training covers the full range of technical, analytical, strategy, communication, project management and relationship building skills. Combined with on the job training, this gives you an excellent range of commercial skills and a solid grounding in business fundamentals.

Summer Associate Position: This programme is open to penultimate year students who are interested in gaining an insight into the Associate career. The internship runs for eight weeks over July and August. You will first complete an orientation programme before becoming a contributing case team member.

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How to applyApplication form via:www.lek.com/join-lek

Contact informationholly JohnsonAssociate Recruitment Coordinatorlondon.recruit@lek.com

Application deadline10 November 2013 (Associate)26 January 2014 (Summer Associate)

Scan for L.E.K. Consulting’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesc. 30

No. of work experience vacanciesc. 8

Type of work experience offeredSummer internship

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min UCAS points required340

Starting salaryhighly competitive

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, golden hello, season ticket loan, life assurance, gym membership and social events

No. of employeesc. 1,000

Locationslondon (hQ) and worldwide

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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About usmarakon is a high-end strategy consulting boutique. Since its founding in 1978, the firm has brought uniquely tailored and integrated advice to clients, backed by distinctive ideas and rigorous analytics. The practice has evolved over 30 years but maintained a high degree of integrity, objectivity and focus, working with some of the world’s best known and most dynamic organisations. We work across industries, but have expertise in Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Consumer goods, healthcare and industrials.

We are a small firm that delivers lasting impact, which means you will make a difference from the first day. Our projects are high impact, working for large multinational clients, on pure strategy and high stakes organisational issues. We are not hierarchical – the best ideas count, and progression is based on merit not tenure. Our successful consultants rise quickly taking on a broad range of responsibilities.

What others say about us• ‘A consultancy that has advised some of the

world’s most consistently successful companies.’ The Economist

• ‘An absolutely top notch consultancy, among the half-dozen firms that form the elite in strategy consulting.’ fortune

• ‘They are original thinkers with a challenging point of view.’ CEO, Xerox

Opportunities available:We are looking for outstanding applicants (either Bachelors, masters or Phds) from any discipline who can demonstrate:• genuine interest in business • Analytical and creative approaches to problem solving • Excellent communication skills • Confidence with humility • independent thinking with strong collaborative skills • desire to build and grow our practice• minimum 2:1 degree.

TrainingIn your first year, you will receive over 300 hours of formal training to learn the fundamentals of our practice, financial and accounting skills, as well as presentation and client interaction skills. you are also allocated a peer-group ‘buddy’ and a career coach to support your progression and development during your time at marakon.

How to applyCv and covering letter online

Contact informationgraduates@marakon.com99 Bishopsgate, london EC2m 3xd

Application deadline3 November 2013

Scan for Marakon’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies5-10

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, golden hello, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme, gym membership, performance bonus and social events

No. of employees80 worldwide

Locationslondon

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

At mcKinsey, we help world-leading clients in the public, private and third sectors to meet their biggest strategic, operational and organisational challenges. Our goal is to provide distinctive and long-lasting performance improvements – in short, it is about having an impact. making a difference.

As a consultant in our truly global firm, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues and clients from all around the world. you will come into contact with CEOs, government leaders and the foremost charitable organisations and work together with them on their most exciting and challenging issues.

Working as part of a small team, and dedicated to one project at a time, you will be fully involved from the very start of your first project. No two weeks will be the same; from gathering and analysing data, to interviewing stakeholders or presenting your findings to clients, the range of industries and business issues to which you will have exposure will mean that you are constantly acquiring new skills and experience. And as a bright, motivated newcomer, you can expect your ideas and opinions to be encouraged and valued, right from day one.

you will also enjoy world-class personal and professional development. formal training programmes, coupled with a culture of mentoring and coaching, will provide you with the best possible support to reach your full potential.

Working in consulting is challenging, but at mcKinsey we encourage a healthy work/life balance. Whatever your interests, you will find like-minded individuals, and a thriving range of groups, initiatives and events that bring people together.

Keep up to date with mcKinsey Careers on facebook: www.facebook.com/mckinseyCareersukireland

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How to applyCv online at: www.mckinsey.com/careers

Contact informationuKCampus_Recruiting@mckinsey.com

Application deadline30 October 2013

Scan for McKinsey & Company’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesNo fixed quota

No. of work experience vacanciesNo fixed quota

Type of work experience offeredinternships

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points340

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits24 days holiday, pension scheme, golden hello, study support, life assurance, bike scheme, gym membership and social events

No. of employees18,000+ worldwide

LocationsWorldwide

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

NERA Economic Consulting is a global firm of experts dedicated to applying economic, finance, and quantitative principles to complex business and legal challenges. Over half a century, NERA’s economists have been creating strategies, studies, reports, expert testimony, and policy recommendations for government authorities and the world’s leading law firms and corporations. NERA serves clients from over 20 offices across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

We are seeking talented economists with first-rate academic records, who are pursuing or hold a masters and/or Phd in Economics, finance or a related discipline. if you are interested in joining our team in either a permanent or internship position, please click apply at www.nera.com/careers, and submit your full academic Cv, transcripts, cover letter and a writing sample.

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How to applySubmit Cv and covering letter online at www.nera.com/careers

Contact informationrecruitmentlondon@nera.com

Application deadline15 december 2013

Scan for NERA’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies15-20

Disciplines recruited fromEconomics and finance

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points320

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits23 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, study support, season ticket loan, performance bonus and social events

No. of employees500

LocationsAsia Pacific, Europe and USA

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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About usOliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. With offices in 50+ cities across 25 countries, Oliver Wyman combines deep industry knowledge with specialised expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organisation transformation. Our 3,000 professionals help clients optimise their business, improve their operations and risk profile, and accelerate their organisational performance to seize the most attractive opportunities. Oliver Wyman is a wholly owned subsidiary of marsh & mclennan Companies (NySE: mmC).

Why join us?Our work is marked by exceptional impact for our clients. By consistently producing results, we have earned a reputation for quality work and attractive career opportunities.• A growing, entrepreneurial firm with exceptional

economics; global reach with revenues exceeding $1.5 billion in 2012.

• More client exposure on Day One and significant international opportunities.

• A meritocratic ecosystem that provides for rapid advancement to Partner without an mBA.

• Specialisation at your own pace, with an opportunity for breadth and depth.

• Attractive compensation for performance.• A company that is committed to work/life balance

and having fun.• Extensive opportunities to allow career flexibility

including: corporate externships, 10/11-month work years or sabbaticals, non-profit fellowships, and international staffing opportunities.

The roleOur challenging consultant position offers exceptional career growth and opportunity to motivated and hardworking graduates. As a consultant you will:• Work in teams to solve high level business

problems facing global 1000 clients.• Structure and carry out essential research and

analysis.• Lead complex quantitative, strategic and financial

analyses of corporations and businesses.• Receive support to rapidly develop leadership and

client management skills.• Receive broad exposure to a variety of industries.

How to applySubmit Cv and covering letter online at www.oliverwyman.gtios.com

Contact informationgemma Porter55 Baker Street, london W1u 8EWT: 020 7333 8333recruiting.uk@oliverwyman.com

Application deadlineCheck website

Scan for Oliver Wyman’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesNo fixed quota

No. of work experience vacanciesNo fixed quota

Type of work experience offeredinternships

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points340

Starting salaryhighly competitive

Benefits23 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, golden hello, season ticket loan, life assurance, stocks/shares, performance bonus and social events

No. of employees3,000

Locationslondon and worldwide

International opportunitiesyes

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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Start your career with PA Consulting GroupWe are an employee-owned firm of over 2,500 people, operating globally from offices across NorthAmerica, Europe, the Nordics, the Gulf and Asia Pacific.

We are experts in energy, financial services, life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing, government and public services, defence and security, telecommunications, transport and logistics.

Our deep industry knowledge together with skills in management consulting, technology andinnovation allows us to challenge conventional thinking and deliver exceptional results with lasting impact.

Why join?Here in PA, we offer significant responsibility early on and put a premium on autonomy of career direction and development. There is rapid progression for high performers and a clear career path supported by excellent training and development.

your role as a graduate analyst will be diverse and involve supporting consultancy teams on projects. Typical activities can include gathering and manipulating information, presenting conclusions to the rest of the team, managing project plans, assessing risks and issues, or documenting client requirements. This is to name but a few of your roles, as your duties will be ever changing as you work in tandem with the client’s requirements.

Graduate training programmeAs a graduate your first two weeks with PA will be an intensive residential training programme, where you will join other new analysts from other practices and offices around the world. This programme will equip you with an understanding of our culture and values, give you grounding in consulting skills and the knowledge needed as an analyst. The programme will also help you begin to develop the practical skills needed for working with clients on assignment.

Business areas include: financial Services, Shared Services & Outsourcing, Technology, government & defence Services, information Technology, People and Operations, Excellence, Project Management, Strategy and decision Sciences.

How to applyCv and covering letter online. Early applications are strongly advised

Contact informationPA Consulting group123 Buckingham Palace Roadlondon SW1W 9SRT: 020 7730 9000www.paconsulting.com/careers

Application deadline31 december 2013

Scan for PA Consulting Group’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies50

No. of work experience vacancies20

Type of work experience offeredinternships and industrial placements

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points300

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, golden hello, stocks/shares and performance bonus

No. of employees2,500

Locationslondon and melbourn (Cambridge)

International opportunitiesyes

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Careers that provide a wide variety of challenging opportunities in a company that offers the training and assignments you’d expect from a big firm, but with an unprecedented level of exposure to clients and other disciplines.

For those who are prepared to turn accepted wisdom on its head in the pursuit of the right solution, this is the place to make an impact. And since PA is wholly owned by its employees, everyone of us has a real stake in its success.

paconsulting.com/careers

PASSIONATEFOCUSEDUNIQUEDIVERSE DRIVENEXPERTSUCCESSFUL

TO APPLY If you are interested in applying for our Graduate opportunities, please submit your CV and Covering Letter online at paconsulting.com/careers and click on Campus Recruitment.

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

How to applyOnline at www.pwc.com/uk/careers – apply early to avoid disappointment

Contact informationPwC recruitment helpline: T: 0808 100 1500

Application deadlinedeadlines apply in some areas. Please visit our website for details

Scan for PwC’s live jobs

Type of work experience offeredinsight days, talent academy, shadow a female leader, internships and work placements

No. of work experience vacanciesc. 90

No. of graduate vacanciesc. 230

Disciplines recruited fromAll degree subjects for most of our Consulting programmes. See our website for further details

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points340

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits25 days holiday, bike scheme, gym membership, healthcare scheme, interest-free loan, life assurance, pension scheme, season ticket loan and study support

No. of employeesc. 17,000 (uK) c. 180,000 (worldwide)

LocationsOffices across the UK

International opportunitiesvisit our global site for more information – www.pwc.com

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Your career is just that; yours. You choose it. Youlive it. You make it happen. To get the best fromit, you need the best opportunities. That’s whyopportunities are at the heart of a career with us.Opportunities to grow as an individual, to buildlasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything. And we’re proud, based on the opportunity we offer, that students have voted us the number one Graduate Employer in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last ten years.

Consulting opportunities with PwCThere are a number of routes available for you to choose from:

Start your career by building your core skills in Management consulting. You’ll experience several different areas of our consulting practice during your first 21 months, after which you’ll specialise in either: operations, finance, strategy, people and change, risk, technology, or project and programme management or sustainability and climate change. Or if you want to specialise straight away, you can join one of our specialist consulting areas:Strategy consulting focuses on the key strategicissues businesses face. The advice offered coverseverything from competitive landscape and market trends analysis, to holistic business strategy creation.Economic consulting advises clients in the public and private sectors on complex business and policy issues including investigations and commercial disputes, market reform, and strategies for growth. Sustainability & climate change consulting helps governments and businesses embed sustainability into their strategies and throughout their organisations, while making the most of the opportunities created for innovation and growth, as the world transitions to a greener economy.Risk consulting focuses on establishing risk management as an integral part of clients management processes and decision-making framework. We assist clients in meeting the expectations of their stakeholders and regulators so that they maintain capital surpluses to meet their liabilities, even if a number of extreme risks materialise.

Take the opportunity of a lifetime.

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

NAmE

lOCATiON uNivERSiTy

dEgREE

ROlE

Jer

london

monash university (Australia)

Commerce and information systems

Consulting Associate

What does a typical day look like for you?It’s really varied – that’s definitely one of the things i enjoy most. At the start we went through an eight week intensive training programme, then in my first two weeks I started working on an internal project, helping with a learning and development training programme. i got to understand the business and all the different tools we use. Then one day, without too much notice, i got a call, they said ‘how you would like to work at a well known broadcaster?’

On my current project, my work changes all the time. i’m working in the project management office, which manages the logistics of all these announcements and changes. my role is to help the client manage this by attending events, gathering feedback and seeing how we can move forward and improve. it’s about making sure everyone’s involved. it’s a crucial programme and we need to keep in contact with the client on a daily basis.

What do you enjoy most? What i enjoy is seeing everything as a whole, not just being pigeon-holed in one area. And also, because it’s such a big team, i get to work with a lot of different people, different personalities, different working styles, and they

all understand that i’m a graduate and help to give the support i need. i love having the opportunity to learn from those people. There’s so much opportunity to learn and develop.

Has there been a highlight?Yes, definitely, it’s being able to make friends with such like-minded people. i didn’t know anyone in london when i moved here, so it was great to build relationships with the people i started with. We had quite a small intake of about 50, and i’ve made good friends now. i’ve made friends across the uK, in manchester, Birmingham, and even international contacts from other PwC territories.

Why would you recommend the programme?I think it’s a great way to find out different areas of management Consulting. The graduate programme involves going through several different areas and industry groups over a two year period, with an eight week training programme at the start. you learn technical skills and soft skills which include things like presentation and communication skills. in terms of rotating, even if you don’t know at the start what you want to specialise in, you’ll have plenty of opportunity later on to find your niche. You get the chance to gain lots of experience as well as exposure to lots of different areas.

Trainee Profile

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

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Redshift offers strategic advice and consultancy services for media and telecommunications businesses seeking to cope with the impact of rapid technological change. We work from long experience as executives and advisors within the media and telecommunications sectors. Our clients span the length and breadth of the industry, including content producers, aggregators and broadcasters, platforms, mobile and fixed line operators, technology and equipment manufacturers, financial institutions, regulators and government. Our Technology Suite in the centre of london enables our clients to immerse themselves fully in the experience of all the latest platforms, content, devices and networks, both from the uK and overseas.

Redshift is committed to the career development of our employees. in addition to on-the-job coaching, we also provide bespoke training courses to enable you to tackle a range of challenging projects. We review training and development needs as part of our regular end of job and formal annual appraisal process.

Redshift runs a four week work experience programme in July and August each year. Successful candidates will be able to join our project teams thus giving them the complete consulting experience. For both our graduate positions and work experience candidates, we seek high achievers who have strong interpersonal skills, proven analytical and quantitative capability together with a genuine enthusiasm for the industries we serve.

No. of employees12

Locationslondon

International opportunitiesyes

No. of graduate vacancies2-3

No. of work experience vacancies2

Type of work experience offeredinternships

Disciplines recruited fromAny

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points360

Starting salaryhighly competitive

Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, life assurance, performance bonus and social events

How to applyCovering letter and Cv by email

Contact informationcarolyn.wileman@redshiftsc.com

Application deadline1 december 2013 for undergraduate17 January 2014 for internship

Scan for Redshift Strategy’s live jobs

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EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

in the uK, the link between income and success at school is stronger than almost anywhere in the developed world. We can change this.

Teach First is an influential charity training and supporting people with leadership potential to become inspirational teachers in schools in low income communities across the uK. Our vision is that no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background. Since 2002 we have placed over 5,500 graduates in schools across England and Wales, and helped change the lives of thousands of young people.

The Teach First journey begins with an exceptional leadership development Programme. This personalised programme encompasses high-quality training, supportive coaching, work experience and a PGCE qualification. The skills and experience gained can be taken forward into any career. That’s why over 80 high-profile businesses from all sectors recognise Teach first’s ability to effect change and develop leaders for the future. Put simply, they know that graduates who can engage, stimulate and inspire in the classroom can handle pretty much any situation in any organisation.

As well as placing inspirational teachers in the classroom, we tackle educational disadvantage through our network of ambassadors – people who have completed the leadership development Programme and gone on to achieve influential leadership positions in education, business and beyond.

Some people join us knowing they want to stay in education; some are sure that they don’t; and others are uncertain about their plans. All of them find the experience of Teach First to be powerful, rewarding and enlightening. And all are changed by it.

Change their lives. Change yours. Teach first. Ap

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How to applyOnline application via:www.teachfirst.org.uk/graduates

Contact informationTeach firstNational Office4 more london Riversidelondon SE1 2Aufaq@teachfirst.org.uk

Application deadlineOngoing

Scan for Teach First’s live jobs

LocationsEast midlands, greater london, North East, North West, South Coast, South East, South West, West midlands, yorkshire & humber and Wales

International opportunitiesNo

No. of graduate vacancies1,550

Disciplines recruited fromdegree/A levels that meet teaching subject requirements

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points required300

Starting salaryCompetitive

BenefitsProfessional qualifications including a PgCE and opportunity to complete a master’s at a vastly-reduced cost, 13 weeks paid holiday, exclusive leadership development opportunities and access to Ambassador network and teacher’s pension

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Reference Table

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JOB reference taBle

com

pany

no.

of e

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oyee

s

loca

tions

Inte

rnat

iona

l op

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uniti

es

typ

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ence

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no.

gra

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. deg

ree

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ired

Min

. Uc

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poin

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Star

ting

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no.

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Additional benefits

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info

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Bain & Companywww.bain.com c. 6,000 Worldwide 4 - - No fixed

quota 2:1 360 Competitive - Online application, covering letter and Cv

3 November 2013 76

BCGwww.bcglondon.com 7,500 london 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 highly competitive 23 l l l l Online application 3 November

2013 77

Booz & Companywww.booz.com 3,000 Worldwide 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 highly competitive 25 l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv

27 October 2013 78

Capgeminiwww.uk.capgemini.com 120,000 Nationwide 6 - - 120 2:1 320 Competitive 25 l l l l Online application April 2014 79

CHP Consultingwww.chp.co.uk 170 london, Australia,

uSA 4 - - 20 2:1 320 £35,000 25 l l l l l Online application 31 december 2013 80

Compass Lexeconwww.compasslexecon.com

50 (Eu) Brussels, london, madrid, Paris 4 internships Flexible Flexible 1st 360 Competitive 25 l l l l l

Email covering letter and Cv Ongoing 81

Credowww.credo-group.com 40 london, dubai 4 - - 10+ 2:1 - market leading 25 l l l l

Email covering letter and Cv

17 November 2013 82

FTI Consulting www.fticonsulting.co.uk 4,000 london, Paris 4 - - 15 2:1 - Competitive 25 l l l l l Online application 17 November

2013 83

Hymans Robertsonwww.hymans.co.uk 600

Birmingham, Edinburgh, glasgow,

london6

Summer internships 7+ 20+ 2:1 - highly

competitive - l l l l l l Online application 4 November 2013 84

L.E.K. Consultingwww.lek.com c. 1,000 Worldwide 4

Summer internships c. 8 c. 30 2:1 340 highly

competitive 25 l l l Online application 10 November 2013 85

Marakonwww.marakon.com 80 london 4 - - 5-10 2:1 - Competitive 25 l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv

3 November 2013 86

McKinsey & Companywww.mckinsey.com 18,000+ Worldwide 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 Competitive 24 l l l Online Cv 30 October 2013 87

NERA Economic Consultingwww.nera.com/careers

500 Asia Pacific, Europe, uSA 4 - - 15-20 2:1 320 Competitive 23 l l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv

15 december 2013 88

Oliver Wymanwww.oliverwyman.com 3,000 Worldwide 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 highly competitive 23 l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv Check website 89

PA Consultingwww.paconsulting.com 2,500 london, melbourn

(Cambridge) 4internships

and industrial placements

20 50 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l lOnline covering letter

and Cv31 december

2013 90

PwCwww.pwc.com c. 17,000 Nationwide - various c. 90 c. 230 2:1 340 Competitive 25 l l l l Online application Check website 92

Redshift Strategy www.redshiftsc.co.uk 12 london 4 internships 2 2-3 2:1 360 highly

competitive 25 l l l lEmail covering letter

and Cv1 december

2013 94

Roland Berger Strategy Consultantswww.rolandberger.co.uk

2,700 Worldwide 4 internships 5 5 2:1 360 Competitive 25 l l l Online 15 November 2013 -

Teach Firstwww.teachfirst.org.uk - Nationwide 6 - - 1,550 2:1 300 Competitive 13

weeks Online application Ongoing 95

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no.

of e

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rnat

iona

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uniti

es

typ

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no.

wor

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canc

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no.

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Min

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ree

requ

ired

Min

. Uc

aS

poin

ts

Star

ting

sala

ry

no.

of d

ays

holid

ay

Additional benefits

How

to

appl

y

app

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ion

dead

line

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info

- pg

Pens

ion

sche

me

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lthca

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Stud

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Perf

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ance

bon

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Soci

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vent

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Bain & Companywww.bain.com c. 6,000 Worldwide 4 - - No fixed

quota 2:1 360 Competitive - Online application, covering letter and Cv

3 November 2013 76

BCGwww.bcglondon.com 7,500 london 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 highly competitive 23 l l l l Online application 3 November

2013 77

Booz & Companywww.booz.com 3,000 Worldwide 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 highly competitive 25 l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv

27 October 2013 78

Capgeminiwww.uk.capgemini.com 120,000 Nationwide 6 - - 120 2:1 320 Competitive 25 l l l l Online application April 2014 79

CHP Consultingwww.chp.co.uk 170 london, Australia,

uSA 4 - - 20 2:1 320 £35,000 25 l l l l l Online application 31 december 2013 80

Compass Lexeconwww.compasslexecon.com

50 (Eu) Brussels, london, madrid, Paris 4 internships Flexible Flexible 1st 360 Competitive 25 l l l l l

Email covering letter and Cv Ongoing 81

Credowww.credo-group.com 40 london, dubai 4 - - 10+ 2:1 - market leading 25 l l l l

Email covering letter and Cv

17 November 2013 82

FTI Consulting www.fticonsulting.co.uk 4,000 london, Paris 4 - - 15 2:1 - Competitive 25 l l l l l Online application 17 November

2013 83

Hymans Robertsonwww.hymans.co.uk 600

Birmingham, Edinburgh, glasgow,

london6

Summer internships 7+ 20+ 2:1 - highly

competitive - l l l l l l Online application 4 November 2013 84

L.E.K. Consultingwww.lek.com c. 1,000 Worldwide 4

Summer internships c. 8 c. 30 2:1 340 highly

competitive 25 l l l Online application 10 November 2013 85

Marakonwww.marakon.com 80 london 4 - - 5-10 2:1 - Competitive 25 l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv

3 November 2013 86

McKinsey & Companywww.mckinsey.com 18,000+ Worldwide 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 Competitive 24 l l l Online Cv 30 October 2013 87

NERA Economic Consultingwww.nera.com/careers

500 Asia Pacific, Europe, uSA 4 - - 15-20 2:1 320 Competitive 23 l l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv

15 december 2013 88

Oliver Wymanwww.oliverwyman.com 3,000 Worldwide 4 internships No fixed

quotaNo fixed

quota 2:1 340 highly competitive 23 l l l l l

Online covering letter and Cv Check website 89

PA Consultingwww.paconsulting.com 2,500 london, melbourn

(Cambridge) 4internships

and industrial placements

20 50 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l lOnline covering letter

and Cv31 december

2013 90

PwCwww.pwc.com c. 17,000 Nationwide - various c. 90 c. 230 2:1 340 Competitive 25 l l l l Online application Check website 92

Redshift Strategy www.redshiftsc.co.uk 12 london 4 internships 2 2-3 2:1 360 highly

competitive 25 l l l lEmail covering letter

and Cv1 december

2013 94

Roland Berger Strategy Consultantswww.rolandberger.co.uk

2,700 Worldwide 4 internships 5 5 2:1 360 Competitive 25 l l l Online 15 November 2013 -

Teach Firstwww.teachfirst.org.uk - Nationwide 6 - - 1,550 2:1 300 Competitive 13

weeks Online application Ongoing 95

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man

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nsu

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2013/14

the official graduate career guide to

ManageMent ConsultanCy 2013/14

graduate jobs l internships & placements l career advicewww.insidecareers.co.uk/mancon

What’s InsIde

all about the professionNEW Internship profiles

Graduate & senior profilessalaries & career paths

Professional qualificationsemployer directory

in partnership with

Careers that provide a wide variety of challenging opportunities in a company that offers the training and assignments you’d expect from a big firm, but with an unprecedented level of exposure to clients and other disciplines.

For those who are prepared to turn accepted wisdom on its head in the pursuit of the right solution, this is the place to make an impact. And since PA is wholly owned by its employees, everyone of us has a real stake in its success.

paconsulting.com/careers

PASSIONATEFOCUSEDUNIQUEDIVERSE DRIVENEXPERTSUCCESSFUL

TO APPLY If you are interested in applying for our Graduate opportunities, please submit your CV and Covering Letter online at paconsulting.com/careers and click on Campus Recruitment.

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