Our approach to people development builds on innovations we develop for our clients and on an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages putting good ideas into practice. Associates develop a rich set of skills through client work, formal training, mentorship, and the abundant leadership opportunities available within the firm and through our non-profit work.

New associates participate in an intensive two-week onboarding program upon joining the firm. Onboarding introduces general consulting skills, such as researching a business, interviewing clients, managing and analyzing data, and writing presentations. Instruction continues year-round in two programs: cohort training, which brings consultants together by tenure and is designed to build core consulting skills, and open enrollment training, which offers the opportunity to learn in a cross-tenure environment. Resources are also available for people to pursue relevant classroom learning outside of work.

New associates and senior associates are paired with more senior mentors in a buddy system. This buddy provides a non-evaluative resource to help guide your professional development separate from the formal training and development provided by the firm.

Associates also expand their skills by pursuing ideas that are important to them. New associates drove the formation of our Non-Profit Advisory Board, Social Entrepreneurship Forum, Entrepreneurs Working Group, and Idea Journal. New associates have also led projects such as the development of our website and the selection and management of our public relations firm, as well as many recruiting initiatives. Non-profit work often provides accelerated leadership opportunities for associates. Read more about our approach to non-profit work here.