My first experience consulting came when I joined Parthenon as a full time Associate in the fall of 2006. As an Environmental Studies major in college, people often asked me both during and after the recruiting process why I chose my current career and specifically what attracted me to Parthenon. Previously, I had interned at a large print news media corporation in New York City. While I enjoyed this experience, I knew I wanted exposure to a broader range of clients and a smaller, more collegial atmosphere when I started working full time. After speaking with recruiters, friends, and others in the industry, it became clear that the opportunities presented and skills learned through consulting would be invaluable for whatever path I took next. Parthenon’s prestigious client base, commitment to philanthropy and pro-bono consulting, thriving education practice, and intelligent and fun-loving people made it an obvious fit.
What types of industries and clients has your casework covered here at Parthenon?
Parthenon’s two-case model has given me the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse set of clients, industries, and strategic problems over a short period of time. Throughout my first year, I have already worked on a number of cases, including market analysis, integration, business planning, and process redesign for clients in industries ranging from the non-profit world to industrial manufacturing to educational publishing. In this short timeframe, I have discovered that even the most innocuous business can have a whole host of interesting and thought-provoking issues to work through and that every case is a unique learning experience.
What
type of work do your cases typically involve?
The work I have done thus far has been both demanding and rewarding, and each case has helped to develop and broaden different aspects of my skill set. As an Associate, people often think that my primary responsibility is to crunch numbers and dig through piles of information. While I do spend a considerable amount of time “in the weeds” of the data, I am also expected and challenged to think at a higher level, identify key trends, and make informed assumptions based on my analysis. Additionally, I have also had the opportunity to work directly with clients in creating and vetting frameworks and bigger picture ideas. In fact, on any given day, I typically spend time on a number of activities, discussing specific issues with team members, gathering hard to find information, and understanding complex data sets.
What leadership opportunities have you had in your case work?
One of the benefits of a firm like Parthenon is the different leadership opportunities presented to Associates very early in their tenure. A central part of an integration project for a high profile corporate client I worked on hinged on the recommendations of five different task forces, comprised of both client and Parthenon team members. Early into the process, I was given the responsibility of working hand in hand with a senior executive to create the agenda for and lead a weekly task force meeting. It was a tremendous learning experience to be able to push the group’s thinking and also have a chance to present my own ideas and ultimately emphasizes Parthenon’s respect for and high expectations of its Associates.
Which
internal initiatives have you been involved with?
Parthenon values input from its people and looks to them to be the key drivers of successful internal initiatives such as recruiting, training, and managing the internship programs. Recently, a group of us got together to discuss the possibility of making Parthenon a more environmentally friendly place to work. As a founding member of “Team Green”, I’ve helped to draft a company wide survey on office energy use and started to think through different ways that Parthenon can reduce its environmental footprint. While still in its formative stages, we’ve already seen some results (disposable plastic water bottle usage has been drastically reduced!) and overall, the firm – from the bottom up – has been very supportive of our efforts.
How would you describe the people you work with here at Parthenon?
The people at Parthenon have been instrumental in fostering not only a vibrant intellectual community but also one that values camaraderie and loyalty. The open and inviting nature of the firm can be seen in everything from the team approach to casework to the tickets given away regularly for games at Fenway Park, TDBanknorth Garden, and Gillette Stadium. Additionally, Parthenon’s commitment to professional development has helped to create an environment that provides both formal and informal mentorship, and from day one, I’ve been encouraged to reach out to other Associates, principals, and even partners to discuss personal and professional aspects of a consulting career. In the simplest terms, the unique, fun, and supportive culture makes this a great place to work.
How
does Parthenon fit into your life outside of work?
Parthenon’s culture transcends the workplace, and I’ve been extremely fortunate to find colleagues who I also consider close friends. Associates often get together to enjoy a night out, a Red Sox game, or a yoga class, and recently a group of us took a trip up to Maine for the weekend. It’s very important to me that I like my coworkers, on both a personal and professional level, and the fact that people here want to spend time with each other outside of the office highlights the quality people we recruit.
