Why did you select Parthenon?

I decided on Parthenon for three reasons. First and foremost are the people. While the idea of “great firm culture” is just an abstraction to most undergrads, I realize now what a difference it makes to work with people who I like being around – both in and out of the office. My second reason for choosing Parthenon is the casework. Parthenon does a significant amount of work with high-growth companies, and that is very exciting to be a part of. Additionally, working on two cases at a time means that I have more varied exposure to different businesses and industries than I would if we worked on a single staffing model. My final reason for choosing Parthenon is the work-life balance. It is possible to “have a life” at Parthenon because we travel on an as-needed basis. So, while I’ve had some great opportunities to travel during my first year, including cases in Korea and Los Angeles, I have been able to avoid living in office parks and airports and spend some quality time in San Francisco.

What leadership opportunities have you had at Parthenon?

Parthenon has given me the chance to be a leader even as a junior member of the firm. In my first year, with the help of firm leadership, I started the Parthenon Gay-Straight Alliance (PGSA). We have managed to build an impressive coalition of firm members spanning all four of Parthenon’s offices and are spearheading several initiatives addressing recruitment, mentorship, community, and awareness.

In what types of internal roles are you involved at Parthenon?

At Parthenon, even first-year associates have a role in steering the direction of the firm. I have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the firm’s most senior leadership in my three internal capacities: the Diversity Initiative (responsible for formulating a diversity strategy for the firm), the recruiting team (responsible for on- and off-campus recruiting), and the “Associate Fun Committee” (responsible for planning events such as ski trips, rafting trips, and office dinners).

What was your favorite case?

My favorite case to date was for a multinational hotel and casino chain. As part of the case, we studied opportunities for domestic and international expansion as well as the chain’s loyalty program in preparation for an off-site strategy summit with the property presidents.

How does Parthenon fit into your life outside of work?

Because every month or two I am working on something new and uniquely challenging, I often find myself thinking about my cases outside of work hours. While my friends probably find conversations about whey protein or restaurant oil recycling annoying, I am grateful to have a job that never gets boring.

What do you like about your home office’s location?

There are several perks to working in San Francisco. First, the views of the bay from the office are the best in the city. Second, San Francisco is one of the top destinations in the world for food lovers (a label that I happily embrace). Most importantly, as a smaller office, we have a familial feel, which makes the office a very comfortable place to work.

What is your favorite thing about Parthenon?

Even as Parthenon has grown, it has kept a familial feel; I have worked with teams from every office, both domestically and abroad, and even in my first year I know most of the faces at our annual company meeting. It is exciting to be a part of a company that has done very well and built a superb reputation while still holding onto its culture and small-firm roots.