1. Why a career in consultancy?
Management consulting is not an easy profession. It calls for intelligence, a brilliant mind and a great deal of energy and drive. Here are some of the advantages:
- Experience in a variety of countries, disciplines and lines of business
- A prestigious, fast-track career offering attractive compensation packages and a great deal of appeal on the job market
- A dynamic and stimulating working environment
- The opportunity to influence a client's strategic decisions
- Great involvement and responsibility within projects
- Interaction with the top management of client companies
- Flexibility in working hours
- Total dedication
- Willingness to travel extensively
2. Why choose us?
Value Partners is the third-largest European management consulting firm with a global presence. What makes us special:
- The people - outstanding individuals from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities
- An exceptional growth record
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- International projects; international staff
- A real spirit of partnership with our clients: major industrial or service groups or multinationals
- A supportive, non-hierarchical firm culture
- Starting on a career path that is transparent, where advancement is based on merit
- Early responsibility and client interaction from day one
- Working in a dynamic, international environment
3. How do I join?
At Value Partners we carefully review all applications we receive, and pick out those which meet the basic requirements: excellent academics from a top-tier university or business school, proven analytical and quantitative skills, a successful work experience, international exposure, fluency in English and another language.
We invite candidates to between four to six interviews. All except the last involve a business case, and the last one is with a Partner.
If all these encounters are successful then we make a job offer.
4. Do I need an MBA?
A Masters in Business Administration certainly strengthens your abilities - but it doesn't magically turn you into a consultant. Energy and drive, excellent communication skills, team working ability and intellectual curiosity are what we need at Value Partners. To join at BA level an MBA is not necessary.
5. How is work organised?
We work in teams. Our craft is one that takes time to learn; and senior colleagues have the responsibility of watching over their junior colleagues' development. This applies especially to the Business Analysts on their first assignment: project leaders are aware they must not be left exposed, on the contrary they are given particularly careful coaching.
No two projects are the same. Teams are generally composed of three to five consultants. Projects last on average two or three months, and the work is often done on the client's premises dependant on the project requirements.
6. What's life like here?
Our working environment is informal; the way we work is in keeping with our entrepreneurial spirit. We don't have rigid hierarchies: we are a team. We expect people to be self-starting and success-oriented, but we make sure they have the tools and the skills they need to do their best.
Yes, we work hard (the client always comes first) - but we don't believe life consists only of work.
We are flexible and make every effort to meet our consultants' personal requirements. As in all professional situations where quality standards are high, a lot of work gets done at Value Partners, some of it at night or at weekends. (an Associate works some 50-60 hours a week on average). But what Value Partners wants from its consultants is results, rather than being present all the time whatever the cost. We pay a great deal of attention to personal needs and flexibility; and mutual help is the unbreakable rule within every team: mutual help, all the time, in finding a solution that produces top-quality work and penalises no-one. We look for solutions that enable everyone to cope with their personal commitments.
7. Where will I be staffed?
The professional development of our people is one of Value Partners' most important commitments. The criteria which guides our staffing process undertakes to offer, over the medium term, the opportunity to work on projects which are:
- Varied by geographical area/ industry/function
- Instrumental to one's professional development
- Compatible, whenever possible, with consultant's expressed interests and important personal commitments
8. How will I be assessed?
The appraisal process is both formal and informal. People are evaluated at the end of every project by the project manager they have worked with, and also twice a year in structured meetings with all the partners. Each consultant is assigned a Development Leader who acts as a mentor. Promotions are on the basis of personal merit and the contribution made to the company.
Our people are assessed on the following basis:
- Problem-solving capability
- Teamwork
- Interaction with the client
- Communication skills
9. What training will I get?
The professional development of our people is a priority. We invite you to a global, off-site training in professional skills (problem structuring, engagement management, client relationship skills) each time you make a step forward in your career with us. Global training is fun and it is an opportunity to make long lasting friendships with colleagues from around the world.
We also provide ongoing training in communication skills for all seniorities, as well as training in more technical skills, such as finance and modelling for more junior people.
10. What do people do after?
The rate of turnover at Value Partners is low compared with the industry average. Colleagues who have left Value Partners Management Consulting have gone on to brilliant careers, often into senior positions in client companies. In many cases we continue to work with these VP alumni, to everyone's great satisfaction, and we have an active alumni community.
11. What's the attitude towards diversity?
We are committed to making Value Partners a firm in which all individuals have an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, age, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, marital status or sexual orientation. A diverse team helps to make Value Partners a more rewarding place to work and also helps us to understand the diverse needs of our clients.
12. Can I join for an internship?
Yes. If you're doing your MBA, and if you have 2 to 5 years of work experience, then we'd be happy to have you join us for your summer internship, at Associate level. Alternatively, if you've just obtained your degree, you could apply for an internship, at Business Analyst level.
13. We've interviewed a number of colleagues from all our offices. Read their answers here...
Can you give us some tips for doing well at the interview?
First of all: relax, be yourself, and enjoy the spotlight. Walk in prepared with specific examples, and an attitude, that prove to the interviewer your track-record in leadership, problem solving, personal impact and dedication to results. Know exactly why you want to join Value Partners, and not another consulting firm. Once in, listen carefully to the questions, and don't be shy in asking for clarifications - let the recruiter talk! Take your time in reasoning things over: there's nothing wrong with some silence. If you have a moment of hesitation, be quick to remind yourself that the interviewer wants you to succeed, and that they just need to make the more informed decision possible! Good luck!
Michele, Engagement Manager, Milan office
What training courses have you attended since you joined the firm - and what was the best thing about them?
I have attended several training courses, including Communication, Problem Solving and Operational Office tools. For my last training I travelled to Milan and met up with my peers from the global offices: we spent one week working on Consulting skills, as well as getting to know each other and sharing experiences. The course improved both my analytical and interpersonal skills. The best thing is that we get to look at our job from a different perspective and focus on how to be more efficient, individually and as a group. It really contributes to our development as a consultant.
Silvia, Business Analyst, Sao Paulo office
You have recently spent six months on a project in Dubai - what did you gain from the experience?
In Dubai I worked daily with the client's top management, learning from their thinking and sharing our ideas. Our Dubai office is one of our most international, so I also enjoyed socialising with my colleagues: Palestinian, Emirati, Brazilian, Austrian and French, ... Lastly, had someone told me, a year ago, that I would have spent so much time in the Middle East, I would never have believed them! This is one of the great things about being a consultant: life never gets dull - even though I did miss speaking Chinese.
Andrew, Business Analyst, Shanghai office
What is the best thing about working in a team?
The best is that there is always someone - interesting, challenging and fun - there for you, who cares about how well you do and who continually motivates you to exceed your own expectations. Our team members have different seniorities and this means you constantly learn from other more experienced colleagues. Whether you're solving a clients' problem or you're out together for dinner in a foreign city, or you're travelling to a remote client site: you can always count on your team members to make it a memorable experience!
Lucas, Business Analyst, Singapore office
You joined the firm straight from University - why did you choose Value Partners over other consultancies?
From my first interview, and throughout my internship, I was struck by the friendly, open and fun character of the firm. Practically translated, as a BA you are encouraged to ask questions, participate in discussions and interact with clients. On top of this, the calibre of our clients (big multinational brands), the leading reputation of the London office in telecoms and media, and the rigorous training offered made Value Partners the ideal place to start my career.
Alice, Business Analyst, London office
You joined the firm six months ago - can you tell us about your experiences to-date?
The stand-out experience for me is that the people are really smart and are always willing to share that knowledge. They really help you learn how to think and communicate in a much clearer way. What's more, while the international dimension of the company has seen me travel from Milan to Johannesburg, within each office there is a really tight-knit community where you can genuinely get to know people on both a professional and social level.
Josh Sasto, Business Analyst, London office
Can you tell us about your favourite project while working for Value Partners?
My favourite project so far has been helping a European bank to enter a new market. I spent five months working in cosmopolitan Shanghai, which I loved for its vibrant cultural scene and great nightlife. I was the only Italian in a team of four Chinese colleagues and I very soon realised that our European client also expected me to account for, and bridge, any cultural differences that could arise: I was flattered and took on this role with enthusiasm!
Gabriele, Associate, Milan office
You have a very international background - what drew you to Value Partners?
I was determined to join a firm that gave me the opportunity to work in different sectors, functional areas, and countries. So when I was first looking at opportunities in management consulting, I was faced with the usual choices: boutiques serving only one industry or large-scale multinational operations with limited travel opportunities for its professionals due to the fact that each office serves it own country. Value Partners, instead, stood out, and appealed to me as a management consultancy with a strong entrepreneurial flare, that led it to expand to other continents, choosing double digit growth countries, and consistently working across an entire range of industries.
Markus, Associate, Milan office
What's the most important thing you've learnt while working for Value Partners?
Of the many things I've learnt working for Value Partners, one of the most important is to share ideas and to be open-minded. Value Partners presents challenging tasks but it also puts you in teams working with incredible intellectually strong people who are always willing to help. By being open-minded and sharing your thoughts with your team members you can explore their knowledge and creativity. Consulting has no right or wrong answers but a rich discussion process certainly leads you to better answers.
Leonardo, Associate, Sao Paulo office
How do consultants get appraised and promoted at Value Partners?
At Value Partners, appraisal and promotion are carried out on a meritocratic basis. Once a project is finished, all consultants have the opportunity to feedback on their own performance as well as that of their colleagues, and discuss their view of the project. Promotion is a result of each consultant's performance over the year, and the degree of responsibility that you are ready and willing to take on board. People are always willing to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your readiness!
Henry, Associate, London office
What advice would you give to a new recruit?
Consulting is an intellectually challenging job and this is precisely why I like it! Sometimes it can also become very demanding, in terms of hours that we commit to client problems. My advice to new junior recruits is to take an interest in the entire consulting process: understand from the start how we scope and define a problem, how we solve it and how we follow up on the impact our project has had - rather than simply being focussed on an assigned task. This will allow you to put all the work you do in context, leading you to faster learning, better interaction with the client, and more efficient working. thus giving you more time to enjoy your personal and social life!
Gareth, Engagement Manager, Mumbai office
What is it you enjoy the most about being a Value Partners consultant?
What I enjoy most about being a Value Partners consultant is the opportunity to work with two groups of people. Firstly, top management of large, successful companies - to see how they think, work and act. Secondly, collegial colleagues across the different levels of the company who are able to bring out the best in themselves and those around them. Such interaction has enabled me to grow as an individual in ways that would not have been otherwise possible.
James, Engagement Manager, Singapore office
Can you tell us the three reasons that made you join the firm way back in 2000?
Firstly it is the firm's international footprint: I always enjoyed travelling and working with people of different backgrounds, and Value Partners allowed me to do just that. I worked in over 20 countries and I have been based in the Milan, Rome, Dubai and Sao Paulo offices - picking up six languages and my wife on the way!
Secondly, the range of industries we serve: when I joined I did not know which sector I wanted to focus on - but after working in consumer goods, transportation, financial institutions I figured out that I enjoy telecoms and media - but who knows what's next?
Thirdly, the culture that extends across our global offices: a client-first approach with very little bureaucracy, and a focus on creative solutions that generate tangible value for clients. And, above all, lots of fun with our outstanding colleagues!
Roland Topic, Senior Engagement Manager, Dubai office
What advice would you give to a new recruit?
Upon joining Value Partners you know you're set to achieve a successful fast-track career with us if your actions and results, both on client projects and within the firm, show that you put entrepreneurship, passion and energy above all. You must always remember that from day one, we value, and expect, personal creative contributions to solving problems - and your team members and colleagues will support you in doing so! My advice is to enjoy every single moment of life with Value Partners, and sail on to professional success!
Samih Coskun Baban, Principal, Istanbul office
You have just spent three years in the Sao Paulo office - what are the values that Value Partners people share across the global offices?
All Value Partners professionals share similar attributes: an entrepreneurial spirit that means having a mindset to think not as a "temporary external consultant" but to act as a long-term partner of clients' top executives and shareholders; the drive and intellectual curiosity to execute projects in different industries and countries; the pride of being part of a successful and meritocratic company.
Gianluca, Principal, Milan office
What type of clients does Value Partners work for and what variety of consulting projects might a consultant undertake?
I have consulted with a huge range of clients from public service organisations, small dynamic start ups and large global organisations. Though what I appreciate the most about being a consultant is precisely the fact that each client and each project is radically different from the previous one, over the course of the years I have pinned down exactly the mix of things that makes an enjoyable project: strong team dynamics, a good relationship with the client, and intellectual challenge - the most satisfactory projects are ones that take you out of your comfort zone. Cirque Du Soleil was a particular favourite. We were asked to support them on a business plan and strategy. As the shows were the hub of the organisation we were taken to see their global tours (unfortunately this sort of treat does not happen very often). We worked closely with the founding team to really gain a sense of their unique selling propositions and, given the strong sense of brand ownership within the company (and the illusive nature of that brand), took a workshop led approach to the strategy development, working hand in glove with the executive team. There was definitely a tension between some commercial opportunities and ensuring the integrity of the core brand; so we helped develop criteria to determine which opportunities to pursue and which to reject. We looked closely at the organisation structure and identified where they need to expand their skills. Getting to a consensus was a challenge and required us to really build a sense of trust but I think we left them with a much more structured way to approach future expansion and their organisation goes from strength to strength.
Tabitha, Principal, London office
What relationships do Value Partners establish with clients?
We have established long-term relationships with the majority of our clients: I take it to mean that we truly impact their business. What makes me very proud is to hear a client tell me, at the end of the project, that they've enjoyed working with the team: they benefitted from the energy that we put into achieving results, from our open-minded, respectful approach to their issues and people, from our ability to build consensus and create rapport. I guess that this aspect of how we carry out our work is as important for clients as the results we generate with them. This makes me even more passionate about the job I do!
Ruggero, Director, China Office Director
What makes Value Partners different from other consulting firms?
There are many things that make us different, although one aspect of Value Partners of which I am particularly proud is that we have created a firm focused on achieving client impact and results via strong team-work. New joiners from other firms immediately remark on our environment: collaboration between peers is genuine and void of competition, as we have purposefully kept hierarchy and bureaucracy to a minimum. At Value Partners you are in charge of your career, and all those around you will help you succeed - be you junior or Partner.
Gianni, Director, Milan Office
How has the consulting market changed over the last ten years and how is Value Partners best placed to meet these changes?
The consulting market has radically changed. CEOs have come under pressure to reach results more quickly; boards and shareholders demand improved performance and higher profit margins and the current financial crisis forces companies to cut back on costs and to outsource entire departments. Value Partners provides clients both the short-term revised strategies to manage the "downturn climate", as well as the longer-term strategies that aim at expanding, improving and changing our clients' businesses. We are acutely aware that the current financial crisis is also a moment of opportunity to improve market share, as prized assets free up and certain competitors fail to keep pace with the changing market dynamics. Value Partners can help to ensure that our clients can be the winners of this new environment.
Janice, Director, London Office