CLAREMONT COLLEGES
GUIDE TO CONSULTING 2009
Advice and Resources from Claremont Colleges
Students/Alumni
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I – Consulting and the 5Cs
- Introduction
- What is consulting?
- The different types of consulting firms
- Firms recruiting at the 5Cs
- Job outlook in 2009
Part II - Doing Your Research
- Links and resources
- Campus resources
Part III – The Consulting Application
- Sample cover letters & resumes
Part IV – The Consulting Interview
- The fit / behavioral interview
- The case interview
- Case study resources
Part V – Consulting Jokes
Part I – consulting and the 5Cs
Introduction
This guide was compiled by a number of Claremont Colleges students from the 2009 class who
will be starting at various consulting firms next year. The purpose of this book is to give back to
the Claremont community and help juniors, sophomores, and future classes land the consulting
jobs and internships that they want. We hope that when you are in a similar position, you will
take the initiative to update or add to the guide, or find other ways to help enhance the
competitiveness of Claremont students interested in consulting!
We’d like to thank all of the contributors who were willing to share their application materials,
as well as the many alumni who have shared their time and resources with us.
What is consulting?
Consulting is a $300 billion industry that represents a large sector in the business world.
Consultants are in the business of giving advice for pay, and companies may hire teams of
consultants to help them solve their business problems.
What does that mean for you, an intelligent, motivated Claremont Colleges student, thinking
about your career after graduation? In general, consulting can be a well-paid, well-respected job
where you are constantly challenged and are always learning something new. Below are 13 of
the most popular reasons students go into consulting (from Marc Cosentino’s Case in Point, 5th
edition)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
You’ll work and learn from very intelligent and articulate people
You’ll develop a vast array of marketable skills in a prestigious environment
The learning curve never ends
You’ll receive exposure to the corporate elite – the way they think, act, and analyze their
problems.
You’ll be exposed to many industries.
You’ll work as part of a team.
You’ll solve problems.
You’ll make organizations more efficient.
You’ll work on multiple projects.
You’ll travel.
You’ll improve your chances of being accepted into a top business school.
It will always look great on your resume.
The money’s good.
The different types of consulting firms
Consulting is a broad field, and before you apply to consulting positions, it is worth taking the
time to understand some of the differences among the different types of consulting companies.
Here is a brief description of the industry landscape from Vault’s Guide to Consulting:
Some consulting firms specialize in giving advice on general business strategy questions, while
others are known as technology, marketing, finance, operations or human resources specialists.
Some concentrate on a specific industry area, like financial services or retail, and still others are
more like gigantic one-stop shops with divisions that dispense advice on everything from toplevel strategy, to choosing customer account management software, to saving money on paper
clips.
Here’s a cool chart from the guide that illustrates the previous paragraph in a little more detail.
The guide offers an in-depth explanation of this chart that is difficult to summarize briefly in this
booklet, but as you can see, there are different areas of consulting that have varying degrees of
overlap among each other. Note that this chart represents mostly private sector consulting – you
may be interested in looking into government or non-profit consulting as well!
Here is another chart, adapted from a Mercer Human Capital campus presentation, that displays
some of the different types of consulting along with a few firms that represent each.
Business World
Inv. Banking /
Fin. Services
Strategy /
Operations
McKinsey
BCG
Bain
Monitor
Deloitte S&O
Accounting /
Audit / Tax
Consulting
Human Capital
Strategy / HR
Mercer HR
Deloitte HC
Watson Wyatt
Towers Perrin
Marketing /
Sales / PR
Technology
IBM (Internal)
Accenture
Bearing Point
Capgemini
Corporate
Other
Economic /
Litigation
Cornerstone
Analysis
Navigant
NERA
Firms recruiting at the 5Cs
Here is a sample of some of the consulting firms that have recruited at the 5Cs in recent years.
Accenture
Alexander Group, Inc.
Analysis Group, Inc.
Aragon Consulting Group
Bain & Company
Bates White, LLC
Boston Consulting Group
Cambridge Associates
The Camden Group
CAST Management Consultants, Inc.
Clarkston Consulting
Compass Lexecon
The Concord Group
Cornerstone Research
CRA International
David Taussig & Associates, Inc.
Deloitte Consulting
Desmond, Marcello & Amster
EDAW Natural Resources
Exeter Group, Inc.
Freeman & Mills, Inc.
LECG
McKinsey & Co.
Mercer
The Monitor Group
Navigant Consulting
NERA Economic Consulting
Pearl Meyer & Partners
RCLCO
Robert D. Niehaus, Inc.
Semler Brossy Consulting Group
Sibson Consulting
Sjoberg Evashenk Consulting
Touch Worldwide
Watson Wyatt Worldwide
Job outlook in 2009
Many of you must be wondering about how the recent economic downturn has affected the
consulting industry and the availability of jobs for students like you. As college students and new
hires, we do not pretend to know the full answer to this. But we’ll give it a try.
Overall, the industry is definitely not immune to the swings in the market and the economy.
Consulting fees can be expensive, and many businesses seem to have been cutting or putting-onhold engagements with consulting firms. However, the picture is not completely negative. At some
firms, the effect is more of a shift in the project-mix – for example, a strategy consulting company
may have less new-product development or growth strategy projects, and more cost-cutting or
restructuring assignments. Even when things aren’t going well, companies may still hire consulting
firms to fix their problems or turn things around, if the firm has proven that they can save them
much more than they cost.
What does this mean for recruiting, particularly at the Claremont Colleges? This will really depend
on the state of the economy and the consulting industry at the time that you apply. For those of you
who are graduating in 2011 or 2012, it is quite possible that the economy recovers somewhat and
you catch an upswing in hiring. For now, however, many firms are altering their recruiting policies
– some are no longer coming to campus, others are not taking any interns, etc. However, many
companies are still hiring and developing entry-level people so that they can be in a good position
when the economy recovers.
Key takeaways:
1. There are definitely still positions for qualified and well-prepared candidates
2. You may need to be even more proactive than usual. Just because a company is not recruiting
at Claremont does not mean that you can’t get an interview with them by doing your research,
networking, and sending in an application
PART II – Doing your research
Okay, so you think consulting sounds cool but you need to figure out if it’s right for you, and what
you should be doing to put yourself in a good position when it comes time to apply. Where do you
start? Below are some links are resources that may help you as you do your research.
Links and resources
1. Vault’s Career Guide to Consulting
Very comprehensive and informative – a must read! Check to see if your career services center
has a copy, or download a digital version here: http://www.box.net/shared/fk93thm1xq
2. Firm websites
Always a great place to find out more about companies, what they do, what they look for etc.
3. Consulting Cabaret – Consulting Forum on WallStreetOasis.com
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/27
A part of a larger site that is populated mostly by finance people, but has some pretty
interesting forum topics and discussions
Campus resources
There are also many resources on campus that can help you explore the consulting world.
Definitely visit your career services center and see what resources they have. Many of your
professors may also be knowledgeable on the field and have some good insight and advice. Finally,
don’t miss out on the many career fairs, company presentations, and workshops on campus that
give you the opportunity to network and learn more about consulting.
PART III – The consulting application
Sample cover letters & resumes
Recruiting season is right around the corner and it’s time to put together your applications. Putting
some extra effort into your cover letters and resume will increase your chances of landing that first
interview.
Below, we’ve compiled some sample cover letters and resumes from 5C students that worked.
We’ve also included a few repeat cover letters to show how you can tailor your letter to the
specific company while keeping most of the content in your original base letter. Keep in mind that
you definitely do not need to be an economics or business-related major – consulting firms look
for intelligent, motivated people from all sorts of backgrounds. Finally, remember that anything
you put on your resume is fair game during the interview – if you are the president of a club, be
prepared to answer questions about it.
DAVID MARTIN
170 E Sixth Street - Box 1115 • Claremont, CA 91711 • (xxx) xxx-xxxx • xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
September 29, 2008
Ms. Devika Naidu
Cornerstone Research
633 West Fifth Street, 31st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Dear Ms. Naidu:
I am writing to apply for the position of Analyst at your firm. I learned about this opportunity
through the Career Development Office at Pomona College. As a senior Economics major, I am
interested in this position because it offers me the opportunity to apply the analytical tools I have
learned through my classes to important, real-world scenarios. Enclosed is a copy of my resume.
As a research assistant for two professors at Pomona, I have experience collecting and
synthesizing large amounts of information. Additionally, courses like Macroeconomic Theory
have taught me to apply theoretical models to realistic situations. Part of the final in that class
consisted entirely of interpreting case studies, such as the implementation of an economic reform
plan in Venezuela. Furthermore, my four years on the Pomona-Pitzer varsity soccer team have
taught me to take personal responsibility as a member of a team, both as an inexperienced
freshman and as a junior and senior captain. Through soccer, I have learned to balance the time
commitment of a sport with a full course load while maintaining my GPA.
My course in Industrial Organization has introduced me to topics like strategic behavior, vertical
restrictions, patents, and antitrust policy. For that reason, I am especially interested in
Cornerstone’s involvement with Antitrust and Intellectual Property cases, although I am also
open to other possibilities. I strongly believe that with my determination and work ethic, I can
be a valuable part of your team.
My top three location preferences are San Francisco, Menlo Park, and New York, in that order. I
am very excited about the possibility of working with Cornerstone and I would welcome the
opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you. I can be reached by phone at (xxx)
xxx-xxxx or by email at xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you for your consideration. I hope to
hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
David Martin
January 27, 2008
Robin Norris
Senior Recruiting Coordinator
Bain & Company
1901 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Dear Ms. Norris,
My name is Eric Ren and I am a junior at Claremont McKenna College, pursuing a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Economics and Psychology with a sequence in Leadership. I am writing to
express my interest in Bain & Company’s Associate Consultant Intern program. I have spoken
with Steven Kim and Antoine Grant on numerous occasions about their experiences at Bain, and
I am drawn to the firm’s smart and driven people, its strong culture of teamwork, and its
extensive international reach.
My diverse international experiences have helped me develop many traits and skills that would
be valuable as an ACI. As an investment banking intern at Lehman Brothers in Beijing, I refined
my research skills and communication skills in both English and Mandarin. At the Child
Development Centre in Hong Kong, I volunteered my time to help children with special needs,
and gained a greater sense of social responsibility. At Oxford University, I studied under
distinguished experts in economics and psychology, and achieved top marks in an academic
system that is vastly different from that of the United States. Finally, in Claremont, California, I
took the initiative to establish the Claremont Consulting Network in order to provide better
resources and opportunities for students interested in the consulting field. I believe these
experiences reflect versatility, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to improve the status quo which
would make me a great fit for Bain.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Should you have any questions, please
feel free to contact me via email at xxxxxx@cmc.edu or via telephone at xxx-xxx-xxxx. I look
forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Eric Ren
742 N. Amherst Ave., Box xxxx
Claremont, CA 91711
January 30, 2008
Elisa Ferrarotti
Recruiting Coordinator
The Boston Consulting Group
355 So. Grand Ave.
32nd floor
Los Angeles, CA
Dear Ms. Ferrarotti,
My name is Eric Ren and I am a junior at Claremont McKenna College, pursuing a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Economics and Psychology with a sequence in Leadership. I am writing to
express my interest in The Boston Consulting Group’s Summer Associate program. I have
spoken with Will St. Clair and Jeff Cairney on numerous occasions about their experiences at
BCG, and I am drawn to the firm’s talented yet down-to-earth people, its emphasis on personal
and organizational growth, and its commitment to making a difference in the world.
My diverse international experiences have helped me develop many traits and skills that would
be valuable as a Summer Associate. As an investment banking intern at Lehman Brothers in
Beijing, I refined my research skills and communication skills in both English and Mandarin. At
the Child Development Centre in Hong Kong, I volunteered my time to help children with
special needs, and gained a greater sense of social responsibility. At Oxford University, I studied
under distinguished experts in economics and psychology, and achieved top marks in an
academic system that is vastly different from that of the United States. Finally, in Claremont,
California, I took the initiative to establish the Claremont Consulting Network in order to
provide better resources and opportunities for students interested in the consulting field. I believe
these experiences reflect versatility, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to improve the lives of
others, which would make me a great fit for BCG.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Should you have any questions, please
feel free to contact me via email at xxxxxx@cmc.edu or via telephone at xxx-xxx-xxxx. I look
forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Eric Ren
742 N. Amherst Ave., Box xxxx
Claremont, CA 91711
Meredyth Lacy
Smith Campus Center Suite #132
170 E 6th St
Claremont, CA 91711-7003
Cell: #####
Ms. Nicole O’Neil
Analysis Group
111 Huntington Avenue Tenth Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
Dear Ms. O’Neil:
I am writing out of interest in a position as an analyst for Analysis Group. I
learned about the position through the on-campus recruiting program at the Claremont
Colleges. Currently in my senior year at Pomona College, I am pursuing a double-major
in economics and politics. Analysis Group appeals to me in particular because of the
opportunities it offers to conduct rigorous economic research and its collaborative,
friendly culture.
I believe that my analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, capacity to
work effectively individually and in groups, and strong desire to learn make me a great fit
for Analysis Group.
I spent last fall studying at Oxford University. While there, I developed my skills
in quantitative analysis by working with a Senior Economist to analyze the economic
impact of immigration on the United Kingdom and assess its policy implications. My
work experience has also given me valuable skills in research, writing, and working with
a diverse range of clients. As an intern at EcoSecurities, I was responsible for compiling
a weekly newsletter and audio podcast summarizing policy developments and economic
literature related to the carbon trading industry. These experiences, coupled with my
academic background, have given me the skills to make a significant contribution to your
firm.
My resume is enclosed and provides further details about my background and
qualifications. I am a quick learner and would enjoy the opportunity to contribute my
energy and hard work to Analysis Group. Though my preference would be to work in the
Los Angeles office, I would also be excited to work in Washington D.C., San Francisco,
or New York. If I can provide you with any further information, please let me know.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Meredyth Lacy
Meredyth Lacy
Smith Campus Center Suite #132
170 E 6th St
Claremont, CA 91711-7003
Cell: #####
Robin Norris, Senior Recruiting Coordinator
BAIN & COMPANY
1901 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Dear Ms. Norris:
I am writing out of interest in a position as an Associate Consultant for Bain &
Company. I learned about the position through the on-campus recruiting program at the
Claremont Colleges. Bain appeals to me in particular because of its reputation for
excellence, enthusiastic culture, and the opportunity the company offers for exposure to a
wide range of business problems.
Currently in my senior year at Pomona College, I am pursuing a double-major in
economics and politics. I believe that my analytical problem-solving skills, eye for
quality, energy, and capacity to work effectively in teams make me a great fit for Bain &
Company.
I spent last fall studying at Oxford University. While there, I developed my skills
in quantitative analysis by working with a Senior Economist to analyze the economic
impact of immigration on the United Kingdom and assess its policy implications. My
work experience has also given me valuable skills in research, writing, and working with
a diverse range of people. As an intern at EcoSecurities, I was responsible for compiling
a weekly newsletter and audio podcast summarizing developments and economic
literature related to environmental policy. Last spring, as a research assistant for a
professor of politics, I conducted interviews and background research for a study on the
role of historically black churches in the social and political development of Los Angeles.
These experiences, coupled with my academic background, have given me the skills to
make a significant contribution to your firm.
My resume is enclosed and provides further details about my background and
qualifications. I am a quick learner and would enjoy the opportunity to contribute my
energy, hard work, and enthusiasm to Bain & Company. If I can provide you with any
further information, please let me know. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Meredyth Lacy
September 30, 2008
Ms. Elisa Morimoto
Recruiting Coordinator
Bain & Company
Dear Ms. Morimoto:
I will graduate from Claremont McKenna College this spring with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in
Mathematics and Philosophy. I am very interested in the Associate Consultant position at Bain &
Company. The exposure to a variety of industries, the formal training program, and the convivial office
atmosphere all appeal to me. As an Associate Consultant, I would enjoy the opportunity to apply my
critical thinking skills, sharpened through academic work, in research and analysis of real world
challenges.
My major in Mathematics has given me a strong analytical background while my Philosophy major has
helped me practice thinking outside the box. I also have research experience in both the academic world
and the corporate world. Last summer, I had a position at University of Washington funded by the
National Science Foundation where I modeled and analyzed social networks, focusing on the way that
information spreads throughout a network. In the summer of 2007, I had an internship with Google
where I examined statistical analyses on the effectiveness of online advertising campaigns and gathered
research on Southeast Asian markets for potential growth. Organization and attention to detail are areas
in which I excel and are evident in all the projects with which I have been involved.
Geographically, my first choice is to work in the San Francisco office. The Los Angeles office is my
second choice, followed by Palo Alto as my third choice. However, I am willing to pursue this position
in any geographic location.
Thank you very much for your time in considering my application. If you have any questions about my
qualifications, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Rachael A. Maltiel
Storyhouse Box xxx
742 N Amherst Ave
Claremont, CA 91711
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
xxxxxxxxx@cmc.edu
Rob Donnelly
170 E 6th Box xxx, Pomona College, Claremont CA 91711
♦
Phone
♦
email@gmail.com
October 5th, 2008
170 E 6th Street Box xxx
Claremont CA 91711
Phone number
Cornerstone Research
353 Sacramento St., 23rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Dear Anthony Riva,
I am writing to apply for the analyst position at Cornerstone Research, which I learned about from Paul Van
Deventer at the Claremont Consulting Night. I am extremely excited about the chance to begin working under
your accomplished experts, using sophisticated analytical and statistical techniques to provide clients with the
accurate economic analysis they need. Cornerstone stands out to me because of its emphasis on analyst
development, and its effectiveness at combining cutting-edge academic theory with practical business
applications to provide state-of-the-art analysis for its clients.
You will find that my mathematics background, quantitative research experience, programming skill, and
leadership will put me in an ideal position to quickly learn and adapt to your collaborative and innovative
environment.
I bring the following qualifications:
 X.X GPA, with emphasis in mathematics, economics, and computer science.
 Experience using STATA, C++, and Matlab in a research setting.
 Vice president of 80 member ballroom dance team. Led meetings, organized new events, and taught
lessons.
Together these will allow me to help Cornerstone produce the qualitative and quantitative analysis and solutions
that your clients need, and to deliver those results in a clear and practical way.
It would be a privilege to have the opportunity to work alongside the passionate and intelligent people at
Cornerstone. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Rob Donnelly
RYAN MONTGOMERY DICK
SCC Suite 118 • 170 E. Sixth St. # XXX • Claremont, CA 91711 • XXXXXX@mymail.pomona.edu • (XXX) XXX-XXXX
October 10, 2008
Brock Veidenheimer, Director of Human Resources
The Bridgespan Group
535 Boylston St.
10th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Dear Mr. Veidenheimer,
My name is Ryan Dick and I am a senior majoring in Mathematical Economics at Pomona College. I am very interested in the
Associate Consultant position and after speaking to a number of Bain associates who spent time at Bridgespan, I believe that I am an
excellent fit for the firm.
My variety of experience and academic study has given me skills that will enable me to work with a team to deliver results to clients.
As the founder and administrator of the Claremont Education Resource Group, I developed strong management and problem-solving
skills through overcoming hurdles such as learning web design and hosting, assembling teams to carry out administrative tasks, and
gaining buy-in from the institution. Working with a Bridgespan client, Breakthrough Collaborative, I became a better problemsolver and communicator through designing and teaching physics, web design, and Spanish curricula for low-income eighth graders.
As a Resident Advisor, I have had the unique experience of gaining substantial leadership and teamwork experience by working with
others to address policy violations, resolve conflicts between students, and create events that target the needs of the residents. It is
these experiences along with my academic background that have provided me with the tools I need to succeed at Bridgespan.
I am drawn to the Associate Consultant position because it would give me the opportunity to utilize my experience at the groundlevel of non-profits to help these types of organizations reach their goals more effectively. Bridgespan’s emphasis on formal and
informal training would allow me to further develop my skills while pursuing my passion for social change. In addition, your firm’s
commitment to maintaining a close-knit, team-driven office culture reflects my interest in participating in an organization that
emphasizes collaboration. Because of my teamwork experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn, I believe I would thrive
in this environment.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Ryan Dick
DAVID MARTIN
170 E Sixth Street, Box 1115 • Claremont, CA 91711 • (xxx) xxx-xxxx • xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx
EDUCATION:
Pomona College, Bachelor of Arts Candidate: Economics, Claremont CA
• Grade point average: X.XX/4.0
• Vincent Learnihan Prize in Western Civilization recipient (2006)
• Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Pomona Chapter
Expected graduation: May 2009
JOB EXPERIENCE:
Pomona College Economics Department, Research Assistant, Claremont CA
• Read and summarized academic articles on charitable giving and volunteering.
• Compiled data sheets on charitable giving and volunteering in the United States.
• Wrote drafts on specific strands of the charitable giving literature.
May 2008 – August 2008
Pomona College Economics Department, Research Assistant, Claremont CA
January 2008 – present
• Compiled data in Excel on red and yellow cards given in World Cup soccer games.
• Brainstormed possible reasons for discrimination by referees in professional soccer and possible methodological difficulties in
testing for discrimination.
Pomona College Economics Department, Mentor/Grader/Tutor, Claremont CA
September 2007 – present
• Current grader/mentor for Macroeconomic Theory courses in Fall 2008 semester.
• Tutored Pomona College students in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, and Economic Statistics courses.
• Held STATA mentor sessions for students taking Economic Statistics in Spring 2008 semester.
Economic Opportunity Institute, Intern, Seattle WA
June 2007 – August 2007
• Conducted online comparative research on child care policy in Finland, the United Kingdom, and Washington State.
• Wrote drafts for a briefing book on child care policy to be given to Washington State politicians and business leaders.
• Created charts and other graphics in Excel and PowerPoint to be included in the briefing book.
Skyhawks Sports Camps, Camp Director/Coach, Kenmore WA
May 2006 – August 2006
• Coached soccer camps for children ages 6-12, emphasizing the development of soccer skills and teamwork.
• Directed golf camps for children ages 5-9, introducing them to the game of golf in a safe and enjoyable way.
• Administered first aid, moral support, and sympathy to children for a variety of injuries.
• Managed groups of 5-10 children, promoting respect and safety.
City of Kenmore, Freelance Journalist, Kenmore WA
• Read and summarized city documents.
• Wrote articles for publication in a quarterly newsletter on city proceedings.
February 2004 – July 2004
ACTIVITIES:
Pomona-Pitzer Varsity Soccer, Player/Team Captain, Claremont CA
• Currently serving as team captain, providing leadership and organization for the younger players.
• Worked as part of a team towards a common goal.
• Devoted 20+ hours/week during fall season while maintaining a full class load.
August 2005 – present
The Children’s School, Volunteer Classroom Assistant, Claremont CA
September 2006 – December 2007
• Worked one-on-one with students to improve their reading ability and comprehension.
• Helped manage a classroom of fifteen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, with an emphasis on teaching the children to resolve their
conflicts peacefully, and with words rather than actions.
SKILLS AND INTERESTS:
Computer skills include competency in Microsoft Word, experience in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and STATA, and proficient
typing ability. Other skills include strong oral and written communication, research ability, and analytical skills. Interests include
soccer, sports in general, guitar, and learning new things.
School Address:
Box xxxx, 742 N Amherst Ave
Claremont, CA 91711
ERIC REN
email
phone number
Permanent Address:
xxxx Capital Paradise
Beijing, P.R. China 101318
EDUCATION
Claremont McKenna College – Claremont, California



Oxford University (Study Abroad) – Oxford, England


Received 1st (top) degree in both courses and special praise from the Tutor for Undergraduates
Primary tutorial in International Economics, secondary tutorial in Psychology of Perception
International School of Beijing – Beijing, China


May 2009
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology with a Leadership Sequence
GPA: X.X/4.0, Dean’s List 2006
Relevant coursework: Leadership in Management, Corporate Finance, Econometrics,
Statistics, Accounting for Decision Making, Organizational Psychology
Sep - Dec 2007
Jun 2005
Un-weighted cumulative GPA: X.XX/4.0
SAT: Verbal: XXX Math: XXX Writing: XXX
WORK EXPERIENCE
The Child Development Centre at Matilda – Hong Kong, China
Jun – Aug 2007
Playroom and Office Assistant
 Collaborated with classroom leaders, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to
administer an early intervention program to over 30 special needs children
 Helped draft and edit a proposal for a new Child Development Centre location
Lehman Brothers – Beijing, China
Jun – Aug 2006
Investment Banking Intern
 Conducted extensive research on commercial banking and natural gas industries in Asia
 Edited and translated presentations and company literature from Mandarin to English
 Served as guide and translator for Senior Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager and her
son on their visit to Beijing
Claremont Development Office – Claremont, California
Jan – Dec 2006
Student Caller
 Raised $16,580 for student scholarships, with a pledge rate of 59% over two semesters
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Claremont Consulting Network
Mar 2007 - Present
President & Co-Founder
 Established a network of over 150 students and alumni at the Claremont Colleges
 Organize networking events and panel discussions to help students learn about careers in
consulting
Claremont Entrepreneurial Society
Sep 2005 – Present
CMC President, Conference Committee Co-Chair
 Organized a day-long Entrepreneurship Conference with 70+ participants, featuring keynote
speaker Ashwin Navin, President and COO of BitTorrent, Inc.
 Assisted other committees with speaker events and product sales
AWARDS
McKenna International Sponsored Summer Internship Program
National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Mathematics Award – Awarded to two students in grade 12
National Ayn Rand Anthem Essay Contest – Semifinalist
SKILLS
Language: Mandarin Chinese (fluent)
Computer: SPSS, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word
2007
2005
2005
2002
MEREDYTH LACY
Address
Telephone
Email
EDUCATION
Pomona College, Claremont, California
Bachelor of Arts, Double Major: Economics and Politics, May 2009
 GPA: X.X (to date)
 SAT: XXXX out of 1600 (Verbal XXX, Math XXX)
Oxford University, Fall 2007
Oxford, United Kingdom
 Attended the Michaelmas term at University College.
 Worked with Senior Economist to research the economic impact of international labor migration on
the United Kingdom.
COURSEWORK
Statistics
Applied Regression Analysis
Economic Modeling
Microeconomic Theory
Macroeconomic Theory
Multi-Variable Calculus
Foundations of Accounting
Money, Banking, and Financial Markets
Labor Economics
Environmental Economics
EXPERIENCE
Analyst Intern, EcoSecurities; Claremont, California; June – August 2008
 Researched and compiled weekly newsletter and audio podcast summarizing developments related to
the carbon trading industry for company distribution.
 Worked directly for Manager of US Policy and Regulatory Affairs to write and edit policy-related
materials for internal and external use.
 Drafted company position statement defending the economic rationale for offset projects in
implementing AB 32, California’s climate change legislation.
Research Assistant, Politics Department, Pomona College, Spring 2008
 Assisted professor in conducting interviews and background research for study on the role of
historically black churches in the social and political development of Los Angeles.
Tutor, Fall 2005 – Summer 2007
 Developed a loyal client base in Austin, TX and Claremont, CA.
 Helped more than 15 children and adults reach their educational goals in math, writing, Spanish, and
SAT preparation.
Intern, Disaster Management Consulting, [insert company name]; May - August 2006
 Assisted clients in accessing and managing disaster grant funding.
 Researched, compiled, and presented technical data for hazard mitigation plans for 13 Texas counties.
SKILLS
Strong research and communication skills
Proficient in Spanish; Speak basic Chinese
Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; Experience with Stata Statistical Analysis Software
ACTIVITIES
Avid Bikram Yoga practitioner; Competitor in Southwest Regional Asana Championships
Claremont Consulting Group member
Senior Class Committee member
Pomona College Economics Council member
HONORS
National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Member, 2006 - Present
Business Today Regional Conference Participant, March 2007
National Merit Scholar, April 2005
School Address
742 N. Amherst Ave. – Box xxx
Claremont, California 91711
(xxx) xxx-xxxx (cell)
Rachael Maltiel
xxxxxxxx@cmc.edu
Permanent Address
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(xxx) xxx-xxxx (home)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Education
Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics & Philosophy
GPA: X.X/4.0 overall, X.X/4.0 Mathematics
SAT: XXXX overall (XXX Math, XXX Verbal), XXX Writing SAT II
Significant Achievements: Dean’s List, Sigma Xi Honor Society
Senior Thesis: Demography and Power Laws
Budapest Semester in Mathematics, Budapest, Hungary
May 2009
January 2008-May 2008
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Experience
University of Washington Math Department, Seattle, Washington
June 2008-August 2008
Advanced Mathematics Researcher
 Received National Science Foundation research position through highly selective process
 Collaboratively constructed and experimented with algorithms to solve open mathematics problems
 Produced an original and formal inverse problem research paper and presented on findings
Google, Mountain View, California
May 2007-August 2007
Associate Quantitative Marketing Manager Intern
 Created a competitive insight report on the user’s perspective and demographics for Facebook
 Organized data for both a meta analysis of advertising effectiveness and strategies for new market growth
 Analyzed Google products’ surveys using SPSS statistical software
Claremont McKenna College Math Department, Claremont, California
September 2006-present
Calculus Tutor and Grader
 Lead formal tutoring sessions to assist students with understanding complex mathematical concepts
 Evaluate student homework, leaving feedback to ensure understanding
Reed Institute for Applied Statistics, Claremont, California
February 2006-May 2007
Research Assistant
 Organized, graphed and analyzed mathematical data for the Navy on weapon reliability
 Investigated complex statistical theories related to the data and reported on findings
Speech and Debate, San Jose, California
September 2001-June 2005
President (May 2004-May 2005)
 Bridged the divide between a new coach and 300 person team, increasing team cohesiveness
 Achieved a top level in personal ability and participation receiving Outstanding Distinction in the
National Forensic League
 Won first place at Parliamentary Debate Tournament of Champions in May 2005
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Leadership Activities
Committee for Employee Exceptional Service Awards (2008)
Freshmen and Transfer Orientation Head Sponsor (2006-2008)
Auen Hall Dormitory Co-President (2006, 2008), Intramural Sports Coordinator (2007)
Volunteer Student Admissions Committee Member (2006-2007)
Kravis Leadership Institute Student Assistant (2006)
Hamagshimim Israel Fellowship (2006)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Skills
Computer: Java, SQL, SPSS, R, Mathematica, LaTex, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Language: Intermediate French, Beginner Hungarian
ROB DONNELLY
170 E 6th Box xxx, Pomona College, Claremont CA 91711
♦
Phone
♦
email@gmail.com
Education
Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Major: Mathematics
Minors: Economics and Computer Science
Thesis: Applications of Stochastic Differential Equations
GPA: X.X
Economics GPA: X.X
Collegium Hieronymi Pragensis, Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic
Graduation
May, 2009
Summer, 2008
Relevant Coursework and Computer Skills
Mathematics: Probability, Statistics, Real Analysis 1&2, Abstract Algebra, Linear
Algebra 1&2, Operations Research, Combinatorics, Game Theory
Economics: Econometrics, Macroeconomics 1&2, Microeconomics 2, Poverty and
Income Distribution, International Economics
Computer Science: 5 semesters of Computer Science
Proficient with Matlab, STATA, Excel, PowerPoint
Experience programming in Java and C++
Research Experience
Designed Econometric Research Project on Income Distribution



Analyzed the effect of childbirth on the gender wage gap using STATA
Used Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition to see effects on wage and workforce participation
Wrote a review of published literature on the topic, and presented results to the class
Created Mathematical Model of Radiation in Cervical Cancer





Summer, 2007
Worked in a small team of undergraduates reading relevant medical literature
Decided which features of the biological system to model
Designed algorithms to simulate tumor growth radiation in a cellular automaton
Led the implementation of the model into Matlab code
Presented results at AMS-NZMS conference in New Zealand, and at local seminars
Assisted Implementation of a Hidden Markov Model of Stock Market Variability


Spring, 2008
Spring, 2006
Taught myself theory behind hidden Markov models
Assisted faculty member by writing Matlab program to apply hidden Markov modeling to
stock market data
Leadership Experience
National Champion Ballroom Dance Team, Vice President



Delegated volunteers to run all activities hosted by the 80 member team; organized and
ran weekly meetings to ensure successful implementation
Designed and implemented a new ballroom dance festival, with 3 days of lessons and
events, which drew more than 300 attendees and raised more than $3,000
Helped oversee the advertising and sponsorship opportunities for the team
Sagehen Capital Management, Member



Worked in small group to evaluate investment proposals
Presented findings to the whole group for discussion and voting
Learned about valuation metrics, sector exposure, and a variety of investment options
Pomona College Math Department, Mentor and Tutor


Organized and ran twice-weekly sessions for intro-level college math classes
Offered private tutoring in math for high school and college students
Fall, 2005
to Present
Spring, 2008
to Present
Fall, 2005
to May 2008
RYAN DICK
XXXXXXXXX • Seattle, WA XXXXX • XXXXXXX@mymail.pomona.edu • (XXX) XXX-XXXX
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Economics, Minor in Sociology – Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Expected May 2009
 X.XX GPA (X.XX Major GPA) | SAT: XXXX (Verbal XXX; Math XXX)
 Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation Scholar, a private scholarship program for outstanding students in Western Washington
RESEARCH
Quantitative Research
 “The Effect of Circumstances on School Continuation Decisions”: Quantitatively estimated the impact of social background
variables on an individual’s decision to continue school using STATA and a rich data set from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
 “Incentive Structure and Productivity”: Worked in a small group to conduct an economic experiment, regressed the relationship
between payment type and productivity using STATA and Excel
Qualitative Research
 “Social Identity within a Poker Playing Community”: Studied the characterization behavior of poker players on a liberal arts
campus using a combination of in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation
 “Implementation Case Study of the Public School Accountability Act”: Analyzed the execution and design of California’s
Public Schools Accountability Act using a combination of content analysis and interviews
EXPERIENCE
Founder and Administrator – Claremont Education Resource Group, Claremont, CA
November 2007-present
 Created an organization that addressed the lack of resources on campus for students interested in education
 Developed a website (www.claremonteducation.org) and electronic newsletter used by students and faculty to spread information about
important opportunities and topics, such as current issues, education-related classes, and over 20 summer internships
 Conducted classroom presentations and other promoting that resulted in the membership of over 40 students and faculty
Corps Member and Science Department Head– Breakthrough Collaborative, Philadelphia, PA
June-August 2007 and 2008
 Taught physics, HTML, and Spanish classes to highly motivated, low-income eighth graders in summer enrichment program which
resulted in the acceptance of all of the students into highly selective magnet high schools
 Constructed curriculum and created extensive daily lesson plans which will be used by future corps members
 Planned and implemented a school-wide community service field trip as a member of the Community Committee
Resident Advisor – Pomona College, Claremont, CA
August 2007-present
 Collaborated with a team of other students to supervise and mentor the freshman class
 Designed room draw for 2009-2010 with a team of students and faculty as a member of the Residence Hall Committee
 Utilized communication and interpersonal skills to resolve conflict in a sexual harassment situation
 Chosen as one of three Resident Advisors to address the trustees about residence issues at their annual meeting
Assistant to the Director – Pomona Hope Community Center, Pomona, CA
September 2005-May 2006
 Advised the Board of Directors about possible funding sources through a position on the fundraising committee
 Collaborated with the director to streamline internal processes, such as communication with volunteers and funding sources,
resulting in improved organizational efficiency
 Mentored, tutored, and supervised over 25 low-income elementary school students, improving their proficiency in core subjects
Mortar Board Honor Society Member – Claremont, CA
Outdoor Trip Leader – On The Loose (Claremont Outdoor Club), Claremont, CA
Student Teacher – Sycamore Elementary School, Claremont, CA
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in STATA, ArcGIS, HTML, PowerPoint, Excel, and web hosting
EXTRACURRICULAR INTERESTS
Jazz and classical guitar, sea kayaking, mountain biking, skiing
April 2008-present
September 2005-present
September-December 2005
PART IV – The consulting interview
The fit / behavioral interview
This is the part of the interview where the firm asks about your resume, your strengths and
weaknesses, etc. The length of this part can vary greatly by firm. Some companies emphasize the
case interview, and so these fit questions might only take up the first 5 minutes in a 30 minute
interview. For other companies, it’s really more about getting to know you, your stories, and how
you would handle particular situations. The key to succeeding in the fit interview is to know
yourself and why you are a good fit for the company. In addition, you should have several (around
4 to 5) stories/examples that you can mold to answer the various “give me an example of…”
questions.
Below are some of the questions that you should be prepared to tackle.
General questions
- Why do you want to do consulting?
- Why our firm in particular?
- Why should we hire you?
- Tell me about yourself / walk me through your resume
Example / story questions – “Tell me about a time you’ve…”
- Had to deal with a difficult team member
- Worked in a diverse group
- Succeeded / failed
- Faced adversity / struggled with something
- Demonstrated leadership
- Had to follow rather than lead
- Had to persuade someone to your point of view
Other questions
- What are you most proud of on your resume and why?
- How did you end up at CMC?
- What was your favorite class / professor and why?
- Why do you think your major qualifies you for this job?
- What do you do for fun?
- What would your friends say about you?
- What are your major strengths / weaknesses?
- What are you looking to get out of a summer internship / job?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
The case interview
A case interview is a common type of interview used by many consulting firms (although they
tend to be more emphasized by strategy consulting firms). Basically, it is a simplified business
problem that is designed to test your problem-solving and analytical abilities. Interviewers are also
assessing your communication skills and your composure when dealing with a complex case –
they need to be able to imagine you in front of an important client.
The different types of cases and how best to prepare for them is a huge topic that is perhaps best
left to the case interview guides. However, we will give you some of our own advice on this part of
the interview and point you towards some of the best resources available.
Before the case
Most students underestimate the amount of preparation necessary in order to maximize your
chances at acing the case interview. The fact that you attend one of the 5Cs shows that you are a
bright, accomplished individual that is capable of working for a top consulting firm. However, the
case interview is a new and unique challenge for most students and there is intense competition for
a limited number of spots. At the top firms, almost all of the interns and new-hires will tell you that
they’ve spent dozens of hours preparing for the case interview. Below are some of the most
common tips on preparation:
1. Study the guides.
They are great resources to help you understand some of the different types of business
problems, and become more adept at laying out a structure for the case. You do not need to
memorize frameworks and things like Porter’s Five Forces, although some have found success
by making some notecards. You can use frameworks as a source of inspiration and ideas, but
during the interview you should be able to come up with your own structure that is relevant and
works for you.
2. Practice with friends.
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to practice doing cases out loud. Find friends
who are also applying to consulting firms and spend a lot of time giving each other cases.
Alumni at the consulting firms are also usually very willing to give you a practice case over the
phone.
3. Sharpen your numerical skills.
You will most likely have to do some basic calculations that tend to be integrated with the case
interview. What is 15% of $120,000? What is 27 times 14? What is 10 billion divided by
100,000? If you’re not a quantitative type, you may want to spend some time sharpening your
mental math.
4. Browse useful information.
This tip is completely optional – consulting firms will never expect you to know specific
information about business or economics. But if you have the time, there is a lot of information
out there that may be useful in a case interview, or at least help you wrap your head around the
business world. For example, a quick Google search will tell you that the US beer market is an
example of a $100-billion market. That way, if your estimate of the yearly carrot juice sales in
the US comes out to $480 billion, you’ll be able to mention that it seems a little high before
your interviewer tells you that you’re way off. As an aspiring consultant, you should be curious
about the business world. Ask yourself interesting questions and see if you can find the
answers.
During the case
Below are nine key steps to a successful case interview:
1. Take quick notes as the interviewer describes the situation and listen for the key facts - not all
facts may be relevant.
2. Restate the main issue/problem to make sure you understand the final objective. It can be to
improve profitability, gain market share, a yes/no decision (e.g. whether they should expand
into India), or something more creative.
3. Ask for clarification at the beginning, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry or the
product.
4. Take a minute to gather your thoughts and lay out a structured approach on your notebook.
5. Announce your plan of attack.
6. Delve into specific areas you outlined. You can continue to ask questions but make sure it
follows a structured plan (don’t randomly dig for clues).
7. Make it a two-way conversation. Firms are often looking for passion, interest, and the ability
to engage the interviewer at the same time that they are assessing your problem-solving
abilities.
8. Summarize your findings and give an answer/recommendation. This should only be about a
minute, so briefly state the original problem, mention the directions you explored and the
conclusions reached.
9. Finally, remember to relax and have fun!
Case study resources
Books:
1. Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation, 5th edition by Marc Cosentino
This is a really popular guide to case interviews which presents useful frameworks for 12
different types of business cases. However, remember that as almost everyone uses this book,
you probably do not want to follow it word-for-word or try to apply a cookie-cutter approach
to a case that does not exactly fit into one of the 12 categories.
2. Vault’s Guide to the Case Interview, 7th edition by Mark Asher
Also a great summary read. If you only read two books to prepare for the case interview, it
should be Case in Point and this one.
3. Crack the Case: How to Conquer Your Case Interviews: 2006 edition by David Ohrvall
This book is fairly advanced and is targeted more towards MBA-level candidates. However,
it still has some very interesting cases as well as some insight into what interviewers are
thinking during the interview.
Here are some more books on case interviews.
4. Wetfeet’s Ace Your Case
5. How to Get Into the Top Consulting Firms: A Surefire Case Interview Method by Tim
Darling
6. Mastering the Case Interview: The Complete Guide to Management, Marketing, and
Strategic Consulting Case Inverview, 4th Edition by Alexander Chernev
Most of us have not read these, so we don’t know how good they are. It might be worth it to
browse several case interview books, but at some point it probably gets redundant. You should
probably be spending more of your time practicing real cases than reading about them.
Business school casebooks
The following booklets are from the consulting clubs of various business schools, and they have
tons of great practice cases. Some of the material is slightly more complex than you need to know
for an undergrad-level interview.
Harvard Business School Management Consulting Club – Case Interview Guide
Kellogg Consulting Club – Interview Preparation Guide
Kellogg Consulting Club Appendix – Practice Cases
Johnson School (Cornell) Consulting Club – Big Red Case Book
Wharton Consulting Casebook
You can download these resources here: http://www.box.net/shared/fk93thm1xq
Firm websites
These companies have some great practice cases on their websites that you should take a look at.
McKinsey & Co.
http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/how_do_i_apply/how_to_do_well_in_the_interview.aspx
Boston Consulting Group
http://www.bcg.com/careers/interview_prep/default.html
Bain & Co.
http://www.joinbain.com/apply-to-bain/interview-preparation/default.asp
Oliver Wyman
http://www.oliverwyman.com/ow/4797.htm
Capital One
http://www.capitalone.com/careers/hiring/business_case.php?linkid=WWW_Z_Z_Z_CARHI
IN_C1_01_T_CARHIBC
PART V – consulting JOKES
We leave you with some jokes and stereotypes about consultants that we found online. Have fun
and best of luck!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Top 10 Signs You Work in Consulting:
10.
9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
You lecture the neighborhood kids selling lemonade on ways to improve their process
You get all excited it's Saturday so you can wear casual clothes to work
Refer to the tomatoes grown in your garden as deliverables.
Find you really need PowerPoint to explain what you do for a living.
Normally eat out of vending machines and at the most expensive restaurant in town within
the same week.
Wear gray to work instead of navy blue to make a bold fashion statement.
Know the people at the airport and hotel better than your next door neighbors.
Ask your friends to "think out of the box" when making Friday night plans.
You think Einstein would have been more effective had he put his ideas into a matrix
Think a half-day means leaving at 5 o'clock
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
A man walked into a management consultant's office and inquired about the rates for undertaking
an assignment.
“Well, typically we scope, structure and plan the assignment in advance, and charge $50,000 (plus
sales tax and expenses) for three questions,” replied the consultant.
“Isn't that ridiculously expensive?” asked the man.
“Yes,” the consultant replied, “and what was your third question?”
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
A partner in a large consulting firm and a more junior colleague decide to go on a weekend trip
hunting bears.
They arrive at their small log cabin set in a clearing deep in the forest. The junior consultant starts
to prepare a simple meal for them in the kitchen and begins to set up the range of equipment he has
brought along for the bear hunt. The partner drops his bags and immediately disappears out the
front door of the cabin; he is gone for about an hour.
Suddenly, the partner comes running at full speed out of the trees, back across clearing and straight
in through the front door of the cabin, with a huge grizzly bear just a few paces behind him.
As he disappears out the back door he yells over his shoulder at the consultant, “OK, you skin this
beauty, I’ll go get us another!”
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
A man drives up to a farmer who is herding his sheep and says, “If I tell you how many sheep you
have, can I have one of your sheep?” Intrigued, the farmer agrees. The man sits down, pulls out his
laptop, does some calculations, makes some phone calls, takes some satellite photos and finally
announces, “You have exactly 413 sheep.”
The farmer is impressed. “That’s exactly right, you can have the sheep of your choice.” The man
picks one of the animals and the farmer says, “Now can you do something for me? If I can tell you
what you do for a living, will you give me back my sheep?” The man agrees and the farmer
immediately replies, “You’re a consultant!”
The man is amazed. “Yes, how could you know that?” “Well”, says the farmer, “you came without
being asked, you told me something I already know, and you don’t know anything about my
business… Now give me back my dog.”