Why did you select The Parthenon Group?

Through my time at Oxford and during an Investment Banking internship I rapidly realized that I was seeking an intellectually stimulating career that offered a collegiate, team-based environment. To meet that goal I took a closer look at consulting firms that specifically focused on high-level, strategic issues across industries and sectors it was clear to me these qualities would provide the focus on problem solving and the intellectual challenge I was seeking. Furthermore, after speaking to friends within the consulting field, I also realized that a “small-office” culture would more likely offer opportunities for early responsibility and encourage entrepreneurial initiatives that would best suit me while offering the greatest learning opportunities. The final step in narrowing down my decision, surprisingly, also turned out to be the easiest! For me, what made Parthenon stand out during my interview process was the friendly and down-to-earth atmosphere the firm offers, something that still stands out for me today.

What stands out about the type of work you are engaged in at The Parthenon Group?

Parthenon’s focus on high-level strategy work invariably results in intellectually interesting and challenging projects for all associates. Working together in small teams means that you are always very much involved with solving strategic problems – you are definitely not a small cog in a big machine! Equally, I’ve found that this results in great opportunities to learn from your colleagues as well as being responsible for pieces of analysis, or even entire work-streams.

What has been your favorite case so far?

My cases at Parthenon have varied hugely so it is difficult to pick out a single ’favorite.’ Having said that, there was a project for a UK healthcare services provider at the end of my first year that stands out as particularly interesting. Although the healthcare firm was the market leader, it was rapidly losing shares to its competitors. We were brought in to advise on their strategy. As an Associate on a small team, I was involved with analyzing key company metrics and then leading discussions on our resulting hypotheses in individual meetings with the client’s regional offices and key government customers. We were able to identify that their low cost strategy was counterproductive and that increased product investments focused on fewer, select areas would be more profitable. As a newly formed ‘expert’ on the matter, I then had the chance to present our findings and discuss them with the board.

How does The Parthenon Group fit into your life outside of work?

At Parthenon the emphasis is on doing the work together as a team in the office as opposed to working separately at the client site. The great benefit to this is that you get to know your colleagues well creating a productive work environment while rapidly making new friends.

Do you have an interest/hobby outside of work?

I enjoy sports, although I am not particularly discriminating as to what kind! A group of us in the London office play in a 5-a-side football league on Mondays. I also play for a Hockey club most weekends. Snowboarding has largely remained an ambition as opposed to a regular event, though Parthenon ski weekends in Switzerland have helped in this regard.

I also enjoy weekly Spanish lessons at Parthenon, though judging from my latest travels in South America I still have some way to go!

What is your favorite quality about The Parthenon Group?

Something that continues to stand out for me is the friendly and collaborative atmosphere of the office. Cases can be tough at times, particularly in the run up to deadlines, so the people you work with make a big difference be it through helping with a piece of analysis, discussing hypotheses, or grabbing a drink after work.