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!

Wed 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 Cosentinos Case in Point, 5th

edition)

1. Youll work and learn from very intelligent and articulate people2. Youll develop a vast array of marketable skills in a prestigious environment3. The learning curve never ends4. Youll receive exposure to the corporate elite the way they think, act, and analyze their

problems.5. Youll be exposed to many industries.6. Youll work as part of a team.7. Youll solve problems.8. Youll make organizations more efficient.9. Youll work on multiple projects.10. Youll travel.11. Youll improve your chances of being accepted into a top business school.12. It will always look great on your resume.13. The moneys 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 Vaults 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 top-level strategy, to choosing customer account management software, to saving money on paper clips.

Heres 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 youmay 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.

Firms recruiting at the 5Cs

Here is a sample of some of the consulting firms that have recruited at the 5Cs in recent years.

AccentureAlexander Group, Inc.Analysis Group, Inc.Aragon Consulting GroupBain & CompanyBates White, LLCBoston Consulting GroupCambridge AssociatesThe Camden GroupCAST Management Consultants, Inc.Clarkston ConsultingCompass LexeconThe Concord GroupCornerstone ResearchCRA InternationalDavid Taussig & Associates, Inc.Deloitte ConsultingDesmond, Marcello & Amster

EDAW Natural ResourcesExeter Group, Inc.Freeman & Mills, Inc.LECGMcKinsey & Co.Mercer The Monitor GroupNavigant ConsultingNERA Economic ConsultingPearl Meyer & PartnersRCLCORobert D. Niehaus, Inc.Semler Brossy Consulting GroupSibson ConsultingSjoberg Evashenk ConsultingTouch WorldwideWatson Wyatt Worldwide

Inv. Banking / Fin. Services

Business World

Accounting / Audit / Tax

Consulting Marketing / Sales / PR

Corporate Other

Strategy / Operations

Human Capital Strategy / HR

Technology Economic / Litigation

McKinseyBCGBain

MonitorDeloitte S&O

Mercer HRDeloitte HC

Watson WyattTowers Perrin

IBM (Internal)Accenture

Bearing PointCapgemini

CornerstoneAnalysisNavigantNERA

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 well 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-on-hold 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 arent 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 cant 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 its 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. Vaults Career Guide to ConsultingVery 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 websitesAlways a great place to find out more about companies, what they do, what they look for etc.

3. Consulting Cabaret Consulting Forum on WallStreetOasis.comhttp://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/27A 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, dont 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 its 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, weve compiled some sample cover letters and resumes from 5C students that worked. Weve 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 MARTIN170 E Sixth Street - Box 1115 Claremont, CA 91711 (xxx) xxx-xxxx xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

September 29, 2008

Ms. Devika NaiduCornerstone Research633 West Fifth Street, 31st FloorLos 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 Cornerstones 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 NorrisSenior Recruiting CoordinatorBain & Company1901 Avenue of the StarsSuite 2000Los 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 & Companys Associate Consultant Intern program. I have spokenwith Steven Kim and Antoine Grant on numerous occasions about their experiences at Bain, and I am drawn to the firms 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 xxxxClaremont, CA 91711

January 30, 2008

Elisa FerrarottiRecruiting CoordinatorThe Boston Consulting Group355 So. Grand Ave.32nd floorLos 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 Groups 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 firms 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 xxxxClaremont, CA 91711

Meredyth LacySmith Campus Center Suite #132

170 E 6th St Claremont, CA 91711-7003

Cell: #####

Ms. Nicole ONeilAnalysis Group111 Huntington Avenue Tenth FloorBoston, Massachusetts 02199

Dear Ms. ONeil:

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 compilinga 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 LacySmith Campus Center Suite #132

170 E 6th St Claremont, CA 91711-7003

Cell: #####

Robin Norris, Senior Recruiting CoordinatorBAIN & COMPANY1901 Avenue of the StarsSuite 2000Los 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 MorimotoRecruiting CoordinatorBain & Company

Dear Ms. Morimoto:

I will graduate from Claremont McKenna College this spring with a dual Bachelors 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 mycritical 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 mysecond 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 xxx742 N Amherst AveClaremont, CA 91711(xxx) xxx-xxxxxxxxxxxxx@cmc.edu

Rob Donnelly170 E 6th Box xxx, Pomona College, Claremont CA 91711 Phone email@gmail.com

October 5th, 2008

170 E 6th Street Box xxxClaremont CA 91711Phone number

Cornerstone Research353 Sacramento St., 23rd FloorSan 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 DICKSCC 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 ResourcesThe Bridgespan Group535 Boylston St.10th FloorBoston, 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 problem-solver 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 ground-level of non-profits to help these types of organizations reach their goals more effectively. Bridgespans emphasis on formal and informal training would allow me to further develop my skills while pursuing my passion for social change. In addition, your firms 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 MARTIN170 E Sixth Street, Box 1115 Claremont, CA 91711 (xxx) xxx-xxxx xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx

EDUCATION:

Pomona College, Bachelor of Arts Candidate: Economics, Claremont CA Expected graduation: May 2009 Grade point average: X.XX/4.0 Vincent Learnihan Prize in Western Civilization recipient (2006) Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Pomona Chapter

JOB EXPERIENCE:

Pomona College Economics Department, Research Assistant, Claremont CA May 2008 August 2008 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.

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 February 2004 July 2004 Read and summarized city documents. Wrote articles for publication in a quarterly newsletter on city proceedings.

ACTIVITIES:

Pomona-Pitzer Varsity Soccer, Player/Team Captain, Claremont CA August 2005 present 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.

The Childrens 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 AveClaremont, CA 91711

Permanent Address:xxxx Capital Paradise

Beijing, P.R. China 101318

EDUCATION

Claremont McKenna College Claremont, California Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology with a Leadership Sequence GPA: X.X/4.0, Deans List 2006 Relevant coursework: Leadership in Management, Corporate Finance, Econometrics,

Statistics, Accounting for Decision Making, Organizational Psychology

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 Un-weighted cumulative GPA: X.XX/4.0 SAT: Verbal: XXX Math: XXX Writing: XXX

May 2009

Sep - Dec 2007

Jun 2005

WORK EXPERIENCE

The Child Development Centre at Matilda Hong Kong, ChinaPlayroom 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, ChinaInvestment 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, CaliforniaStudent Caller Raised $16,580 for student scholarships, with a pledge rate of 59% over two semesters

Jun Aug 2007

Jun Aug 2006

Jan Dec 2006

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Claremont Consulting NetworkPresident & 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 SocietyCMC 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

Mar 2007 - Present

Sep 2005 Present

AWARDSMcKenna International Sponsored Summer Internship ProgramNational Merit Scholarship FinalistMathematics Award Awarded to two students in grade 12National Ayn Rand Anthem Essay Contest Semifinalist

2007200520052002

SKILLSLanguage: Mandarin Chinese (fluent)Computer: SPSS, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word

ERIC RENemail

phone number

MEREDYTH LACYAddress

TelephoneEmail

EDUCATIONPomona 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 2007Oxford, 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.

COURSEWORKStatistics Applied Regression AnalysisEconomic ModelingMicroeconomic TheoryMacroeconomic Theory

Multi-Variable Calculus Foundations of AccountingMoney, Banking, and Financial MarketsLabor EconomicsEnvironmental Economics

EXPERIENCEAnalyst 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, Californias 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.

SKILLSStrong research and communication skillsProficient in Spanish; Speak basic ChineseProficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; Experience with Stata Statistical Analysis Software

ACTIVITIESAvid Bikram Yoga practitioner; Competitor in Southwest Regional Asana Championships Claremont Consulting Group memberSenior Class Committee memberPomona College Economics Council member

HONORSNational Society of Collegiate Scholars, Member, 2006 - PresentBusiness Today Regional Conference Participant, March 2007National Merit Scholar, April 2005

School Address Rachael Maltiel Permanent Address742 N. Amherst Ave. Box xxx xxxxxxxx@cmc.edu xxxxxxxxxxxxxClaremont, California 91711 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx(xxx) xxx-xxxx (cell) (xxx) xxx-xxxx (home)__________________________________________________________________________________________

EducationClaremont McKenna College, Claremont, California May 2009Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics & Philosophy

GPA: X.X/4.0 overall, X.X/4.0 MathematicsSAT: XXXX overall (XXX Math, XXX Verbal), XXX Writing SAT IISignificant Achievements: Deans List, Sigma Xi Honor SocietySenior Thesis: Demography and Power Laws

Budapest Semester in Mathematics, Budapest, Hungary January 2008-May 2008__________________________________________________________________________________________

ExperienceUniversity of Washington Math Department, Seattle, Washington June 2008-August 2008Advanced 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 2007Associate Quantitative Marketing Manager Intern

Created a competitive insight report on the users 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-presentCalculus 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 2007Research 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 2005President (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 ActivitiesCommittee 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)__________________________________________________________________________________________

SkillsComputer: Java, SQL, SPSS, R, Mathematica, LaTex, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,Language: Intermediate French, Beginner Hungarian

ROB DONNELLY170 E 6th Box xxx, Pomona College, Claremont CA 91711 Phone email@gmail.com

EducationPomona College, Claremont, CA Major: Mathematics Minors: Economics and Computer ScienceThesis: Applications of Stochastic Differential EquationsGPA: X.X Economics GPA: X.X

Graduation May, 2009

Collegium Hieronymi Pragensis, Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic Summer, 2008

Relevant Coursework and Computer SkillsMathematics: 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 ScienceProficient with Matlab, STATA, Excel, PowerPointExperience 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

Spring, 2008

Created Mathematical Model of Radiation in Cervical Cancer 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

Summer, 2007

Assisted Implementation of a Hidden Markov Model of Stock Market Variability Taught myself theory behind hidden Markov models Assisted faculty member by writing Matlab program to apply hidden Markov modeling to

stock market data

Spring, 2006

Leadership ExperienceNational 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

Fall, 2005 to Present

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

Spring, 2008 to Present

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 May 2008

RYAN DICKXXXXXXXXX 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 individuals 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 Californias

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 April 2008-presentOutdoor Trip Leader On The Loose (Claremont Outdoor Club), Claremont, CA September 2005-presentStudent Teacher Sycamore Elementary School, Claremont, CA September-December 2005

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient in STATA, ArcGIS, HTML, PowerPoint, Excel, and web hosting

EXTRACURRICULAR INTERESTS

Jazz and classical guitar, sea kayaking, mountain biking, skiing

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 thecase interview, and so these fit questions might only take up the first 5 minutes in a 30 minute interview. For other companies, its 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 youve- 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 theyve 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 Porters 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 youre 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, youll be able to mention that it seems a little high before your interviewer tells you that youre way off. As an aspiring consultant, you should be curious about the business world. Ask yourself interesting questions and see if you can find theanswers.

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 youre 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 (dont 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 CosentinoThis 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. Vaults Guide to the Case Interview, 7th edition by Mark AsherAlso 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 OhrvallThis 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. Wetfeets 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 dont 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 GuideKellogg Consulting Club Interview Preparation GuideKellogg Consulting Club Appendix Practice CasesJohnson School (Cornell) Consulting Club Big Red Case BookWharton 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 Grouphttp://www.bcg.com/careers/interview_prep/default.html

Bain & Co.http://www.joinbain.com/apply-to-bain/interview-preparation/default.asp

Oliver Wymanhttp://www.oliverwyman.com/ow/4797.htm

Capital Onehttp://www.capitalone.com/careers/hiring/business_case.php?linkid=WWW_Z_Z_Z_CARHIIN_C1_01_T_CARHIBC

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. You lecture the neighborhood kids selling lemonade on ways to improve their process 9. You get all excited it's Saturday so you can wear casual clothes to work 8. Refer to the tomatoes grown in your garden as deliverables. 7. Find you really need PowerPoint to explain what you do for a living. 6. Normally eat out of vending machines and at the most expensive restaurant in town within

the same week. 5. Wear gray to work instead of navy blue to make a bold fashion statement. 4. Know the people at the airport and hotel better than your next door neighbors. 3. Ask your friends to "think out of the box" when making Friday night plans. 2. You think Einstein would have been more effective had he put his ideas into a matrix 1. 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

PART V consulting JOKES

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, Ill 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. Thats 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, Youre 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 dont know anything about my business Now give me back my dog.