We have attempted below to answer some of the questions that are frequently asked by applicants. We can't cover all the questions, nor all the answers, in as much depth as we would like, so if you have any further questions, please contact us.
What criteria do you use to judge CVs and in considering applications?
We look for a combination of an MBA from one of India's leading business schools, and broad and intense extra-circular activities. Also, we look favourably on language skills, previous relevant work experience and the quality of your CV and cover letter.
For experienced hires, we attach higher significance to your achievements at work.
Go to Application Tips > Applications for more information.
How do you assess the interview?
In the interview, we look for qualities including intellect, creativity, analytic ability, personality, drive and leadership. We also assess whether you and OC&C are suited to working together.
Go to Application Tips > Interviews for more information.
Do you offer summer internships?
We offer an 8-week summer internship programme. Interns can expect to work on client projects during their time with OC&C, gaining real experience of life as a consultant.
What is a typical project duration / composition?
- All our work is at Board Level. We work for the top companies in India or their international equivalents, major private equity houses and occasionally for smaller companies if the situations are particularly interesting. We work on three general types of project:
- Strategy Development
- Transaction Support (M&A and Private Equity)
- Strategy Realisation (“Making It Happen”) programmes.
Consequently, there is a lot of variation in team size and project duration:
Strategy Development projects typically last 6-12 weeks
Transaction Work typically operates on cycles of 2-4 weeks
Strategy Realisation programmes require anything between 2-9 months and generally involve much more client interaction, often working at the client site.
Our teams are small compared to the broader consulting industry. A large international team would involve a pyramid of 15 people consisting of 2-3 Partners, 1-2 Associate Partners, 1-2 Managers and a team of consultants. Typical teams involve four people but sometimes as small as two.
What are the average working hours per week?
The nature of consulting means that the hours are not regularly 9-5, particularly towards the end of projects where deadlines have to be met. Having said that, we make our best effort to ensure that our consultants do not work excessive hours. A 50 hour week is standard and we monitor the actual hours that are worked to ensure that people do not often work more than 60 hours per week.
Do you travel a lot?
Travel varies entirely from project to project and so everyone's experience is different. Nonetheless, it is usual to spend time away from home in India or abroad on some, but not every project. Sometimes we base our work at the client, which can mean 3-4 days per week at the client site, but we do make sure that everyone where possible is back on Fridays. There is a good chance you will spend some time working on a project abroad - people have recently worked in London, Germany, France and USA. On average, 70% of your time will be spent in your office, 20% will be elsewhere in India, and 10% will be abroad.
Does OC&C operate a 100% staffing model?
Yes. As a new consultant, you will only be allocated to one client at any given time. More experienced consultants, Managers and Partners are typically involved with more than one assignment at a time.
What is the typical career path at OC&C?
Consultants typically spend three years at that level (less if they have some previous experience or progress exceptionally rapidly) before promotion to Manager. The pathway to partnership is typically 8 or 9 years.
Do you encourage specialisation in a particular sector?
Consultants will typically spend three years working across sectors. We encourage consultants to explore and develop their knowledge of the sector(s) they are interested in and we will make best efforts to provide opportunities to work on projects in those sectors. Affiliation with a particular sector occurs at Manager level. Managers can expect to spend 70% of their time on projects within their specialist sector and 30% on projects in other sectors.
What are your policies on training?
A crucial element in a Consultants development is on-the-job training. The best way to learn is by doing. You are encouraged to push yourself just beyond the point where you feel comfortable with what you are doing, as that is where you develop fastest - safe in the knowledge that you are fully supported by your job manager should you need to turn to him / her for direction or support.
We offer a range of training programmes to help you develop skills and techniques to progress as a consultant, beginning with your induction programme. When you first join you will receive a formal induction programme which is tailored to your experience and needs. Joining from a business school, you can expect to receive training in Consulting, Strategy, Research, Financial Analysis, Economics and Graphics within your first couple of months
Our commitment to training continues throughout your career and at each grade there is an established portfolio of courses designed to meet your professional development needs at that time. So as you move towards becoming a Manager, the training focus is on project and people management, and delegation. At Manager level the focus shifts towards client facilitation.
Many of our courses are run internationally and are held as part of our International Training Week (ITW). In 2008 this will be held in Budapest; last year it was held in Barcelona. ITW provides a great opportunity to meet colleagues, at all levels, from all of our offices. It's not just all training though as there are plenty of opportunities to socialise as well.
What is your policy on transfer to other OC&C offices?
If you wish to work in another OC&C office, including to another office in India, there are three broad options:
- To work on one individual project with another office.
- To be offered an OC&C ambassadorship for 6-12 months in another office. This is awarded to our top performers.
- To seek a permanent transfer to another office.
The only rule is that you must be totally competent linguistically to work in your target office (or demonstrate that you could get to that state rapidly).
For any further queries, please call or email us at careers@occstrategy.in