L.E.K. Consulting

Launched in 1983, L.E.K. Consulting has quickly grown into an international firm revered amongst its peers for its M&A practice and rigorous approach. The firm advises 20% of the world’s largest companies, including private equity firms and governments, and stands alone as the only global strategy consultancy to have grown from a UK base. L.E.K. employs more than 900 consultants across 20 offices worldwide, and its primary services consist of business and strategy development, value management, and the aforementioned M&A.

L.E.K. was established in the early Eighties by a triumvirate of ex-Bain partners: James Lawrence, Iain Evans and Richard Koch. Then in 1993, the London based consultancy merged with US firm Alcar Group, forming L.E.K. Consulting.

L.E.K. advises firms from the FTSE 100, Eurotop 300 and Fortune 500, as well as the largest firms from the Asia-Pacific region in business strategy, finance, marketing and sales, operations, organisation, and transaction services. It is a leading adviser to the biotech industry and has enviable airline, surface transport, financial services and media and entertainment practices.

However, L.E.K. is a strategy consultancy, with expertise in many other industries. These include: aerospace and defence, agribusiness, business services, construction and building materials, consumer products, energy and environment, government, healthcare services, industrial products and manufacturing, life sciences, medtech and biotechnology, natural resources, private equity, retail, telecommunications, and travel and tourism.

Consultants at L.E.K. are given a chance to work on projects across a number of these industries, and will generally spend most of their time in the city in which they are based. There are opportunities for international experience though, with multi-office cases and the office exchange programme – typically lasting 6 months.

Right from the off, associates have plenty of interaction with senior consultants and partners, initially dealing with the bulk of the firm’s data research and financial analysis. L.E.K. is known for its emphasis on training and development, through both on the job training and formal orientation. New employees are paired with a career development coach, who’s charged with helping the new recruit get to grips with their new firm.

Even top company players stay involved with the day-to-day operations of the firm, spending 70% of their time working hands-on with clients. This strategy helps the firm maintain its strong client base; in fact, almost all of its business is derived from repeat customers.

Practice numerical tests and verbal tests used by actual employers.

One of L.E.K.’s main stipulations is that all its employees speak English fluently. So if you don’t, it’s time to either get learning or have a re-think about applying to L.E.K. However, if you don’t speak English, how would you understand this? Mmm...

The firm recruits from graduate business schools for its consultants, so all the enthusiastic undergrads out there will have to initially settle for an entry-level associate position. L.E.K. seeks graduates with analytical abilities, strong communication skills and leadership experience, as well as an outstanding academic record. The firm deals with its candidates regionally, with each office dealing with its local applications.

L.E.K. has a short recruitment process where you will have the opportunity to meet employees across all levels of the firm, including Managers and Partners. The key is preparation; read business publications regularly, attend case interview workshops and practise with current consultants to get a flavour of the questions that might be asked.

Stats

Employer Type: Private Company
No. of employees worldwide: 900
No. of offices: 20
Global Chairman: Iain Evans

Departments

Aerospace & Defence
Agribusiness
Aviation & Airports
Building & Construction
Business Services
Consumer Products
Energy & Environment
Finance
Financial Services
Government
Healthcare Services
Industrial Products & Services
Life Sciences
Marketing & Sales
Media & Entertainment
MedTech Biotechnology
Natural Resources
Operations
Organisation
Private Equity
Retail
Strategy
Surface Transport & Logistics
Telecommunications
Transaction Services
Travel Tourism