OC&C Strategy Consultants
A leader in European private equity, OC&C has come a long way in a relatively short space of time. With a thriving retail practice and a presence in nine countries, the firm has advised household names such as the BBC, ITV and Vodafone.
Pros
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Cons
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Employee Reviews
Life on the Job
Satisfaction with Work
- “A really fun place to work. Travel can seem excessive around deadlines but in general consultants tend to pull an industry standard 60 hour week. The excellent compensation package makes any late nights a little more bearable.” -- Associate Consultant
“The work is challenging and the compensation package is very good. But like most good jobs, it’s the people that make it so enjoyable. The hours can be long when the pressure’s on, but there’s always someone available to lend a hand and provide the support you need.” -- Consultant
“Strong staff morale and excellent career opportunities – for those who make the grade. The path to the top is steep but exposure to clients and partners is there from the start.” -- Manager
Culture
- “Having worked at a couple of different firms, OC&C is easily the most fun and relaxed consultancy I have worked at. Expectations are high but there’s a culture of support to help you through the more intense periods.” -- Manager
“Very friendly team. There’s a great spirit between consultants and everyone pulls together when the pressure’s on.” -- Associate Consultant
Hours, Pay & Perks
Hours
- “Most consultants clock up around 60 hours a week. But around deadlines you’re expected to carry on until the work is done.” -- Consultant
“Tough but fair. If you do over the odds one week, the firm will do it’s best to balance your effort out the following week.” -- Associate Consultant
“Usually around 60 hours a week. The firm is sensitive to personal commitments and will provide flexibility where it can.” -- Consultant
Interviews
Interviews & Assessments
- “After an online application, I sat five interviews. The first one was numerical, with the later ones focussed around character and overall fit within the firm.” -- Consultant
“I sat through three rounds of interviews: the first a numerical aptitude test, the other two were case interviews.” -- Associate Consultant
The Inside Buzz View
Graduate Careers at OC&C Strategy Consultants
OC&C really do skim from the top; interviews are offered to grads from the top technical and business universities throughout Europe. Candidates will need a minimum 2:1 and a demonstrable aptitude for creative and lateral thinking. The discipline is less important, with emphasis placed on whether applicants fit with the company culture.
Ok, first the bad news... OC&C’s hiring process is demanding. Now the good news: it’s quick! The whole ordeal lasts between one and two days, consisting of approximately four to six interviews over two rounds. Be prepared to face partners and directors, with the questions based on real client scenarios, requiring all the conceptual thinking and common sense you can muster. Your skills and wits will be tested further by CV marking, group cases and numeracy and reasoning tests. So, deep breaths, do your research, and remember the good news, it’ll be over before you know it!
>> Practice Numerical and Verbal Tests used by employers
>> Practice In-tray / e-tray simulation tests
>> Improve your performance at Assessment Centres and Group Exercises
OC&C Strategy Consultants Graduate Recruitment Info
How to apply: www.occstrategy.com/node/56
OC&C Profile & Stats
OC&C Strategy Consultants (Outram Cullinan & Company) provides high level strategy consulting to senior management in large corporations and organisations. Rather than getting bogged down in the minutia of firms’ operations, OC&C focusses on the bigger picture, striving to provide its clients with creative and practical ideas to increase shareholder value. The firm has garnered a particularly strong reputation in two rather contrasting areas – retail and private equity. The firm has a presence in nine countries, with its 14 offices staffed by more than 500.
Founded in London by Chris Outram, in 1987, OC&C grew quickly, opening offices in Abu Dhabi, Boston, Brussels, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New Delhi, Paris, Rotterdam, New York and Shanghai. More recently, the firm gained a foothold in the UAE and Oman following a merger with MESA, in 2007.
OC&C was one of the early leaders in advocating private labels as a method for retailers to differentiate themselves from other brands. This ingenuity led to the firm developing and maintaining strong roots in consumer goods and retail. The firm provides a range of other services to this sector, including category management, operational improvement and internationalisation strategies.
The firm has also earned a reputation as a leader in European private equity. Leveraging sector specific knowledge, OC&C offers its clients advice on improving business plans, commercial due diligence, investment preparation, and identifying new opportunities.
In addition to its staples of retail and private equity, OC&C offers expertise in consumer goods, industry and utilities, technology, media and telecoms, transport and logistics, and financial and professional services. Its clients range from large multinationals to smaller companies on a fast-growth track. OC&C has advised numerous household names, including the BBC, The Guardian, ITV, Macmillan Publishers, the Telegraph Group and Vodafone.
The firm’s altruistic activities stretch across several public organisations and charities. OC&C doesn’t just contribute monies, but also offers its expertise pro bono. The UK, French, and Dutch offices have successfully helped Fairtrade both define and improve their performance, allowing them to reap the benefits moving forward. OC&C also has a long-standing relationship with Impetus Trust – pioneers in venture philanthropy – through which it has provided business planning support to a number of charities, dealing with issues such as youth conflict resolution, eating disorders, and the rehabilitation of prisoners and ex-offenders.
