Pros
Culture
The most collegial Firm I have worked in during a 10-year career providing professional services consulting services (4-Firms). There is a certain academic and deep analytic side to the Firm that mixes with just the right level of real world business delivered results to create a very confident and capable “team”.
Diversity
My colleagues come from every geographic, political, socioeconomic, and sexual orientation background possible. I have participated in the recruiting of MBA, experienced, and undergrad hires and the only discriminating criteria I see used is the competency of the individual and their desire to be part of the CRA team.
Hours
The philosophy I see used is that we need to be at the client site when we have something to learn or share. Other Firms tend to be there to “prove” they are working. CRA’s Leadership values their time at home with family and they try to do the same for everyone at all levels. We put in the long hours when we are facing a deadline and we believe in getting out early, if we are finished. The typical traveling Business Consulting staffer is on the road Monday morning through Thursday evening but this is based on necessity. However, there are practices which offer minimal to almost no travel, based on their clients and location.
Dress Code
So casual that I wear a suit and tie into the office some times just to do something different. The actual policy is business casual Monday through Thursday and jeans on Friday. The more senior staff tend to start to gravitate towards a blazer but the younger staff definitely enjoy wearing trendier casual attire.
Opportunities for Advancement
I have experienced a very entrepreneurial spirit at CRA and I don’t believe there are any official guidelines of how long someone should remain in any given role. Evaluations are provided at the end of each project (or 6-months depending on which comes first) and there is an end of year summary review. My sense is that “top staff” are rewarded (bonus) and promoted as fast as they can master the skill levels (a Firm guideline is provided) required for the next position. The completion of each evaluation is iterative and takes into account the staffer’s opinions and inputs. I have completed both and felt that they were fair and not too time consuming compared to what I have experienced at other Firms.
CRA is also very open to new members of the Firm participating in as many activities as their time permits. I personally have an interest in two Firm committees and I have been actively engaged regarding my thoughts and participation.
Cons
Branding and marketing. CRA knows that it has a GREAT reputation in the markets it serves and that it has a deep set of client relationships. Unfortunately, we haven’t quite figured out how to leverage this to build as effective a brand as the Firm deserves
