MPP Public Sector Consulting Handout
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MPP Public Sector Consulting Public Sector and Government consulting firms value the skills and experience you are getting at Sanford. Recruitment is typically done in the fall, though smaller firms hire throughout the year depending on their client needs. Some consulting firms are large with a diverse portfolio and expect newcomers to be flexible in the policy areas they are assigned to. Other firms are smaller and specialize in one or a handful of areas, including some that operate as non-profits. Most firms only hire US citizens due to the US security clearance that government projects might require. Is Consulting for Me? Is consulting something you would enjoy? Here's what you'll generally find as a consultant: Lots of team work, project management, and communication with clients Shorter-term projects typically lasting 2-6 months Usually assigned work in many different policy areas Sometimes heavy travel to work on-site with clients Firms That Recruit Sanford MPPs Alumni Perspective These firms specifically recruit Sanford MPPs for Jennifer O'Neal Schiess, MPP '04 their jobs and internships every year. They will host Bellwether Education Partners information sessions each fall or spring and we have several alumni at each to network with. "Bellwether is fairly unique in the field as a nonprofit * Indicates global policy opportunities. firm that combines policy, evaluation, and strategic advising. I value working with colleagues across Abt Associates * those competencies, which enables our policy Alvarez and Marsal research and advising to be deeply informed by the Booz Allen Hamilton realities of implementation and impact on the Deloitte ground, and vice versa. My MPP degree trained me LMI to think critically about questions of policy, relying Public Consulting Group on rigorous evidence, and provided me with analytic Public Impact tools and frameworks to apply to the wide range of RTI International * questions our clients rely on us to answer." Desired Skills Salary Expectations Salary Expectations Presentation skills (data visualization, PowerPoint) Depending on the size of the firm and the office Analytical skills (qualitative and quantitative) location, Sanford students have started anywhere Research and memo writing skills from $50,000 to the low $100,000s. Teamwork and communication skills Recruiting Process Recruiting Process What Recruiters Want Application Renee Coleman, Public Impact Senior Strategy & Talent Typically you will be asked to submit a resume, cover Coordinator letter, and transcripts. On your resume, be sure to highlight your core MPP skills "Our most successful team members feel a strong as well as any presentation skills or experience working sense of connection and commitment to our with clients. mission, are equal parts effective team members Your cover letter is an important writing sample. and team leaders, and enjoy learning, thinking, and innovating. At Public Impact, team members focus Interviews on providing our district, school, and educator partners with strong relationship-building, Most managers run two rounds of behavioral interviews. influence, and technical service in order to support A recruiter may also conduct a screening phone call to them in providing the educational opportunities ask about your experience and motivation. their students and communities deserve." Deloitte is the only firm that recruits at Sanford and includes a case interview. The recruiter and Sanford alumni will give a case workshop in the fall to help you What to Do at Sanford prepare. Sign up for job alerts in SanfordCareerlink Your behavior and interactions with recruiters and Attend consulting firm information sessions representatives are also evaluated throughout the Talk to Duke alumni working in consulting process, not just during the interview. You should be Read intern evaluations in SanfordCareerlink active in your participation and communication Have application materials ready early throughout the process, be friendly, and participate with Practice your elevator speech good questions during the information sessions. Join NetImpact, attend events and conferences Where Else to Look Below is a list of other firms to consider. We have alumni at many of these places. Some positions look for prior experience or a degree in finance, accounting, or business. Be sure to sign up for their job alerts, follow them on LinkedIn, have an account in their application system set up and ready, network with Duke alumni, and check their postings weekly. * Indicates global policy opportunities. Accenture DAI* Research Acumen/Sphere Institute Education First Maximus The Advisory Board FHI 360* Open Development* Arabella Advisors Guidehouse Palladium* Avalere Health Grant Thornton PWC Bellwether Education Partners HR&A Advisors The Redwoods Group Boston Consulting Group ICF International* Rios Partners Boston Healthcare Associates Insight Policy Research RW Ventures Bridgespan Keybridge Research Social Impact* Cadmus Group KPMG Westat Chemonics* Manatt Health Creative Associates* Mathematica Policy Salary Expectati Updated: July 2020.