The Scoop

Navigant's CEO, Chairman, and president, Robert P. Maher, resigned in November 1999 amid a stock purchase imbroglio that also involved other top executives at the company. The firm's general council and a senior VP were dismissed in conjunction with the situation. Four executives made $17 million in stock purchases shortly before Navigant's stock price was driven skyward by rumors that the company had been targeted for a buyout. Former CEO Maher was not one of the four executives, but sources revealed that he had borrowed $10 million from the company and then passed this money along to one of the four who used it to complete a large purchase of stock. Two of the executives remain at the firm for the time being, but the shady nature of the passed along loan and its oversight by the firm's general council have all lead to dismissals or resignations. Outside director Mitchell Saranow has been named as the replacement chairman. Saranow and two others will assume the duties of CEO at the troubled organization.

Getting Hired

For full employment information, look at the careers page of the company's web site at www.sdg.com.

The strategy unit of Navigant Consulting hires BAs as business analysts; MBAs and PhDs are hired as consultants. Candidates are hired through a three-round process. First-round interviews are conducted on the phone, on campus, or in one of the firm's offices. The second round consists of several "case questions" so that the company "can measure the candidate's business, analytical, and interpersonal skills." Sources say questions "are not stressful by design and do not include any 'trick' questions." The third round is "primarily used to verify 'cultural fit' with the company." Several employees point out that senior partners make the time to take part in the process - in fact, candidates "usually meet with one of the founders of the firm."

One source reports "no mind games" in terms of Navigant Consulting/SDG's hiring processes. Another contact reveals that interviewees "are allowed to talk as much as they want about work" at the company. He adds that the firm's interviews "are more interesting and in-depth than others I've experienced, although the firm is decentralized across offices." Another informant complains that the company sticks to "somewhat low-budget" recruiting presentations.

Although the firm may not expend a lot of energy on written recruiting materials, insiders note that "it's important for candidates to put a lot of effort into your resume and cover letter." One insider remarks that during the initial screening of resumes, there is a "real likelihood of passing over hidden gems." The fact is, the firm "looks at 200 resumes to hire five people." The process doesn't get any easier once a candidate passes the resume screening. Insiders describe the interview process as "very intense," but "personal and friendly."

"Talk to us about values," advises another source. Navigant/SDG "knows exactly what skills it is seeking, and is very upfront about that." An informant tells VaultReports.com: "We actively seek individuals with strong analytical skills. A major or minor in a quantitative discipline, such as economics, mathematics, or the physical sciences is always a plus."

Our Survey Says

Happy and chaotic

SDG certainly has its fans – and a lot of them work for the company. "If you want to do real strategy consulting," the Navigant Consulting group is "the best place to work," claims one happy insider. The company "has a strong methodological bent, which makes our work analytically challenging and interesting." Just make sure you're "comfortable working every day with technical modeling tools and explaining your results to senior management teams." Employees describe the firm as a "team-oriented," "entrepreneurial firm" where "anyone can achieve anything."

One contact warns that "the unstructured environment can be a bit chaotic at times," so the firm "may not be a good fit for someone who likes the road well-traveled." The company "is very receptive to proactivity," says one source, "and there are plenty of opportunities to take initiative." In addition, consultants are actively involved in shaping their careers at the firm: "I completely choose which projects to work on," one consultant insists, "based on my professional development goals." That consultant adds: "Besides the travel requirement, the firm basically allows [consultants] to create the job we want in life."

There is no boss here

Navigant/SDG consultants are "very intellectual and collegial," "honest," and "passionate about shared values." Our contacts also point out that they are "supportive, not competitive." "There are very few incidents of empire building or other selfish behavior," one consultant says. "People work for the benefit of all." In addition to "really challenging and interesting work," recent hires appreciate being able to "speak directly and honestly with anyone at any level."

The company "pushes the non-hierarchical envelope," reports a principal. Employees on every level at SDG agree. "We typically don't think supervisor/subordinate," says one consultant. "People are encouraged to treat others with respect, regardless of position." "The barriers between levels of people are very low," says another consultant. "I am treated as an equal by everyone – including the CEO – and I treat everyone with that same respect." "We have a very rectangular organizational structure," explains one consultant. (That's as opposed to the rigid hierarchical 'pyramid' structure of most organizations.) One senior consultant, however, makes sure we know that there is still some sense of hierarchy at Navigant Consulting/SDG: "We're quasi-democratic. Everyone's voice gets heard. Good ideas are implemented. But there is still a place where the buck stops."

Dream on

Although those who come into the company with undergraduate degrees generally leave for business school after two or three years, others at Navigant Consulting/SDG generally plan to grow old with the firm. Navigant Consulting/SDG "has an extremely low turnover rate for the industry [the firm reports an 8 to 10 percent attrition rate], and most MBAs at this selective firm say they're in it for the long haul." Says one insider: "Much of our turnover is voluntary, and individuals who have the desire to stay with the firm are usually successful in making partner." Another contact agrees: "The attitude is that there is room at the partner's table for everyone."

Not surprisingly, many consultants at Navigant Consulting/SDG call it their "dream company." "If you just want to work somewhere for two years, this is not the place for you," remarks an consultant. "This company is more a place to build a career than a jump-off point." "I do not believe I would enjoy my job as much with another firm," one consultant says. "I turn down a lot of calls [from headhunters]." Another source concurs: "I would not work in consulting if it weren't for" Navigant Consulting/SDG.

Erratic hours

Hours "tend to be erratic," say consultants. "Some weeks are 80, some are 35, but it balances out." Most insiders report hours evening out at between 50 and 60 hours. One source claims that Navigant Consulting/SDG "doesn't have the 'churn and burn' style of other companies," and says, "you do have a fair amount of control over the timing." Consultants say they're "on the road three weeks out of four, sometimes more," but most feel that the company has "respect for lifestyle issues." Don't think that this means extra time to party with your colleagues, though. After hours, most of the company's consultants are "more family-oriented than firm-oriented in their off hours."

Adequate pay, perks, diversity

Analysts and consultants describe their salaries as "adequate." Those at higher levels, on the other hand, are quite delighted. Analysts can expect to make between $45,000 and $65,000. Consultants can expect to make between $65,000 and $120,000. Senior consultants earn anywhere between $110,000 and $135,000 and senior engagement managers pull in around $135,000 to $185,000. "After the first year, everyone's salary is measured by the same standard, regardless of their prior education and experience."

Perks at Navigant Consulting/SDG include "generous provisions in staff kitchens." Luckily, the firm subsidizes gym memberships so consultants can work off all the extra calories. Employees also praise the company for sponsoring "good, family-oriented social events," including annual picnics and holiday parties. Then, of course, there are "all the perks associated with frequent business travel" (mostly tons of frequent flyer miles).

Benefits are "outstanding," and the company offers (in-house) "graduate-level courses to employees in a number of different disciplines." Consultants throughout the firm office praise the "top-notch" support services. One of our contacts at the company's Menlo Park office praises the "editorial and desktop publishing units" in particular, noting that they "are extremely competent and professional."

Contacts report that there are many female consultants and partners at Navigant Consulting/SDG. In addition, the company is very receptive to minorities – "particularly gays," notes one source. However, insiders admit that "the firm has not been successful in attracting as many [minority] candidates as we would like."

Employment Contact

Recruiter
(North America Division)
2440 Sand Hill Road1
Menlo Park
CA
94025-6900
(650) 854-9000

Key Competitors

Booz-Allen & Hamilton ;Boston Consulting Group;Integral;Monitor Company;Parthenon Group;ZS Associates

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