Boutique consultancies are small firms that specialise in one kind of work or one region. They rarely appear at careers fairs, so far fewer students apply.
- Teneo, CEO advisory, communications and restructuring
- Plural Strategy, London strategy consultancy
Why I'd look at them
- Less competition, because most students only apply to the names they know.
- Real responsibility early. Small teams can't hide anyone.
- Good for your CV later. A strong boutique experience reads well when you apply to larger firms.
How to approach them
- Read their published work and find something you have a real view on.
- Look at where the partners trained. That tells you how they'll interview.
- If there's no graduate scheme, email them: five lines and a one-page CV.
- Prepare for case interviews anyway.