CVA's entrepreneurial spirit and lack of hierarchy allows graduates to advance at a speed commensurate to their ability. There are no hard and fast rules at CVA about the length of time you must "serve" before you are promoted.
Progress within CVA is determined simply by performance. Consultants are encouraged to compete against absolute standards rather than with each other which, in conjunction with our growth plans, allows room for all strong performers. Your personal development will also benefit through exposure to a multitude of industries and by working on issues that are critically important to a business - consultants are not hired to work on day-to-day problems that can be resolved within a company.
"What sort of training is available?"
New Recruits
New entrants to CVA undergo a comprehensive training program that focuses on life at CVA, skills and methodologies. The skills section includes topics such as data gathering, Internet research, interview techniques, slide writing and financial analysis.
New entrants also have the opportunity of attending the global "CVA Challenge". At the "Challenge" new entrants from around the world gather together for an intensive week of team activities and a "business game". Run by both CVA staff and training professionals, the "Challenge" offers the opportunity for new entrants to kick start their career and international networks by meeting all their global peers.
This formalised approach to training is strengthened by CVA's commitment to the development of consulting skills through casework, learning first-hand from Senior Consultants, Associates, Managers and Partners. Senior case team staff provide close guidance to new consultants, leveraged by the strong frameworks provided by CVA's methodologies.
Further Training
CVA recognises the need for a continual growth path for its people and has developed comprehensive training programmes for all levels of consultant within the network.
The "CVA Masters" is a week long global event for all Associates and Case Managers. Developed by CVA with a leading European training company, this training addresses the major skill areas of this level of consultant and includes training in CVA methodologies, people management and project management.
For managers and above, training concentrates on methodology application, with particular focus on how to capitalise on CVA's experience in external situations. The courses are designed to open the mind to other environments, build business judgment and people-motivation techniques.
Methodology training is organised on an on-going basis for all consultants in order to develop their knowledge and understanding of CVA techniques. The programmes include case sharing and best practice discussions, designed to encourage the spread of information and expertise.
"What will I actually do as a consultant?"
Consultants work as part of a case team, under the close supervision of senior staff. Problem solving and analysis are introduced very early, with junior team members generally taking responsibility for specific tasks within a case. Other responsibilities include research, conducting interviews (both with the client and externally), data gathering, financial analysis, model building and report writing. You will also be required to present your work to colleagues and clients, sometimes as soon as your first month of work.
New consultants will often work with senior staff directly. This maximises your ability to contribute to the resolution of a problem, and means that your contribution will be widely recognised.
"What is the Salary like?"
Compensation at CVA is in line with other top management consultancies, consisting of salary plus bonus, with an extra bonus to allow us to reward far beyond competition for outstanding performance.
In addition, due to our HR policy and growth, top performers are able to progress more quickly than is possible in most other firms.
CVA is committed to developing consultants to their full potential, optimising the speed of this development through providing training and frequent and regular feedback (both formal and informal), with a fast track for top performers.
An advisor/ mentor system provides active support throughout a consultant's career. The advisor, either a manager or partner, helps their advisee integrate within the CVA network and, on an ongoing basis, helps them to assess their performance. A rigorous review process identifies candidates for promotion and highlights any personal development needs.
New entrants to CVA undergo a comprehensive training program that focuses on life at CVA, skills and methodologies. The skills section includes topics such as data gathering, Internet research, interview techniques, slide writing and financial analysis.
