DiamondCluster International
Headquarters: Chicago
Locations: 11
The consultants at DiamondCluster say that they have plenty of evidence that their firm values them: The benefits package is outstanding, compensation is competitive, hard work is rewarded, and diversity and innovation are encouraged.
"DiamondCluster strives to do the best job for both the client and the consultant," says Maria Cardow, a 29-year-old consultant in Chicago. "The standards for work are high, and the lens is also focused internally. It is filled with smart and motivated people making an honest effort to do great work and to create a great work environment."
Be that as it may, DiamondCluster consultants claim that they work on intellectually stimulating cases for C-suite clients. The firm has over 500 professionals who advise these clients in fields strategically dependent on technology, including the financial services, insurance, telecommunications, and healthcare industries.
DiamondCluster demands a lot from its pros. Since its business model calls for the consultants to work alongside the client, there are long hours and four days per week away from home for the majority. Since the firm has offices only in Chicago and Washington, DC, in the United States, most of the consultants spend their fifth day working from home.
But consultants claim that they are appropriately rewarded for their hard work. All employees get four weeks of vacation plus holidays, free medical and dental coverage for themselves and their family members or domestic partners, and stock option grants.
"The medical benefits are unsurpassed," a 36-year-old project manager enthuses. "The only way for it to be better would be if they paid you to go to the doctor."
There is an entrepreneurial feel to the culture here, and Type A personalities thrive. There are opportunities to get involved in firm activities such as intellectual capital development and business development. For the same reason, there isn't a lot of bureaucracy or administrative support, and pros will be expected to pitch in. The firm, which is publicly held, promotes employees to partner from within and boasts of a rapid, six- to- eight-year path to partnership. "DiamondCluster has been able to maintain the entrepreneurial culture by having a very flat organization," says Amy Weaver, a principal. "You can call anyone anytime and not have to worry about being perceived as going around your immediate manager."
Consultants describe their colleagues as smart, fun-loving people who are passionate about their work, but not arrogant. They seem to all stand squarely behind their chief executive officer, Mel Bergstein. There aren't as many formal training or mentoring programs as at competitors, but with a company full of overachievers, there is still an environment of continuous learning, consultants say. One new consultant adds, "People are willing to spend time with new hires to learn the ropes and not fall back." And for those who are interested, there are also opportunities to work abroad.
In any case, consultants here appreciate that the firm tries to improve its work model and that it places the needs of the employees first.
"DiamondCluster always tries to do right by its people, even when it can cost the company money in the short term," says Jack Rejtman, a manager based in California.
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