The 10 Best Consulting Firms to Work For, 2005 - Pittiglio Rabin Todd & McGrath

Be that as it may, it's also a firm where consultants say that they enjoy long and sustainable consulting careers. PRTM, which hires individuals on the assumption that one day they will be partners, offers engaging and challenging assignments in a nurturing environment.
PRTM focuses on operations and process-related work predominately for technology companies; its consultants say that they network with the senior management of Fortune 500 companies. There is a preference to overdeliver when it comes to serving clients, so the intensity of the work environment tracks a notch or two above client expectations. To meet these high expectations, consultants quickly learn to master the balancing of multiple projects.
 "It is truly a meritocracy where you can grow and develop as fast as you personally can accommodate," says Beth Shaw, a director in the Mountain View office. "There are plenty of opportunities to build your capabilities and demonstrate your accomplishments. There is no limit to the promotion opportunities, since you never 'wait for a slot' to open up for promotion."

With a 4:1 ratio of consultants to partners, junior professionals work alongside directors in small teams that emphasize collaboration. As do some of the other midsize consultancies on the Best Firms list, it boasts of a fast, six- to eight-year track to partnership. There is an entrepreneurial spirit here, with professionals of every rank chiming in on client and internal issues. While there isn't a lot of formal training given, all consultants, even the senior ones, are assigned mentors called responsible directors, who focus on their career development.
Consultants report that they are paid competitively, but more than one characterized the firm as something of "a tightwad" when it comes to spending money on support functions. For instance, consultants typically manage their own agendas, travel arrangements, and material production.
PRTMers are on the road at least half of their time and must participate in one or two internal team meetings per week. Coworkers are described as intelligent, results-oriented, friendly overachievers, but PRTM respondents admit that being on the road so often makes it a little difficult to get to know colleagues outside of client teams. Burnout is not as high here because work/life balance actually exists. Everyone gets at least three weeks of vacation. Road warriors are able to take every Friday off to take care of personal business under the firm's Sunny Days policy. It's a benefit not often seen among competitors.