The 10 Best Consulting Firms to Work For, 2003

By Mina LandriscinaAnalysis by: David Evancha

"Joining this firm means striving to surpass your own expectations," says Vivek Gambhir, a 34-year-old project manager. "You learn how to run companies, how to invest in them, and how to make a difference. Whatever your goals, you will discover limitless opportunity here."A New York–based vice president at the same firm adds, "It's the best place in the world — not just the consulting world — to learn general manager skills and find out what it takes to make change really happen in companies." "The people are absolutely amazing," gushes another. And so the tribe has spoken. And if what the tribal members tell us is true, Bain & Company is one vibrant isle you don't want to get thrown off of.

The 30-year-old firm, with its 2,800 professionals worldwide, is today widely known for its cohesive — some say cultish — culture. If the firm has any faults, super-loyal Bainies don't appear ready to reveal them.     Tribal members simply love everything Bain. As a result, they are at the top of each of our six equally weighted categories used to determine which employers topped our 10 Best Firms to Work For: Career Development, Compensation & Benefits, Culture, Leadership, On the Job, and Work/Life.Not surprisingly, those firms that join Bain on our list of Best Firms share much in common. While each of their cultures breeds consultants who never stray far from time-tested client-centric banter, their efforts to develop and reward talent have set them apart from the rest of the consulting world. Each of the firms has continued to nurture their people with exceptional training programs and strong mentoring cultures. They reward hard work, by being flexible with comp time or by doling out bonuses. Their leaders are experienced communicators, who routinely share the good news as well as the bad, and help establish an atmosphere of trust. And accountability begins on the front lines, where a consultant's decision-making is often led by their firm's ethical codes and values.