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Date: January 2023

How long have you been working here, and what kind of projects have you worked on so far?

I started at Eden McCallum as part of the Analyst Programme in September 2021, so I’ve been with the company for 1.5 years now. During this time, I’ve worked on a variety of different projects ranging a strategy project for a portfolio company of a large private equity firm to supporting a post-merger integration (PMI). Projects are always of a strategic nature at Eden McCallum, and the duration is usually 3-4 months.

Why did you choose Eden McCallum?

I wanted to work in a smaller firm while contributing to high-quality projects. Eden McCallum is different to other consulting companies as all projects are delivered by a team of independent consultants and in-house analysts from our Analyst Programme. Eden McCallum has a significant network of highly experienced independent consultants with backgrounds from firms such as McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, who bring in a lot of expertise. This network consists of approximately 2500 consultants and experts. Our in-house team, including the Analyst Programme, consists of 35 people currently located in the Amsterdam office with another 45 who work out of our London office. We all collaborate and work as a very tight-knit team. This combination of working with knowledgeable people who work closely together was exactly what I was looking for.

What do you enjoy the most and what did you have to adjust to in your work?

What I really liked is the amount of responsibility you get on a project from day one. We usually work in smaller teams (2-5 consultants on a project team). This results in the opportunity to create more of a personal impact, while having a steeper learning curve as you get involved in all aspects of the project.

The team consists of senior consultants with a tremendous amount of knowledge on specific topics related to the project. I had to adjust to the pressure that came with this project structure, as you are immediately responsible for your own workflow and have direct client contact from the first moment. However, in my opinion, this makes our work even more exciting! Besides, I have always felt supported before starting any project as Eden McCallum provides good training and support on how to approach new topics. This allowed me to get up to speed quickly on a project.

We also have the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects across different industries - you might start a due diligence project for a space company (2-3 weeks) and, after that, join in creating a strategy for a coffee cup company (8-12 weeks).

Which other consulting firms would you compare Eden McCallum to?

Our business model with hybrid teams of independent consultants and in-house Analysts makes it difficult to compare us with other firms. The work we do is similar to other strategy firms, and due to our business model, we don’t have a specific sector focus. Our staffing team ensures that each project team has relevant, niche knowledge fitting to the project. This results in working on high-profile projects with a small-scale, tight-knit team.

How would you describe the company culture? Could you provide some examples?

We were founded by two female ex-McKinsey consultants (Liann Eden & Dena McCallum), and our Amsterdam office is led by two female ex-McKinsey consultants (Heleen Wachters & Marjon Wanders). Diversity receives a lot of attention at Eden McCallum, which is noticeable in our inclusive culture and pleasant atmosphere. Everyone is highly engaged, approachable, and ambitious, which makes it easy to ask someone for help. The internal team consists of many diverse personalities but shares a collective enthusiasm, which means you can always count on support. There are plenty of chances to socialise as both social and active events are organised. We have had ski trips, boat trips and we regularly attend sports classes.

Who helped you when applying?

I heard about Eden McCallum through an acquaintance already working there. He told me how great Eden McCallum was and what the application process looked like. To prepare, I practiced cases with several people.

What was the application process like?

The process when I applied looked a bit different due to Covid, but normally you start with a numerical test and a motivation interview. After this, there are two rounds of in-person case interviews at the office on the Zuidas. These allowed me the opportunity to speak with many Client Partners and several Analysts, giving me a good insight into the company and my potential future colleagues. When I received an offer, I immediately accepted.

What’s the ideal profile of a person to join Eden McCallum?

It’s challenging to describe one specific profile matching that of a strategy consultant, especially at Eden McCallum. Candidates from all fields of study are welcome! However, for the Amsterdam office, a master’s degree is a requirement. Furthermore, bringing in new ideas and creative solutions should excite you, while taking a structured approach and enjoying working in a team. You should also be comfortable working independently and not be daunted by (data) analysis. Our training programme is designed to give you the fundamental consulting toolkit, regardless of your background. We encourage everyone to apply!

Which tips would you give students before applying?

Authenticity is key. Remain true to yourself as much as possible. The firm you choose should fit you as a person. Nowadays, a lot of information is provided online. Additionally, visit offices (events, coffee chats, etc.) so that you have a clear understanding of strategy consulting and why you would want to pursue this career. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch as my colleagues and I are happy to tell you more!