The Associate Experience

Cornerstone Research; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Mentoring and training programs

Job summary

A consulting firm in the United States is seeking an Associate to play a central role in developing case strategies, conducting research, and working collaboratively with clients and experts. Candidates should have a strong academic background in finance, economics, accounting, or marketing. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and involves significant interaction with clients. The firm emphasizes a team-oriented approach and is dedicated to developing the skills necessary for a successful consulting career.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess a strong academic background and analytical skills.
• Prior industry experience is an asset, particularly in finance or consulting.
• Desire to take on managerial responsibility is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop case strategies and conduct research.
• Collaborate with clients and experts on projects.
• Participate in the summer associate program designed for training.
• Lead and manage case teams and client relationships as you grow.

Skills

Analytical orientation

Excellent communication skills

Creative thinking

Industry experience in finance

Data analysis

Education

Doctoral studies in finance, economics, accounting, or marketing

Job description

As an Associate you will play a central role in developing case strategy, conducting research, directing analysis, understanding data and key findings, and proposing effective approaches to the problems faced by their teams.

We seek candidates who have pursued doctoral studies in finance, economics, accounting, or marketing, and who will be graduating in the upcoming year. We also seek candidates who have graduated and have academic or relevant industry experience. Several members of our consulting team have come to the firm with prior academic experience, from junior faculty to emeritus tenured faculty, and have transitioned successfully into our business.

MBA Candidates

The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, an analytical orientation, excellent communication skills, and an interest in thinking creatively about complex economic and financial problems. Candidates also must have the ability and desire to take on increasing levels of managerial responsibility. Industry experience in finance, accounting, consulting, and other fields requiring sophisticated data analysis is also an asset.

The Summer Associate Program

Cornerstone Research designed the summer associate program to mirror the experience of a first‑year associate, including case assignments as well as formal training. As we do for all associates, we try our best to match summer associates with cases of interest to them. Many summer associates become associates at Cornerstone Research upon completing their graduate studies.

Our consultants specialize in addressing the complex issues that arise in litigation and regulatory matters. We have included two case examples to illustrate the breadth and diversity of the analyses we perform.

“When I started as an associate, I worked on analyses with other team members. Over time, I began managing the whole team, taking on more client relationship responsibilities, ultimately taking on the whole responsibility for a case.”

“The constantly‑changing nature of consulting work keeps things fresh. I like Cornerstone Research’s team‑oriented approach.”

At Cornerstone Research, we are committed to your success and professional growth. Associates are embedded in a dynamic work environment offering various developmental opportunities. Case teams include consultants at all experience levels, including those who have just completed their graduate education, recent graduates from top undergraduate programs, and senior staff with many years of consulting experience. An Advisor will partner with you to ensure you receive the support and feedback to fuel your professional growth.

Associates closely collaborate with clients and experts on projects involving researching cutting‑edge issues in industry and academia, developing case strategies, and determining how best to communicate findings. Additionally, you are actively involved in shaping the firm’s strategy for recruiting, learning, and practice development, as well as organizing social and community outreach events. As you grow and develop, you will gain increasing responsibility for the leadership and management of case teams, client and expert relationships, and firm development efforts.

Training

Cornerstone Research values the professional growth of consultants and invests in development opportunities. Our focused learning programs will strengthen the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your role and to progress into the next one. Our program includes workshops, on-demand learning, offsites, and more to grow your skill set. Senior consulting staff also provide advice and mentoring regularly.

As a member of the Cornerstone team, you will collaborate with numerous colleagues firmwide. This flexibility will build your skills and capabilities in new fields and with new teams. You are not limited to one area or formally assigned to a group or senior staff member. This allows us to grow some of the industry’s most talented consultants and experts.

Ready to apply?

Learn more about how to apply for the Associate role.

Equal Employment Opportunities

Cornerstone Research provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to legally protected categories, such as age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, creed/religious belief, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information or testing, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, military status, veteran status, arrest or conviction record (except where permitted by law), sexual orientation, ethnic background, citizen status, ancestry, national origin, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.

Disability Accommodations

Cornerstone Research is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Margaret Dondero at 617.927.3099 or via email [e-mail].