Do you lack opportunities to learn and develop your skills at work? You’re not alone.

A long-term research project by Middlesex University found that 74% of surveyed employees felt they didn’t achieve their full potential at work because they weren’t offered career development opportunities. Few companies prioritize their team’s professional growth—and that presents problems for employees and stakeholders.

Not only is on-the-job training valuable for workers, but it’s also crucial for business success. According to the Association for Talent Development (ATD), companies that offer comprehensive training earn a 24% higher profit margin than companies without formalized training. Professional development is also key to improving business functionality—it can streamline operational processes, refine revenue streams, improve the customer experience, and spur innovation.

When it comes to professional development, everyone stands to benefit from more on-the-job training, from employees to business owners and consumers. Some organizations are leading the pack when it comes to embracing those initiatives.

Top 5 Consulting Firms to Advance Your Career

If you want to advance professionally, one of the best things you can do is partner with an employer that invests in your growth. The following consulting agencies excel when it comes to providing on-the-job training and guidance.

Acquis Consulting Group

Acquis Consulting Group is a strategy consulting firm that embraces the motto “Think + Do.” They act as advisors and allies during periods of organizational change and work alongside their clients every step of the way to drive progress and growth.

This concept of “togetherness” is also reflected in their company culture, which is why they are considered one of the top consulting firms to work for. Their core values are “People First” and “Advance Together,” and leadership at the organization puts these principles to work. Acquis uses a “learn by doing” method to balance autonomy with responsibility and encourages employees to continue developing their skills. The organization emphasizes the importance of peer-learning through an internal mentorship program, which takes place in both structured and informal environments, including routine meetings, social events, conferences, and more.

“It’s important for me to be a part of a company that’s just as passionate about their clients’ success as they are about their employees’ success.” —Valerie Leventhal, Principal

Among Ivy Exec members, Acquis is rated a 4.6 out of 5 for providing opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Members also assigned a 4.4 out of 5 to Acquis when it comes to on-the job training opportunities and support. Click here to visit Acquis Consulting Group’s hiring page and find out which positions are open.

Keystone Strategy

The Keystone Strategy is a strategy and economics consulting firm for global enterprises and leading law firms. They provide transformative solutions for businesses dealing with the latest challenges in technology, business, and science. As experts in product development, strategy, intellectual property, economics, and antitrust, they are well-equipped to help companies in a range of industries and growth stages.

What makes Keystone Strategy a great place to work? They’re invested in your professional development and have a structured plan in place to help you advance.

Here’s what a career trajectory looks like at Keystone Strategy:

• Associate (recent graduate)
• Consultant/Economist (MBA/PhD graduate or equivalent experience)
• Engagement Manager (substantive work experience or academic expertise)
• Principal (exceptional performer)
• Partner

In addition to having a defined career path, Keystone offers a U Learning program. In a recent webinar with Ivy Exec, Keystone Parter Jeff Marowits talked about the four different career advancement opportunities the company offers:

• Skill Building: Keystone provides courses in Management, Practice & Business Development, Client Relationships, Internal Leadership, Teamwork & People Development, Communications, Problem Solving, and Culture.
• Learning and Development: Formalized training including role play is included at every level of the organization, as well as self-paced online seminars.
• Entrepreneurship People-Powered Initiatives: Keystone encourages innovation through a variety of programs, including task forces on economics, diversity, and management.
• Mentorship: Keystone offers a comprehensive mentorship model with points of contact on individual projects and by location. 

Ivy Exec members rated Keystone Strategy a 4.6 out of 5 for providing professional growth opportunities. If you’re interested in applying to the consulting group, click here to see the hiring page.

Mercer

Mercer is a global consulting firm focused on investments, talent, health, and retirement. With more than 20,000 employees across 40 countries, they are known for “creating more secure and rewarding futures for the firm’s clients and their employees.” Their primary focus is designing benefits packages and employee incentives for partner organizations. Mercer also leverages this insight to build a holistic experience for their own employees. 

Learning and development are key to Mercer’s company culture. They offer hundreds of online and in-person courses, seminars, certification programs, and training opportunities. Not only does Mercer have its own learning curriculum, but they also provide post-graduate training in a variety of areas.

Additionally, if you plan to attend college during your employment, Mercer offers tuition reimbursement and “study days” to help you allocate time and resources to academic pursuits.

Ivy Exec users give Mercer a 4.0 out of 5 when it comes to providing opportunities to learn and grow professionally. To apply to an open position at Mercer, visit their hiring page by clicking here.

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Ignyte Group

Ignyte Group is a consulting firm focused on transforming the digital experience. Their goal is to help clients bridge the gap between consulting and design to improve their users’ digital experience. They help companies large and small with innovative design thinking.

Ignyte offers a robust suite of services to their clients, but they also go to great lengths to show appreciation to their employees. Consultants at the Ignyte Group take control over their career path based on the skills they already have and the interests they’d like to pursue. They also structure their promotion system around merit—not billable hours or seniority. This strategy encourages staff to fulfill their aspirations without straining their life outside the office. Ignyte is one of a select few consulting firms that advocates for work-life balance.

“The firm invests heavily into their employees to ensure that they’re staying up to date with the latest technologies. They entrust their employees with ownership of tasks and challenge them to push themselves beyond their comfort levels. It is a great place to learn, grow, and try new things.”

—Employee review from a current manager

Ivy Exec members rate Ignyte a 4.5 out of 5 for providing opportunities to learn and grow professionally. To visit Ignyte’s hiring page and learn more about their career opportunities, click here.

Marakon

Marakon is a strategy consulting firm that specializes in value transformation. They cover nearly every aspect of commercial performance—from resource allocation to product and marketing strategy.

Marakon also offers plenty of opportunities for upward mobility and career development. They perform 6-month structured reviews and one-on-one coaching to support employees who want to advance. They also host a 3-day, firm-wide conference that brings together coworkers from across London, Boston, Chicago, and New York every year.

“The partners at Marakon are extremely smart and they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved with problem-solving, which is an incredible learning opportunity for the entire team.” —Employee review from a former manager

 

Marakon was rated 4.6 out of 5 among Ivy Exec members for offering opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Click here to visit their hiring page and learn how to join the team at Marakon.

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