Clerestory Consulting Reviews

Please do yourself a favor and reach out to any former Clerestory consultant and ask them their thoughts on the firm. I don't even know where to begin...I have refrained from writing this review for over a year because I wanted to make sure that my emotions did not have a part in this review. As I stand today, I look back at this firm and can confidently say that it was an atrocious experience. Don't take my word for it, look at LinkedIn and see how long most employees' tenure is (hint: it's less than a year for the majority of employees). Some tidbits: - Most managers literally proof every email you send to client contacts. Not just that, THEIR emails are proofed by anyone more senior than them on most projects. The amount of inefficiency this brings about and lack of trust this shows is truly concerning. - Very often you hear the "Clerestory Way" as an excuse for doing things that are extremely outdated - Hiding behind the vail of "meritocracy," the firm's culture is one that is centered around favoritism. Not only is there no visibility into promotions (and firings), promotions happen without a heads up to the people that are being promoted and are given at the company-wide events by presenting the promotees with a puppet that looks like them (I wish I was joking) I could keep going for a long while but hopefully this gives you a little taste.

1) Micromanagement and lack of transparency. As a junior employee, you will likely not be asked what kind of work you want to do, how long you'd be comfortable staying on a client, or what kind of client you want. They will not facilitate the ability for you to provide lateral or upward feedback, and you should not expect indication of whether you will be promoted until the moment they promote you. 2) Benefits and expenses. Benefits are pretty minimal, the bonus structure is cryptic, and the expenses can be kind of annoying depending on where you're staffed. 3) The office. There's not enough space on Fridays or during firm events, and there's limited privacy in case you actually have to get some work done. Also, the vibe in the office tends to be very clinical/stale, and because it's in Evanston it's not terribly easy to get to, so many people don't come in unless they have to. 4) Firm events. These quarterly events should be a time to open up, network, and be casual with your colleagues. However, because of the presence of senior leadership they always felt stuffy and I felt as though I couldn't be my authentic self. Frankly, it seems like the CEO is throwing events for herself and just invites all of the employees.