Greenwich Strategy Reviews

The work itself: Intellectually stimulating and challenging. Private equity projects are typically ~3 weeks long—in that short amount of time we are tasked with developing opinions on key strategic issues about the company and its industry (for example, market size, growth, competitive landscape, potential risks/threats, etc.). Projects for operating companies also focus on strategy – customers, competitors, pricing, etc. For me, the work is a terrific combination of quantitative and qualitative learning. The culture/environment: I would describe the culture as relaxed and familial (particularly if you compare it with a typical corporate environment)—it’s decidedly “un-corporate”. It is a culture of honesty and respect. Expectations are high—both our client's as well as our own of ourselves. When employees are transitioning out for whatever reason (usually it’s to go to business school), I’ve seen tremendous support, including letters of introduction/recommendation and/or “outplacement time”, where people are paid for full time work but given 1-2 days a week for extended periods to find their next opportunity. Furthermore the firm president, Chris Fay, draws generously from his extended network to advocate for the candidacy of Greenwich Strategy employees who want to move to a new position or industry.

-Exposure to A-list clients: At first, I didn't believe that a firm located in Providence, RI, in a minimal frills office space, with an ultra casual dress code could have the clients that were touted. But they do. For those who follow the private equity or hedge fund industry, you will quickly recognize past and current clients. And before you know it, you'll be presenting in front of the some of the smartest investors in the country -Intellectually challenging projects: I guarantee you'll work on projects unlike you've ever encountered, across all different industries. For example, forecasting lean hog prices (based on ongoing events in China) to one of the largest hedge funds in the world. -Fortifying your overall skill set: Working at a small firm doesn't allow you the luxury of being a specialist. You need to be good at everything. Whether it's cold calling auto dealers, finding and interpreting foreign government data or performing under pressure, you will be tested. Although frustrating at times, you'll be a hardened pro soon enough. And that will serve you well in any business environment.