We have attempted below to answer some of the questions frequently asked by candidates. We cannot cover all questions, nor all answers, in as much depth as we would like, so please contact us if you have further questions.
What educational background is OC&C Benelux looking for?
We do not recruit from specific universities and/or educational programmes. What we are looking for are motivated, enthusiastic and talented people who combine excellent analytical skills with the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly, and a strong personality, capable of original and creative thinking and problem-solving.
Are grammar school (VWO) grades a critical selection criterion?
School grades are just one of the things we look at. Equally important are university grades, work experience (if any, both domestically and internationally as the case may be), extra-curricular activities and your motivation. The combination of these factors determines whether we will invite you for the first interview round.
Do I have to go for full application immediately?
Although we encourage talented individuals to apply soonest, we can imagine that you would like to know more beforehand. Contact us: we’re just a phone call or e-mail away. If you take the initiative, we’re happy to see how we can facilitate your orientation process.
What can I expect during interviews?
In the first round of interviews, you will undertake a numerical reasoning test, a case interview and a case study with two separate consultants, followed by a lunch. After the first round, an evaluation takes place, and we will inform you whether you will proceed to the second stage of the selection process. This round consists of three interviews with two partners and a consultant. Afterwards, we assess whether to extend an offer to you. A third round of one or two conversations may be set up to round things off.
What can I expect when I start working at OC&C?
From your first day at OC&C, we will staff you directly on projects, where you’ll be making a significant contribution straightaway. There will be ample opportunity for on the job learning. In addition, you will regularly receive formal training.
Will I be expected to specialise in a specific sector?
No. We aim to staff our consultants on as wide a variety of projects as possible, to maximise the learning opportunity for you. In later stages of your career at OC&C, you may start specialising in specific sectors and/or project types.
Other than work, what activities do you organise at your office?
We like to spend time with our colleagues outside working hours as well. Apart from Friday afternoon drinks, we participate in various sports events, such as the OC&C Ringvaart Regatta (rowing), the Rotterdam Marathon, the Fortis Ladies Run and the Amstel Gold Race. Most of these events are initiated by individuals. We applaud personal initiative! Also, we take time out several times a year to get to know each other more informally during events like our summer retreat and the International Training Week, where colleagues from all international offices meet.
What is the work-life balance like?
Consulting is not a 9 to 5 occupation. The pace of our projects is driven by our clients’ needs and our motivation to deliver outstanding results. Therefore, the workload can be hefty at times. More importantly, it is hard to sketch a typical working week or even put a number of hours on it. It just varies. That being said, we believe that a healthy balance between professional and personal time boosts our performance and joy in life. We don’t believe in ‘face time’, so if you finish early or happen not to be staffed, there is no one holding you at the office. We believe in watching out for one another, but also in individual responsibility and dialogue in managing the balance.
What are my career opportunities after OC&C?
OC&C alumni have moved on to make their careers in many different professional and business contexts. Some take on management positions with companies and organisations in a wide variety of industries or not-for-profit sectors. These companies can be (former) clients e.g. in retail, FMCG or transportation, but also other leading enterprises in their respective fields. Others take our entrepreneurial spirit to the next level and start their own businesses: we’ve had our share of internet / new media managers, business-to-business and services initiatives, but for instance also an impresario and several high tech and ICT entrepreneurs. Given our leading M&A and private equity practice, it won’t come as a surprise that quite a few of us eventually move into investment banking or join private equity firms. And yet others opt for academic careers, upping the ante on our intellectual prowess. Perhaps the better question therefore would be: what can’t I do after OC&C?
How can I find out more about OC&C?
We organise and take part in a range of events where you can meet our consultants face to face, and discover what OC&C stands for. Please visit our events section for details about dates and venues. Or give us a call or drop us an email. We’re eager to meet talent any day!