Vault’s Verdict

When talking about their coworkers, consultants at Arthur D. Little’s APAC locations frequently describe them as humble, welcoming, and exceptional. In the firm’s flat, entrepreneurial environment, they enjoy a strong sense of ownership on their projects and work in close proximity to partners, who are approachable and usually open to providing on-the-job feedback or serving as mentors. 

Most learning at the firm occurs on the job, but consultants who vocalize what they want from their careers can usually get there at ADL. Insiders say that internal mobility is a real prospect, as are international transfers. The firm has an effective promotion process with clear criteria; however, it does not have an up-or-out culture, letting everyone progress at their own pace.

ADL’s compensation tends to sit below MBB firms but above the Big 4, placing it near the upper end of the consulting industry. Salary progression from level to level is strong, and incentive payouts can be massive for those who stick around long enough to make partner. The firm also offers excellent insurance, plus strong day-to-day flexibility to set your own hours or work remotely.

Employee Reviews

Firm Culture

• “Freedom is the most valuable aspect for me—ADL respects individual autonomy.”
• “Highly open and welcoming culture.”
• “The culture at ADL is flat, familial, and entrepreneurial. You have the freedom to pursue what you truly want to do, rather than being told what to do from above.”
• “Working with a fun team of exceptional yet humble problem solvers!”

Quality of Life

• “The projects are quite challenging, so the working hours tend to be long. However, since decision-making authority is delegated to managers and even junior team members, we have a strong sense of ownership in delivering the projects ourselves, which makes the work very rewarding. In contrast to the top-down approach often seen at MBB firms—where partners typically design and direct the projects— at ADL, managers are fully responsible for project delivery, which gives them a high degree of autonomy and discretion.”
• “The partners are very easy going and approachable. It’s easy to take a time off.”
• “Very good culture in Singapore. Depending on project, good work-life balance. Client base still very targeted to Japanese clients in SEA, limiting opportunities for junior consultants who lack local language to participate further in client meetings/discussions. Some projects are also very intensively staffed sometimes with one junior consultant and one partner; which brings a heavy workload but also an opportunity to get a lot of experience.”
• “Totally up to consultant and very flexible.”

Career Development

• “I feel that ADL has a clear and very fair evaluation system. At the Big 4 firm where I previously worked, the promotion criteria were not clearly defined, but at ADL they are transparent and well-structured. On the other hand, since ADL is a smaller firm, its training programs are not as systematized as those at the Big 4. However, because consultants at ADL grow mainly through on-the-job learning, I don’t find this to be a significant issue.”
• “International opportunities and internal mobility opportunities are available.”
• “Very effective promotion process, excellent training and mentoring system, good international opportunities.”
• “The best aspect in my company is that they don’t have the up-or-out culture.”

Compensation

• “The compensation is somewhat lower than that of MBB firms, but it is significantly higher than at the Big 4. Considering the work-life balance, I feel that I’m fairly well compensated overall, and I’m satisfied with the balance between workload and pay.”
• “The compensation package includes all the needed benefits, and the increase in salary between cohorts is amazing.”
• “The insurance coverage is excellent, and both working hours and location are highly flexible. This flexibility is one of the best aspects of ADL. While there isn’t a structured training or exercise program, I don’t particularly feel that it’s necessary, as the environment already allows for a good balance of professional growth and personal well-being.”

Inclusion

• “Although there are no explicit affirmative action policies in place, I feel that diversity is naturally taken into consideration within the firm.”
• “You are who you are, and you are one of us.”
• “They are inclusive and don’t discriminate.”
• “Hiring woman is ending up becoming a goal of the firm.”

Business Outlook

• “Well positioned for trending topics.”
• “It is a smaller consulting firm and we have the flexibility to be entrepreneurial and creative.”
• “They are doing great; even so, the market is shrinking.”
• “Clear business goal and initiative.”

Hiring Process

• “Entrepreneurial and innovative thinking on top of basic logical framework/mindset.”
• “It was very professional and clear.”
• “No reply if not passed CV screening. Usually, declines after first interview is only an email. No feedback in standard process.”
• “Highly best-talent driven.”

Interview Questions

• “Pretty traditional consulting interviews. Sometimes up to five rounds for permanent hires. Internships is shorter process, sometimes done in one day.”
• “Brain teasers, and full case including calculation, business sense test and summary capability.”
• “Why consulting? Why you?”
• “Market entry cases.”