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Living in Boston. Got Everything?. Gyms. Moving to Boston. Working at Oliver Wyman. Eating Out. Boston Neighborhoods. Attire. Eating at the Office. First Day Jitters. Office Traditions. Staffing. Going Out. Travel. Sports. The Apartment Hunt. Benefits. Arts & Culture. Day Trips.
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Living in Boston Got Everything? Gyms Moving to Boston Working at Oliver Wyman Eating Out Boston Neighborhoods Attire Eating at the Office First Day Jitters Office Traditions Staffing Going Out Travel Sports The Apartment Hunt Benefits Arts & Culture Day Trips The Unauthorized Guide BOSTON EDITION
Welcome to Oliver Wyman! Congratulations! The interviews are over, contracts are signed (sign-on bonuses deposited), and you can now sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself – kind of. As former new hires, we all know how stressful it can be to start a new job and move to a new city. So we’ve tried to take a little bit of that edge off for you in assembling this Unauthorized Guide for Consultants. In this guide, you will find three sections: Moving to Boston, Working at Oliver Wyman, and Living in Boston. We’ve tried to address some of the basic categories of questions that we all had prior to working at Oliver Wyman like: • Where should I live? • What should I wear my first day? • Do I really have to go through those training materials? • What is this beach time I keep hearing about? (Hint: it involves no swimsuits or sunscreen) • I’m freaking out about the real world and badly need a cocktail, where should I go? Hopefully this guide will address some of your main concerns, but there will obviously be unanswered questions. Go ahead and reach out to contacts you’ve made through the recruiting process, or ask someone in recruiting to put you in touch with someone to get those questions answered. Above all, RELAX. Yes it’s scary, yes there are a lot of unknowns, but we all survived one way or another and you will too! Congratulations again. We can’t wait to have you join the Oliver Wyman family! - Oliver Wyman Consultants Past & Present
Living in Boston Got Everything? Gyms Moving to Boston Working at Oliver Wyman Eating Out Boston Neighborhoods Attire Eating at the Office First Day Jitters Office Traditions Staffing Going Out Travel Sports The Apartment Hunt Benefits Arts & Culture Day Trips The Unauthorized Guide BOSTON EDITION
- Oliver Wyman Office Moving to Boston The city of Boston and its surrounding towns (Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, Charlestown, etc.) are organized by neighborhoods, each with a unique feel, providing a wide variety of choices when looking for a place to live. Typically, the closer to the center of the city (and the office) you live, the more expensive rent will be. As you venture further from the city center, living space grows and rent falls, giving you a spectrum depending on what you're looking for and willing to pay. In this guide, we’ve tried to give you some insight into some of the more popular neighborhoods amongst the General Consulting Group (GCG - non-partner consultants), along with the advantages and disadvantages to whatever real estate decision you make.
Comparison of Boston Neighborhoods Where GCG Live
Neighborhoods: Walking Distance to the Office The Feel: Charming, posh brownstones and lots of shopping and restaurants Pros: Close to the office (and almost everything else), good public transportation Cons: More expensive, smaller units Good to know: Easy access points to running on the river and around the Commons BACK BAY The Feel: Hipster, up-and-coming area, with lots of restaurants and bars Pros: Neighborhood feel with gorgeous brownstones; close to office Cons: “Up-and-coming” so safety is still mixed; can feel very empty at night; limited public transportation Good to Know: Safety/gentrification decreases as you move farther from Columbus SOUTH END The Feel: Sophisticated, urban professional Pros: Quintessential Boston charm with quiet areas and mostly local shops Cons: Smaller apartments; expensive places for everyday conveniences (Whole Foods is the main supermarket), very difficult parking Good to Know: If you order a split box frame, the guys from Sleepy’s will know exactly where you’re moving! BEACON HILL
The Feel: More of a neighborhood/suburban feel with lots of shops, restaurants, and a cultish following by many of its residents Pros: Everything you could need day-to-day is right there Cons: Not walking distance to downtown; T stops are outdoors Good to Know: Best Trader Joe’s in the city and generally has branches of most great food chains BROOKLINE Neighborhoods: Along the Green Line The Feel: Youthful and collegiate area Pros: Close to Fenway Park; balance of lower price and good location; college area with a lot of bars and young people Cons: No large supermarkets nearby; farther from the office than Back Bay, South End, and Beacon Hill, but closer than Allston or Cambridge Good to Know: Landmark Center mall nearby; last underground stop before the green line branches out FENWAY/KENMORE The Feel: Lots of BU and BC students and young professionals looking to save money Pros: Much cheaper rent and nearby stores to cater to its cost-conscious population; there are also some great restaurants Cons: Farther away, public transportation (B-line) is slow, and generally a less safe area Good to Know: Easier place to have a car ALLSTON/BRIGHTON
The Feel: A maze of narrow, curving streets with hidden courtyards and flower-bedecked fire escapes Pros: True neighborhood feel with great food and the epitome of Italian charm Cons: Lots of tourists; no major supermarkets; limited non-Italian food options Good to Know: Close to Boston Garden, Faneuil Hall/ Government Center area, and entertainment events NORTH END The Feel: Suburban, family-oriented neighborhoods Pros: More space for the money; quiet and safe areas Cons: Long commute to work, entertainment, and shopping Good to Know: Parking in the city is expensive, and reliable public transportation can be nonexistent in some areas – do your research first! OUTER BOSTON Neighborhoods: Cambridge, North End, and Outer Boston The Feel: Large diverse area with many neighborhoods and areas with their own feel (Harvard, Central, Porter, Davis, Inman Square) Pros: Housing can be cheaper; young and fun; has everything you need (many Cambridge folk insist there’s never a need to go into Boston – except to get to work) Cons: Red line is not very convenient to the office; generally farther (if you go out in Boston those late night cab fares add up!0 Good to Know: #1 Bus is a great means of transportation into Boston (straight down Mass Ave) CAMBRIDGE
The Apartment Hunt Apartment Hunting Methods • Brokers • Ever think, “I wish I could just pay someone to do the apartment hunting for me?” A broker may be for you. Brokers may know more about what’s on the market than is publicly available/on Craigslist and are useful if you have limited time/resources to search. • Some brokers (there are tons): Boston Realty Advisors (ask for Chris McDonald), A & S Realty, Coldwell Banker. Also, along Newbury there are a ton of offices that you can walk into (they won’t turn your business away!). • Downsides: Brokers charge fees (usually between half to a full month of rent). Also do your background check on brokers – some have a reputation for being less than honest. • Housing Websites • Housing websites like Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) can be a great go-to alternative to using a broker. Whether you are looking for a full lease, sublet or a roommate, you will find lots of options listed by neighborhood. Many listings are posted by brokers – read carefully!. • Other reliable sites include: Hotpads.com (http://hotpads.com/search/city/MA/Boston) • Downsides: Quality of apartments, roommates, and landlords can vary dramatically, so you may spend a while looking. Sometimes “no-fee broker” apartments are really “full-fee” apartments that are intentionally mis-listed: beware the bait and switch! • Networking • If you can manage it, one of the best ways to find an apartment is through friends, classmates, relatives, co-workers, religious groups, etc. Ask around! • On foot • Walking around the area you’d like to live in is good for getting the feel of a neighborhood, but unlikely to be fruitful in terms of actually finding a place to live. Notes on Timing • Start looking for an apartment at least two months before the date you’d like to move in. Most leases begin in September, so if you start in July or January you may need to sublet initially. • Act fast – especially for a September 1st lease, if you wait, the apartment will be taken. • Boston has huge housing turnover each year as the student population leaves before or after the summer – this is also a good time to check Craigslist for free/cheap furniture.
The Apartment Hunt • Questions to think about when deciding on an apartment: • Affordable– Is the rent affordable? Are the stores, shops, gyms, movie theaters and bars in the area affordable? (No matter what they say ahead of time, most people spend their money in nearby establishments – i.e. higher rent in nicer areas adds up in many ways). • Management Company – Does the building appear to be well maintained? What do neighbors say about how long it takes to get something fixed? Are they helpful/responsive to your questions? • Transportation – How close is the T (subway) or bus? • Conveniences – Are there nearby supermarkets? Some Boston neighborhoods are charming but have only cute local shops for day-to-day needs (e.g. Beacon Hill’s only supermarket is a Whole Foods). • Parking – What’s the parking situation like? Does the apartment include parking? Resident permits require Mass plates – cost of Mass insurance? (Do I really need a car? – most consultants would say “no”). • Utilities – Who pays for utilities? And how are they powered? Gas is cheaper than electric, and oil fluctuates along with OPEC. What is the average winter utility bill for the unit? Can you control the heat in your unit? • Neighbors – Does your building rent to students? Though frat boys can be adorable, when they’re breaking things in your hallway at 3am they become increasingly less cute. • Crime – What is the crime rate like? Call the local police office to double check, as your landlord could be less than honest on this one. Brokers are legally not allowed to comment on the safety of a neighborhood. Ask residents or passers-by if they feel safe there.
Living in Boston Got Everything? Gyms Moving to Boston Working at Oliver Wyman Eating Out Boston Neighborhoods Attire Eating at the Office First Day Jitters Office Traditions Staffing Going Out Travel Sports The Apartment Hunt Benefits Arts & Culture Day Trips The Unauthorized Guide BOSTON EDITION
Those First Day Jitters… • First Day: • You will receive an email 1-2 weeks before starting that lays out your initial schedule, so don’t worry if it’s a few weeks away and you haven’t heard anything. It will come! • Where Will I Be? • You will be in your home office for the first day regardless of whether your are a summer or full-time consultant. The remainder of that week you may head to a different office for 1 or 2 weeks for Toolkit training and social events. • What Do I Bring? • Just yourself and the identification materials needed for some paperwork, along with any paperwork you didn’t mail in. • What Do You Need: • Will Need: • Luggage - A small rolling suitcase that fits into the airline overhead compartments is the main piece of luggage you’ll need. If you go on longer assignments, you may need something bigger, but a good small suitcase is a worthwhile investment. You will use it! Good brands are: Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi. (Be sure to check airline websites for overhead compartment dimensions.) • Cell Phone – you will need to provide your own cell phone and pay for your own cell phone bill. If you use your phone a lot for casework, there is a way to expense the fraction of your minutes, but that will be case specific. • Won’t Need/Will be provided: • Laptop • Laptop case – you’ll end up having more than you’ll know what to do with. • Blackberry • Wireless Card – free internet anywhere – it’s pretty great. • Office supplies • Pre-Arrival Work: • Training & Development: We have provided some training & development materials for you to work through before you start at OW. These courses are available on the New Hire Portal. They will be particularly helpful to those with less experience in Finance & Accounting or Microsoft Excel; however, we strongly encourage everyone to review these materials. We will spend more time on these topics once you start work, but this should give you a great start. • Recommended Reading: In addition, you should review Oliver Wyman intellectual capital through the publications listed on our recommended reading list. You will not be quizzed on the material, but it can be useful to familiarize yourself with the topics and industry jargon you will be hearing.
Attire The Oliver Wyman office is business casual and most clients are business casual as well. Day One should give you a pretty good feel for the general dress code of the office. Look to other GCG and base your decisions on what you observe. • Business Casual– In general both men and women tend to stick to some combination of the following for business casual: • Dress pants/skirts • Button-down shirt/ blouse • Sweater, twin set • Suits – We follow the dress code of the client, so if your client is business formal, you’ll be expected to wear the same (always a good thing to ask before starting a case). Nevertheless, this is definitely rare and the number of suits you have already from recruiting is probably enough. • Jeans Friday – On Fridays that don’t involve a recruiting event (they’ll be very clear when those days are), you’re allowed to wear jeans. You’re still expected to look neat (no flip flops and t-shirts, and no ripped jeans – even if you overpaid a designer to fashionably tear them for you…). A collared shirt and/or sweater with jeans is generally fine. • In general, just use common sense. You don’t want to be noticed inappropriately for something you’re wearing. Don’t be that new consultant! • …and always remember, no New York Yankees hats (in or outside the office)! Note: These are actual Oliver Wyman employees, not paid celebrities..
Staffing • Staffing can be one of the more stressful parts of your job, but the most important thing is to RELAX. You will get staffed. It may not be your dream assignment, and you may not go to your dream location right away, but be patient. • Do well on your cases! The best way to have some say in your staffing assignments is to make others want you on their team. Build a skill set and a good reputation, and the good cases will come. • That being said, do not lie or exaggerate your skill set – especially in the beginning. Interviews are over and you’re already hired. It will only hurt you to say you’re an expert in SQL if in reality you saw your lab partner work in it twice. Some of the worst experiences by new consultants are when they claim to know more about a topic or software program than they actually do. I.e. If you’ve never opened an Excel spreadsheet, tell staffing! You’ll be much happier in the long run. • On the other side, tell staffing what you’re good at and what skills you may have. If you are a wiz in Excel, don’t hide that – it can definitely help you get staffed faster. Similarly, if you are fluent in a language, make that known also (however, being able to ask where’s the bathroom in Italian will not necessarily get you sent to Florence for a case – trust us, we’ve tried). • Be upfront about your concerns. You’ll probably be scared of most assignments when you first arrive (we were), but if you’re particularly concerned about, say, a quant-heavy case, interviewing, or a particular location (e.g. the Middle East) make that known. While staffing can’t always accommodate your concerns, they can do the best they can to place you in an environment where you feel as comfortable as possible. • However, beflexible and willing! Staffing will like you a lot more with a “can do” attitude rather than a long list of “no’s” and demands. And remember, many cases that don’t sound as glamorous end up being the best experiences for their case team members, so don’t blindly write-off assignments based on how they sound. Remember, every case is a learning experience, good or bad. • Fill out the staffing pages and bios as soon as possible (once you start working that is). Skills & Preferences profile, PowerPoint bio, and uploaded resume all help staffing gain better insight into your strengths and background. Especially in the beginning, this will definitely help you get staffed faster. • Be nice to the Staffing Team! Ann Laaff and Jen Thomas will ultimately decide what you get staffed on, so being obnoxious and/or difficult will not help your cause. A lot of times assignments are based on luck of your timing, such as when you roll-off another case, etc. They try to make fairness a top priority. They know you are there and are pleased that you’re willing and eager to get staffed, but be patient. That being said, an inside source tipped us that Ann has a sweet tooth and loves baked goods and chocolate of any shape or kind – not a bad way to lead into a casual conversation about your staffing situation – come with gifts…
Beach Time • The “beach” is the consulting term for unstaffed time between cases (sorry if you had higher expectations for the term). It’s a great time to catch up on appointments, catch up on sleep, and generally just catch up on life. But be aware that you are expected to be available to be re-staffed at a moment’s notice. • Different people approach the beach in different ways, especially depending on how long you’ve been at the firm. Be mindful of what people tell you about how to act on the beach because everyone’s situation is different. • While you may spend very little time in your career on the beach (especially Summer Interns), it is definitely the area where new hires have a lot of questions. Here are some classic Do’s and Don’ts for your time on the beach: DO’s • Enjoy yourself! – The beach is a great time to take it easy and de-stress. You’ll be looking fondly back on that time once you get staffed on a busy case. • Check in with Ann – It is good to occasionally check-in with Ann and make sure she knows you’re available. Staffing contracts may change, so it’s good to make sure everyone’s on the same page. • Ask around and see what’s out there (both from Ann and other partners). You are expected to be doing “things” while on the beach – helping out with proposals, firm initiatives, office events, writing this guide, etc. A lot of staffing happens from working on a proposal that eventually gets sold. And yes, you can learn from business development (biz dev) as well. Just because nobody’s seeking you out, doesn’t mean you can’t be of use… • Still ask for vacation time. Beach ≠ Vacation. If you’re leaving the immediate area, let Ann know! But be careful – you may be staffed and need to get to a client site quickly – so don’t go too far without your laptop. • Use the time to contribute to the firm. Firm contribution is an important part of the Oliver Wyman culture; people will notice! DON’Ts • Not come into the office. Especially when you’re first starting, it’s important that people know who you are and recognize your face (FMMs and TGIFs are key). This doesn’t mean you need to work long hours, but even checking in for a few hours each day is valuable (10am -4pm is a good benchmark if you have nothing to do). While everyone does a full “work from home” day here and there especially after ending a hard case, be mindful of completely falling off the planet. • Neglect your email and voicemail. Keep your Blackberry with you. You never know when you’ll get that infamous staffing email. • Blow off your biz dev work. Even if it’s as short as a few days, you can get reviewed on this work. Good and Bad. Initial reputations are often built outside of actual casework and people talk.
Traveling & Expenses Travel for case work can range from 4 days a week, every week to completely office based depending on the assignment and needs of the client. Company policy is to have everyone in his/her home office on Fridays, except for long haul staffing overseas. • BCD Travel – BCD Travel is an in-house travel agency that can be used for all business-related trips. • BCD travel profile - Can be completed online complete with credit card information, frequent traveler numbers, and travel preferences (e.g. window or aisle) and they will use that every time you call (booking a week’s worth of travel can take less than a minute). • Change of plans - The advantage to using BCD travel is that if you ever have a problem or need to change plans after booking with them, they can help you do it instantly. • Service Fee - BCD charges a $10 fee for booking online and a $20 fee for booking by phone (this cost can be expensed). It’s generally easier to book online, but it might be faster to call when you need to make last-minute changes. • Non-Office Hours – BCD has a 24-hour number (1-866-895-8939) you can call outside of business hours if you need to change plans. You will just need your record locator (on your itinerary) and your Oliver Wyman employee ID. • Reward Programs – Sign up for them!!! Points and miles add up, and all rewards earned you can use for personal use. Continually check sites like www.webflyer.com for promotions for different point bonuses that always take place. Also, make sure to keep these numbers in your profile, so they are actually used when booking. • Credit Card – Starwood Amex is definitely the credit card of choice amongst GCG, as most cases try to stay in Starwood hotels. You can sign up for one on the Amex or Starwood Preferred Guest website (www.spg.com). While you will have the option of receiving and using a corporate credit card (just get one even if you don’t use it), most people opt to use a personal credit card to receive the points. Tip: if you’re given a low credit limit to start, you can usually just call and ask to have it raised. • Expenses – Different managers have different ways they like to handle expenses, so the most important thing is to ask. Better to clarify upfront than risk a problem later on. • Company policy for expenses can be found online, but generally, most things you purchase while traveling can be expensed down to a simple cup of coffee. • Receipts are required for any purchase of $25 or more. Put them in a good place because losing them will only make your life more difficult (if you do lose a receipt, there are ways to verify the purchase like credit card statement, etc. so don’t freak out that you’ll have to pocket the expense). • Keep good track of your expenses and file them sooner rather than later. The longer you wait the more of a headache it is for you and your Partner!
Office Seating and Titles for General Management Consulting (GMC) Boston Office Buddies & Advisors WINDOW Inside Office Associate Partner Outside Office Partner HALLWAY Inside Desk Consultant, Sr. Consultant Inside Desk Consultant, Sr. Consultant Outside Desk Associate • You will be assigned a buddy and advisor upon starting at Oliver Wyman. • Buddy: • A GCG member who has been at the firm for at least a year • Great for informal questions that you may be afraid to ask more senior people • Resource for advice, concerns, and just a buddy! • Office sponsors a lunch with your buddy so be sure to take advantage • Advisor: • A Partner or Senior Associate • Presents your file during case reviews • Relationship can take many forms, but tends to be a more senior source to ask questions about staffing, reviews, and general career advice
Holidays & Vacation • Corporate Public Holidays • 9 holidays and 2 personal days each year • New Year's Day • Martin Luther King Jr. Day • President's Day • Memorial Day • Independence Day • Labor Day • Thanksgiving & Day after Thanksgiving • Christmas Day • Vacation Time • 15 vacation days a year (accrued at 1.25 days/month) – you’ll get more days once you’re here longer (after 5 years is the next jump, so you have a little while…) • Vacation accrual year begins January 1st and ends December 31st • Maximum unused vacation carry-over is 5 days. • Sick Days • Full time salaried employees who begin employment before March 1 are eligible for up to 10 days of paid illness for that calendar year. • Up to one half of annual illness days may be taken to care for an ill family member. Benefits • Most consultants don’t even know where to begin with benefits, so if you’re completely lost, you’re not alone. You will receive a thorough presentation on your first day and in general have 30 days to comprehend and decide on what plans work for you. • If you want a head start, MMC People Link is a comprehensive website for all your benefits, payroll, etc. www.mmcpeoplelink.com. • Your benefits will start on your first day of full-time employment, not the first of the month. • You will receive the full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and many other types of insurance you didn’t even realize existed. Different people have opinions on the different plans, so it may be best to survey people in person once you get here. Keep in mind that you should select a plan based upon what works best for YOUR situation and life style. • Marsh & McLennan has a variety of other benefits for discount transportation, museum admissions, and lift tickets. Definitely worth poking around the PeopleLink website – you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. • TRIP (WageWorks commuter card) • Offers commuters tax savings: pay for mass transit passes ($110 max/month) or parking fees ($215 max/month) with before-tax dollars; state taxation may vary. • Money for the transit pass or parking fee is deducted from month-end paycheck.
ACRONYM Central In case you haven’t figured out already, consultants like to use acronyms. Here are some of the more common acronyms used at Oliver Wyman. Warning: Don’t get too comfortable with this list, they’re constantly changing… FS: Financial Services GMC: General Management Consulting BU: Business Unit HLS: Health & Life Sciences CMT: Communications, Media & Technology MTE: Manufacturing, Transportation & Energy CIVT: Consumer & Industrial Value Transformation GCG: General Consulting Group (non-Partners) AC: Affiliated Consultants (non-Partners) Partnership: Partners and Associate Partners Other Acronyms / Useful Terms OWOK Oliver Wyman Open Knowledge (mailing list) MoF Ministry of Fun IRC Internal Research Center FS/(FMS) Friday (Morning) Session BD (Biz Dev) Business Development IS Information Services And of course, who could forget POW!? “People of Oliver Wyman” is our internal online community and face-book. Join POW! to access local office and OW-wide updates, join employee groups and stay connected with your fellow OW staffers.
The Pyramid • As you’re learning the names of our various Business Units and resources, you should also familiarize yourself with the company hierarchy. • Each level plays a different role during a project, with Consultants, Senior Consultants and Associates doing varying degrees of the analytics and research. As you become more senior, you will also interact more with clients and be expected to contribute more to thinking through and structuring various issues in the case rather than just executing. (But you won’t have to worry about that for a little while!) • Your day-to-day work could be managed by almost anyone above you. Part-ners Sell cases; provide strategic direction; serve as main client liaisons Provide day-to-day case and client management Associate Partners Senior Associates Associates Senior Consultants Consultants 19
is active in the following areas: • - Community Engagement: Create an inclusive and supportive environment for GLBT people at OWG. Create networking, socializing and service work and philanthropy opportunities. • - Cultural Transformation: Create a voice for GLBT in OWG including mentoring programs, enhanced communications and more inclusive policies. • Business Development: Provide internal training to aid building successful relationships with GLBT clients, and explore GLBT networking and BD opportunities • - Recruiting: Support OWG recruiting to sell to GLBT recruits, create more inclusive marketing materials and maximize GLBT recruiting channels Oliver Wyman Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Our culture is one that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages and perspectives of our colleagues. It is this culture of diversity and inclusion that helps us generate new ideas and create solutions that best serve our client base, which itself is increasingly diverse. — Corporate Diversity Statement Oliver Wyman has a number of popular (and growing) Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These cross-functional groups recognize and celebrate diversity & inclusion across OWG and are a great way to get involved in the global OWG community! Founded in 2008, GLOW supports OWG diversity and inclusion initiatives and advocate for the unique needs of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender (GLBT) employees. To feel more accepted and connected to our organization, we are creating reverse mentoring programs, affecting policies, enhancing communications and getting involved in business development activities. “If I’m not gay, can I join GLOW?” YES - Over 35% of GLOW members are straight. Your contribution is essential to create an inclusive environment for ALL employees of Oliver Wyman. To learn more or to join GLOW contact:GLOW@oliverwyman.com or visit the group site on POW! Larissa DeLima will help get you started!
Oliver Wyman ERGs continued… WOW is a grass-roots, cross-OWG employee resource and networking group focused on increasing our ability to attract, develop, and retain highly talented women by enhancing their access to professional development and personal growth opportunities. WOW is open to all Oliver Wyman Group staff (both men and women). It focuses on community building, recruiting, business development & brand-building. • 250 new members • Established chapters in most major global offices • Numerous activities: Toronto & Singapore Run for a Cure, Boston Leadership development session • Migrated groupsite to POW! • Work with Women: collaborate across OpCos (Mercer, Marsh, Guy Carpenter) • Communicate: Be ‘voice’ of Women at OWG through POW! • Work for Women: Enhance career development, act as a resource for global/local management initiatives To join WOW – email WOW@oliverwyman.com or visit the group site on POW! EMPOWERED is a grass-roots Employee Resource Group for racially and ethnically diverse OWG employees and their allies. Our Mission is to enrich Oliver Wyman Group, its core values and culture, through inclusive initiatives that foster communication, understanding and appreciation of racial and ethnic diversity. • We pursue our vision in the following areas: • Cultural Awareness: Create opportunities and develop strategies to advance cultural awareness • Community Outreach: Involve local communities to support diversity related initiatives & education • Recruiting & Retention: Attract & develop top talent from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds • Coaching & Mentoring: Help OWG staff understand and overcome challenges relating to racial, cultural and ethnic diversity through mentorship and access to personal development resources • Data & Messaging: Internal and external communication on efforts to enhance diversity at OWG To join EMPOWERED please contact Brandi Greene (brandi.greene@oliverwyman.com) or Kaijia Gu (kaijia.gu@oliverwyman.com) or visit the group site on POW!
VIGA - Perhaps the most popular lunch destination amongst GCG (“draws Consultants like moths to a flame”), this well-priced Italian take-out place has tons of hot and cold sandwiches as well as pizza, pasta, and calzones. Long lines move fast, and bread samples are a nice touch. (Pick up a frequency punch card – you’ll fill it up!) Rebecca’s Café - Right across the street from the office, this classic over-priced sandwich place has lots of gourmet sandwich and wrap choices and doesn’t hit you up for slight modifications to your order. It has pizza, customized salads, and good soups as well. (Pick up a frequency card here too!) B. Good - Near the Back Bay station, this healthy burger place has a wide variety of burgers (veggie & turkey as well) along with a growing list of salads. Great “baked not fried” french fries are a good tack on to your order as well, and unlike some other places, there’s a pleasant, not too crowded seating area if you want to eat there. Au Bon Pain - This chain has 2 locations right near the office (Boylston & in Copley Place). Lots of choices for salads, sandwiches, soups, and pastries. Create-your-own salad highly recommended. Finagle a Bagel – A basic bagel place with sandwich options as well. Right across the square. Lunch at the Office • Given the amount of offices in the Copley area (think the Hancock Tower and Prudential Center alone), there is no shortage of places to grab lunch. You can eat over-priced sandwiches, wraps, and salads to your heart’s delight. If you’re watching your finances, consider bringing in lunch. Buying lunch 5 days-a-week does add up – trust us. Nevertheless, here are some of the classic “go-to” places amongst consultants for lunch: Blue Glass Cafe – A recent upgrade from the old Hancock Tower cafeteria. It is definitely a decent option if you need something quick and don’t feel like going outside (ever hear of the Hancock tower wind tunnel?). Lots of choices and an extensive “amazing” salad bar that receives raves from many. Offers breakfast as well. Boloco –. This chain opened a location a few blocks away on Boylston St. Mmmm burritos for all. Other places to consider: Appleton Bakery, Upper Crust, Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe, Wendy’s, Burger King, Thai Basil, Tossed, Prudential Food Court, and many more... Like we said, there is no shortage of places.
Dinner at the Office Delivery Yes, from time to time, you may end up having dinner in the office, but the good news is you can expense the meal. That means you have choices. Diningin (www.diningin.com) This delivery site allows you to place orders online for a number of restaurants but charges a markup for delivery. For those of you with banker friends, think of it as Boston’s version of SeamlessWeb. GrubHub (www.grubhub.com) This aggregator lists menus and contact information for almost every Boston restaurant that delivers and does not charge any additional fees. Bertucci’s (617-227-7889, 617-236-1030) Local pizza chain offers decent pizza, good bread, delivery to businesses, and is open until 10pm. Oliver Wyman is not responsible for pizza-related health issues, however. Takeout Douzo (617-859-8886) Located 5 minutes away, next to B. Good and the Back Bay orange line T stop, this is your best bet for quality sushi under $30. And they take Amex too. Call 15-20 minutes ahead. Another nearby option, Osushi (in the Westin mall), is of similar quality but slightly more expensive. Haru, in the Pru, offers delivery at the cost of sushi quality. Skipjack’s (617-536-3500) You see it on the way into work every day. It’s right across the street, and it serves decent New American with a focus on seafood. And employees in the John Hancock tower get 15% off. Other seafood options include Legal Sea Foods, Atlantic Fish Co., and Turner Fisheries.
Office Traditions • The Boston Office has a variety of traditions, most of which occur on Fridays when everyone is in the office (remember this when you’re procrastinating during the week and planning to be productive on Friday – it can be very difficult to get work done). These are great times to get to know your colleagues and catch up with friends, especially if you’ve been traveling all week. It’s also really easy to get involved in planning events and/or starting an event of your own. If you build it, they will come… • FMM(Friday Morning Meeting) – (almost) every Friday morning the office gathers in the Commons for general office announcements, birthday wishes, and a presentation by a case team on a recent piece of case work. • Free Breakfast– Every Friday morning, the office has bagels and cream cheese from Finagle a Bagel along with fresh cut up fruit. • TGIFs– TGIFs range in scale from in-office beer and wine, sometimes with a theme (e.g. Jimmy Buffet TGIF), to gathering at a local bar after work. Either way, if you’re in serious need of some alcohol at the end of the work week, there will usually be an outlet somewhere. • Quarterly Friday– Every quarter, one Friday is designated as Quarterly Friday with a special event. Recent Quarterly Fridays have included a Harbor Cruise (Fall) and a brewery tour (winter). • Holiday Party/Charity Auction– The Holiday party every year is combined with a large charity auction, raising ten of thousands of dollars for local charities. The last three years this event took place at the Four Seasons. • Ski Trip– An office-subsidized ski trip usually happens one weekend in the winter. In years past the group rented a house up at Sunday River. • Community Service– The office participates in a variety of community service initiatives. Some examples are: a day at the local soup kitchen, charity runs, Halloween/Holiday Carnival, Volunteer Day, Dash for a Difference, and many more. And if you have a cause you care about, new initiatives are always welcome! • Women’s Events – (Sorry guys) The female community in Boston is always having events and gatherings. Women’s Initiatives include: Book Club, holiday luncheon (complete with cookie competition), Cocktail Party, Ski Trip, mentorship pairings, and many more…
Office Events At Office Events, you never know who’s snapping pictures, so be on your toes… TGIFs Holiday Party Ski Trip Mini-Golf Masters Volunteer Day
Living in Boston Got Everything? Gyms Moving to Boston Working at Oliver Wyman Eating Out Boston Neighborhoods Attire Eating at the Office First Day Jitters Office Traditions Staffing Going Out Travel Sports The Apartment Hunt Benefits Arts & Culture Day Trips The Unauthorized Guide BOSTON EDITION
Gyms & Running • Yes, there is such a thing as the “Consulting 15,” but the good news is that you have plenty of options for places to work out to burn off all those meals you’re eating out. • Boston has a ton of gyms (many right near the office). When choosing a gym, be mindful that there’s a good chance you’ll be traveling during the week, so that gym far from your apartment, but close to office might not make sense after all. • Cost - Marsh & McLennan does have discounts at some gyms, though many are not worth it as you have to take on the most expensive package, but be sure to ask regardless! Most of the nicer gyms for their basic membership will set you back around $70-80 give or take depending on the gym. Gyms are always offering initiation deals, so keep your eyes open. Many also offer trial memberships for free or a nominal cost if you’re having trouble deciding. • Running outside – Free!! The Charles has great running paths along both sides, and depending on your ability, you can tailor your distance by choosing which bridges to connect your loop. (Tip: Marathon Sports – on Boylston b/n Dartmouth & Exeter – has a great map and matrix of all the distances for the different bridge combinations.) • Boston Sports Clubs (BSC) – Probably the most popular gym amongst GCG. Lots of locations throughout Boston, Cambridge, and surrounding areas. Different locations have different amenities (e.g. some have pools), but overall comprehensive option that you can’t go wrong with. • Equinox - Close to the office, this newcomer is looking to open branches around Boston. Definitely more expensive than most gyms, but the facilities are nicer and more upscale to reflect that higher price. • The University Club – Country Club in gym form, this gym tries to combine the concept of a fitness center and social club. Has great squash courts and a nice pool, but the annoying, unnecessary steps for initiation bring forth some eye rolls (e.g. 1 month waitlist and letters of recommendation). • Healthworks – Women only (sorry guys), this gym is lauded for its “amazing” classes and clean facilities. Members of this gym can’t stop raving and claim you’ll never want to work out with guys around again. Right next to the office as well. • FitCorp – Multiple locations close to the office as well as around the city, this gym is another nice alternative to the plethora of BSC’s around the city. • YMCA, Gold’s – Bare bones gym, loved for “diverse, non-pretentious clientele.” The lower prices don’t hurt either. • Many more… Ask neighbors, look around your neighborhood. If you want to work out, you will have your choices…
Brunch The Pour House Paramount Aquitaine Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe Sonsie Trident Café The Other Side All Other Hamersley’s Bistro Sibling Rivalry Top of the Hub (view not food) Eastern Standard Central Kitchen Tangierino Pops Parish Café Garden of Eden Mexican Cactus Club Border Cafe Asian Island Hopper Thai Basil India Quality Douzo Oishii Fugakyu Ma Soba Italian Giacomo’s Mamma Mia’s Anchovies Mare Pizzeria Regina Upper Crust Figs Eating Out Boston has lots of restaurants for all sorts of budgets and tastes. The North End is people’s classic area for “go to” Italian food, while the South End tries to lay claim to the “restaurant row” of the city. Boston Restaurant Week happens twice a year (March & August) offering great three-course pre-fixes at restaurants throughout the city. Bostonchefs.com is a great site for finding menus and restaurants by location. OpenTable.com is great for searching by cuisine or neighborhood, plus you can make reservations online and acquire rewards points. In case you haven’t noticed, every restaurant in Boston is a “Best of Boston” of some shape or kind, so don’t let a sign alone pull you in (it may have been the only Thai place in the South End in 1993). To give you some help, here are some of the favorite places amongst the GCG… Steak Capital Grille Fleming’s Abe & Louie’s “Where there is a line, normally something good is on the other side (excluding airports and the DMV).” –Consultant on Boston food places Treats J.P. Licks Berryline Mike’s Pastry Red Mango
Bars You will not go thirsty in Boston (in case you were at all worried). The city does stay true to its roots with lots of Irish bars, but there are plenty of other scenes depending on what you’re in the mood for. Some of the larger areas with high concentrations of bars: Boylston Street in Back Bay, Faneuil Hall area, Fenway, Central Square and Harvard Square in Cambridge. And here is just a small sampling of GCG’s favorite watering holes: Whiskey’s– “For good college-like fun.” 10 cent wings Monday-Thursday night at the bar. Hong Kong– Scorpion Bowl races and meat on a stick. Could you ask for anything more? The Corner Tavern– Low key bar serving the latest last call in the city. Cuffs– Close to the office with a swanky Irish theme. Clery’s– Well-coiffed after work crowd with good music and good overall scene on weekends. The consistent line outside vouches for its popularity. The Brownstone– Next door to Clery’s, this bar offers a less rowdy scene. Howl at the Moons– For those of you who love a good piano bar. Beehive – Great for live music and trendy South End scene. Rattlesnake– Check out the roof deck when it’s warm out! Revolution Rock Bar– Classic rock playing with insane dancing along with it. “It’s priceless.” Beacon Hill Pub (BHP)– Pop your collar and come check out this Beacon Hill staple. A cult-like following amongst its regulars. Sonsie– Wine bar downstairs.
Other Types of Entertainment DANCING Around the Boylston T stop, you’ll find a ton of clubs where you can dance into the wee hours of the morning (actually just 2am). Lines can be long depending on the night (i.e. Saturday) and many places do charge a cover. But well worth it for a night of dancing! Favorite GCG Clubs: Liquor Store, Gypsy Bar Tip: If you need a cab home from the Boylston clubs, leave 10 min early unless you feel like walking… Salsa anyone? Try the Havana Club in Central Square. They have free lessons starting at 8:30pm and then Latin music to show off your new moves at 10:30pm. Mojito (downtown) also has lots of Latin music but with more of a club feel. This picture may be from a club in Europe, but we’ll pretend Boston clubs are all like this… TEAM TRIVIA We all acknowledge that consultants are kind of nerds in our own way, and no place does this become more apparent than at trivia nights in bars. Team trivia is a very popular Boston social event with different bars hosting trivia nights throughout the week (you could do it every night of the week if you want to be that cool). If you’re really good, you can win some prizes and money, but keep in mind that we do share a city with Harvard and MIT… Check out the Stump Pub Trivia website for listings: http://www.trailsideentertainment.com/stump.asp. WATCHING SPORTS GAMES Boston is a sports town plain and simple, with some of the best nights coming from just watching a game in a good sports bar. Bars by the Garden and Fenway are consistently a good bet. Game On is a great bar right by Fenway. If it’s a big game, get there early to snag a table – you’re not the only one who wanted to watch the Red Sox play in the shadows of Fenway Park. The Greatest Bar is a good spot by the Garden. BOWLING Jillian’s and King’s are 2 large bowling venues that are a little cooler than the neighborhood bowling alley where you had your 4th grade birthday party. King’s also doubles as a club at night.
The Red Sox: Go SOX! The world famous, world champion, home team of Beantown plays in the equally famous Fenway Park, home to the Green Monster (remember this for the obligatory scavenger hunt at training). Many of you will probably live near Fenway and get to know its bars regardless, but check out the pub Game On or any of the watering holes on the famous Lansdowne Street for game day (or night) fun when you can’t actually score a ticket. Also, check out the big screens at the newly opened Jerry Remy's on Boylston Street behind Fenway. Make sure to leave your pinstripes at home! The Patriots: Though the Pats had a disappointing postseason (are we ready to talk about this yet?) Belichick and Brady are still an intimidating duo that can take this team far next season. Pats fans are a loyal bunch, though it is a hike to get out to Foxboro's Gillette stadium. No mention of tickets? Good luck getting your hands on these highly sought after slips of paper. The Celtics: The dream team collection of such notables as Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce helped drive the Celtics to their 2008 Championship; they remain a solid playoff contender. Ticket demand rivals that of the ever-beloved Pats and Sox. Good deals, however, can still be found, so check StubHub in advance and Craigslist on game nights. They play at TD Banknorth Garden ("The Garden") by North Station, just a short walk away from delicious post-game fare in the North End. Sporting Events In general, the best first stop for sports tickets is the delightful Carlene Woloski. Carlene (along with Rich and Fran) has near supreme control over giving out available firm tickets to starving consultants looking for a night out at Fenway or TD Banknorth. Though bribes are not officially sanctioned by Oliver Wyman, we do hear that Carlene likes a nice batch of those home made chocolate chip cookies your mom sent you last week. Every so often, you’ll also see an e-mail sent out offering up a free set of tickets to the fastest respondent. Get ready to test your mouse finger… Additionally, before most sporting seasons, the firm will send out a sign-up sheet for upcoming games, and people can register for both work-related and personal uses. Though you’re unlikely to get a hold of those beautiful Sox vs. Yankees tickets for that midsummer Friday night game, you’re still able to sign up and hope for the best. Bruins tickets are your best bet. How many cases were actually sold over a NHL game? Professional Teams
The Head of the Charles: Taking a cue from our friends across the Atlantic, New England attempts to maintain the grand tradition of a large annual crew regatta which takes place on the Charles River. Held every year in mid-October, the event draws large crowds, and wild revelry from fans of the sport, as well as anyone interested in drinking amongst the hulking amazons that dominate the sport. The Boston Marathon: A surprisingly large number of half-crazed members of the Boston office join an even larger and more frenzied group on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of every April, to run the Boston marathon. Interestingly, the event began in 1897, indicating that for more than a century, no one has had the thought to move the date to a time that allowed training during anything other than a cold New England winter. Because the actual qualifying time is very competitive, many people manage to enter the marathon through participation on a charity team, for whom the qualifying time is waived. Office Sports: Not quite up for running 26.2 miles? Try a half marathon, or even a 5-mile road race, with the Oliver Wyman team in Boston’s “Run to Remember.” If you just don’t like to run, then join Oliver Wyman for some kickball or softball with a local sports league. (Sports are chosen by popular vote every season!) Sporting Events Continued The Bruins: Finally, a Boston sports team you and even your non-consulting friends can afford to see in person. While we’re sure you all, ummm, love hockey just as much as the next Canadian, a night out at TD Banknorth is still an adventure. It won't be as epic as the USA-Canada Winter Olympics matchup, but you're sure to have a great time! Other Events
Arts & Culture • Museums • Boston has a ton of great museums for whatever tastes you have. Be on the lookout for special nights with different events and free admissions! • Museum of Fine Art (MFA) - www.mfa.org • Boston’s flagship museum, particularly strong in 18th/19th century American art, French impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, and East Asian artifacts. • Free admission from 5:30-9:30 p.m. the first Friday of every month. • Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) – www.icaboston.org • One of Boston’s architectural showpieces, the ICA overlooks the waterfront and contains all kinds of craziness (lots of installation art) in a fairly small space. • Free admission from 5-9 p.m. every Thursday. • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – www.gardnermuseum.org • Notable for: Italian renaissance paintings, a cozy private atmosphere, free admission for people named Isabella, and the site of the largest art robbery ever (1990, $500 million in art, still unrecovered). • If your name is Isabella, you can get in for free with proof – no joke, look at the website. • Museum of Science - www.mos.org • Draws on the intellectual firepower of Boston (and Cambridge) to show exhibits that are on the cutting edge of science and natural history. • Boston Public Library – www.bpl.org • Yes, it’s that big building right near the office. Filled with stunning architecture and interesting works of art (yes some books too). • They offer free tours throughout the year which highlight the history of the library but also the city as well. MFA ICA
Boston Pops Paradise Lounge Arts & Culture • Classical Concerts • The Boston Symphony (www.bso.org), for which Oliver Wyman has done strategy work, offers $20 tickets for patrons under 40. It also runs a great program called Repartee for "young people" (in classical music, this means ages 21-38). • Repartee costs $40 and includes a pre-concert get-together in Symphony Hall where you get two free drinks (and cash bar after that, in case you really want to be inebriated while listening to Shostakovich), free food, a chance to mingle with other "young people", and a brief expository talk by the conductor, composer, or performers. • Theater & Dance • Boston’s Theater District (walking distance from the office) has a full slate of shows going on all year. Check the Boston Globe for show times. The Citi Performing Arts Center also runs a free summertime “Shakespeare in the Common.” • Make sure to check for MMC discounts on these shows. • www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/Boston • For a general list of events, use Upcoming (http://upcoming.yahoo.com). • The Boston Pops (www.bostonpops.org) hold a variety of concerts throughout the year. Get tickets early if you want to see their famous Holiday show or July 4th fireworks spectacle! • Every summer, the Boston Symphony has a performance series at Tanglewood, in Western MA. If you have access to a car, it’s well worth spending a Saturday or a Sunday there during the summer, picnicking on the lawn and taking in a show. • Live Music (non-classical) • The best page for information on the Boston live music scene is TourFilter (http://www.tourfilter.com/boston/homepage). TourFilter lists essentially every band, from big-name acts to local college groups, playing in Boston in the next month and a half. Main live music venues are the Paradise Rock Club, the Middle East, TT the Bear’s, Lizard Lounge, and Great Scott. • For jazz, try the Beehive (for hipness) or Scullers Jazz Club (for sophistication). • Also useful are the email ticket alerts available at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) and Ticketweb (www.ticketweb.com).
MMC Employee Discounts • Didn’t get enough culture in Boston? Marsh & McLennan offers employee discounts for a variety of cultural institutions in NYC if you’re ever visiting friends. To use these, just show your business card or health insurance card. • American Museum of Natural History (free admission for employee + 5 guests, 50% off IMAX tickets; 20% off space show tickets; and 50% off tickets for special exhibitions). • Brooklyn Museum of Art (free admission for employee and one guest; free parking for one car). • French Institute: Alliance Française (free membership; to receive your membership card, send an e-mail from your business address to CorporateMembership@fiaf.org; include your home address, phone number, preferred e-mail address and a membership card will be mailed to you). • Guggenheim Museum: (free admission for employee and up to three guests). • International Center of Photography (free admission for employee + 3 guests; 10% gift shop and cafe discount). • The Jewish Museum (free admission for employee and one guest; 10% shop discount, online with code: JMCM). • Museum of Modern Art (free admission for employee and one guest). • Museum of Television and Radio (free admission for employee and accompanying family members to MTVR in New York City and Los Angeles). • New York Historical Society (free admission for employee only; 10% gift shop discount). • South Street Seaport Museum (free admission for employee and family; 10% gift shop discount). • Whitney Museum of American Art (free admission for employee, one adult guest, and up to three children under the age of 18). • Note: other employee discounts are available; see the MMC PeopleLink (www.mmcpeoplelink.com) website for more details. These include permanent 15% off regular priced merchandise at Brooks Brothers (maybe stock up on some work clothes after you start….) and Jos. A. Bank, discounts at Apple, and discounts for AT&T and Verizon wireless service.
Day Trips • While there is plenty to do in Boston on weekends, everyone enjoys getting out of the city every once in a while. Especially if you’ve never lived in New England before, Boston’s a great central point for exploring the region. • Getting around: While some destinations have a bus service (e.g. Cape Cod), and some you can take trains to like Amtrak, for most places realistically you’ll need a car. You can always rent from standard car rental places (accumulate Hertz points from your cases), or Zip Car is a cheaper option if you use the service more than once. Summer/Spring Cape Cod and its islands (Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket) are the quintessential summer destinations for historic New Englanders. Whether you’re footing the bill yourself or mooching off a friend’s place, it’s an easy and great destination to take in that crisp, ocean air and New England charm. If you plan on driving to the Cape, keep traffic in mind when planning your respective departures. You’re not the only one with the brilliant idea of going to the Cape for the weekend. Other destinations to think about: Newport, RI, Block Island, and the Berkshires. Also, those winter ski resorts become great places for hiking and camping in the summer (weather is a lot nicer too!). Winter Skiing, skiing, and more skiing. Boston has close access to many of the best mountains in New England. Tip: Marsh & McLennan has membership to Working Advantage website which gets you discount ski tickets to most mountains in New England (www.workingadvantage.com). While there are too many ski mountains to list, here are some of the more popular ones based on driving distance: Within 2 hours: Loon Mountain Nashoba Valley Sugarbush Waterville Valley Within 3 hours: Attitash Killington Mt. Snow Sunday River Within 4 hours: Stowe Sugarloaf
Got Everything? While we hope we covered a lot of the basics, we know you’ll have many more questions once you start. The important thing to do is just ask. Yes, there are such things as stupid questions (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise), but nobody will remember them for more than an hour, so you might as well ask. We leave you with some sagely advice from current GCG at Oliver Wyman: “Ask ask ask. If you can't figure something out after 5-10 minutes, ask someone near you or shoot an email to someone. Chances are, someone has the answer and will be glad to help.” “There are two types of consultants in this world, those who love PowerPoint and liars.” “Girl/Boy in a bar: What do you do? You: I model.” “Consulting years are like dog years.” “Eat well, drink well, the Consulting 15 is inevitable.” “Learn to use your PowerPoint toolbar buttons--they will revolutionize your life.” “Staffing is your best friend in this place - be ‘can do’ and low maintenance (no matter how many times you end up working in Timbuktu).” "No matter what your case manager says, you do not have to go 'two-to-a-bed' to stay under budget." “Don't be shy. The people at this firm are fantastic, and it's worth getting to know every one of them.” "If you go on long haul, be sure to leave a lot of your crap in and around your cube so they don't give away your desk while you're gone."