Point B is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations navigate complex business challenges. With a focus on delivering customized solutions, Point B leverages its expertise in strategy, process improvement, technology, and data analytics to help clients achieve their goals. Founded in 1995, the firm has built a reputation for quality service, though its distinction for being highly dedicated to its people has been somewhat diminished recently.
Firm Key Stats
Firm Website: www.pointb.com
Firm Headquarters: Seattle, Washington
Firm Number of Employees: 1100
Firm Number of Locations: 13
Firm Chief Executive: Brian Turner
Firm Revenue: $130 million
Point B History
Point B was founded in 1995 by a group of former consultants—Tim Jenkins, Darran Littlefield, and Jim Hodge—who believed that they could provide better consulting services to their clients by building a different kind of consulting firm. The firm started with a focus on delivering management consulting services to clients in the Pacific Northwest, but has since expanded its services and footprint, and has offices across the United States.
Point B Careers
Point B offers a range of career opportunities for professionals at all levels, including recent graduates, experienced consultants, and senior leaders. To see more about Point B careers, check out their careers page here.
Point B Internship
Point B offers analyst roles to students who are interested in pursuing a career in management consulting. Interns work on real projects alongside experienced mentors, with access to valuable, flexible active experience that will show them the ropes of the consulting industry. Interns say the experience was rewarding and they were able to also build connections with their team.
Practice Areas
Point B’s practice areas cover many facets of the business world and give interested candidates the opportunity to carefully consider which sector appeals to them most.
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- Strategy
- Operations
- Business Technology
- Digital Strategy & Transformation
- Data & Analytics
- Workforce Experience
- Innovation & Design
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Real Estate Services
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Program & Project Leadership
- Staffing
Industries
Point B industries are varied and have options to fit different interests.
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- Health & Life Sciences
- Financial Services & Insurance
- Energy & Resources
- Retail Health
- Consumer & Retail
- ESG & Social Impact
- Media & Technology
- Aerospace
- Private Equity
- Automotive
Point B Locations
Point B has offices spread across the U.S. for flexible planning.
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- Seattle, WA
- Austin, TX
- Boston, MA
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York, NY
- Phoenix, AZ
- Portland, OR
- San Antonia, TX
- San Francisco, CA
Exit Opportunities
Point B has established they will provide clients with good results, and employees who work at the firm will be well-equipped to continue the line of work elsewhere if they choose to move on.
Target Schools
While Point B doesn’t recruit at any specific schools, a concentration of employees attended the following universities:
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- University of Washington
- University of Washington - Michael G. Foster School of Business
- Arizona State University
- Portland State University
- The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Diversity Programs
Point B has goals for increased representation of minority groups and hosts professional development to better promote a diverse and inclusive workplace. The firm also has Business Resource Groups that create small communities of advocacy for employees at Point B. In 2022 it was given an LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Award by Built In.
Point B Culture
Point B historically had gained a strong reputation for having an excellent culture that supported its people, allowing employees to grow in their personal careers and build trust with their colleagues and leaders along the way. Recent experiences, however, have been different. Point B took on a majority PE investment, and employees say that things have changed drastically since then. Leaders have not been transparent and executed massive layoffs with no warning. Many used to feel that the less competitive compensation was fully worth the caring, collaborative environment Point B had created, but it is simply no longer what it was.
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Point B Interview
Point B's interview process typically involves an intro call and several rounds of interviews, the second round often being a writing prompt. Case interviews are not always administered, but can make an appearance. Candidates say questions are quite standard and often focus on talking through previous experience, cultural fit, and why they chose consulting or this particular firm. Point B recommends that interviewees prepare by becoming familiar with the firm's history, past projects, and stated values.
Sample interview questions that may be asked during the Point B interview process include:
- How do you manage conflict with your team?
- What is your passion in life?
- What are your strengths and functional skills?
- Tell me about a time you fell short of a client's expectations
- If a deliverable was due tomorrow and the client team member sent it to you late and incomplete, what would you do?
- What are four or five qualities that are necessary to be a good consultant?
- What stood out to you when you heard about the culture at Point B?
- What do you think will be your greatest challenge in taking on this role?
- How would you deal with a client who doesn’t like the work you have done for them?
- What is a time you analyzed a large data set?
Point B Salary
Point B salaries are lower than those at MBB firms, but many employees have been happy with their compensation because other areas of work life made up for it. Some debate whether this is still the case, but it’s worth noting that it was a common feeling at one point. Below are examples of potential salaries, but offers will always vary in each case. See our salaries report for information on hundreds of firms’ compensation details.
- Consultant: $118,539
- Analyst: $91,573
- Managing consultant: $221,051
- Project Manager: $121,275
Conclusion
Point B has been widely recognized for getting some major things right, especially with their people. Unfortunately, it isn’t clear whether we can still count on them to hold up that reputation. Some offices are likely to represent the firm’s values better than others, so applicants may want to look into particular locations before applying. For those who find it a good cultural fit, the experience would be valuable and surely prepare anyone for the consulting world.
Additional Resources:
- Top Consulting Firms of 2023
- Top 10 Boutique Consulting Firms in US
- Consulting Resume: Complete Guide
- Case Interview: Complete Prep Guide