Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about SMP and our recruiting.
Questions regarding
our recruiting.
Do you have any further questions? Please feel free to call us or send us an e-mail.
SMP AG Strategy Consulting
Viola Schlich
Wasserstraße 8
40213 Düsseldorf
Germany
T: +49(0)2 11 13 06 69-43
M: +49(0)1 51 17 16 61 12
Where can I learn more about SMP?
In addition to the information on our website, we regularly visit the major business administration faculties of German and European universities to introduce ourselves to students. Upcoming dates are listed in the “Uni-Events“ section of our website.
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How does SMP help me develop?
Not only do the SMP employees steadily acquire new experience working on our projects – we also attach considerable importance to in-house training and education. We challenge and promote our employees with regular training programmes, seminars and coaching sessions. We also ensure a continuous exchange of experience between the various levels of hierarchy within our company. A mentor is assigned to each SMP consultant to accompany their personal and professional development.
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When is the best time to apply?
You should apply at least three months prior to your planned start of work at SMP, regardless of the position (internship, full-time).
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Which application documents does SMP need?
Complete application documents should include a letter of motivation, a full curriculum vitae and relevant certificates of employment, internships, university and school careers.
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What kind of people is SMP looking to recruit?
We are looking for committed employees with an excellent university degree in economics or business-related subjects. You will demonstrate your interest in business and enthusiasm for strategy consulting by having acquired relevant practical experience in a management consultancy firm or an industrial or services company. SMP consultants are striking personalities who show initiative, leadership, team spirit and commitment. Outstanding analytical and conceptual skills are just as important as practical implementation skills. SMP rewards entrepreneurial spirit in particular: We view student start-ups or comparable ventures as valuable experience.
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When can I expect feedback on my application?
Please be patient once you have sent your documents to SMP. Our Recruiting Team thoroughly reviews every application and will get back to you as soon as it is finished. Usually we will contact you inside of two weeks.
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What should I expect if I am invited to a Candidates’ Day or job interview?
You will complete various stages during our Candidates’ Day if you have applied for a full-time position. Things get going once you have completed a tour of our offices to acquire an initial impression: You will be asked to prove your analytical, conceptual and linguistic skills during several interviews focusing on personal fit, cases and other issues from the everyday lives of consultants. An interview with the partners rounds off the day if the assessment is positive. Between the individual stages, we invite you for an informal lunch with our SMP consultants. They will give you some first-hand insight into working at SMP.
The interview lasts for around two hours if you apply for an associate position. We use the opportunity to learn more about you and your motivation and to determine why you would like to complete an internship with SMP. Naturally, you are warmly invited to clarify any outstanding questions as well. You will also be asked to look at two case studies and complete a computer test to assess your potential as a strategy consultant.
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How much time am I given to decide on a job offer?
You should think carefully before deciding to join as an intern, and especially if you have been offered a full-time position. This is why you have two weeks to consider your options. You can call our Recruiting Team at any time if you have questions.
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As a consultant, will I be assigned to a certain sector from the beginning?
All of our new recruits start as generalists. We want you to get to know SMP’s core sectors, before focusing on one or on particular topics. It is therefore important to us that you begin by acquiring experience in different projects. We do accommodate your personal strengths and wishes, of course.
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Might I be considered for a full-time position if I perform well as an associate?
Our most successful recruiting channel is to offer full-time positions to (former) associates. We therefore advise you to use the internship as an opportunity to catch our eye – even if a potential starting date as a full-time member of staff is still in the distant future.
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What is the minimum length of an internship?
Internships must last at least twelve weeks. In most cases, associates work at our firm for three to four months.
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Will I be sent on client appointments during my internship?
We always try to take our associates to appointments with clients. It is the best way for you to learn what it really means to be an SMP strategy consultant. Please bear in mind that we cannot guarantee that you will be dispatched to clients, as this opportunity depends on the specific project and our relationship with the client.
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What support will I receive as an SMP associate?
A mentor is assigned to each associate when they join SMP. The mentor is your go-to person and available at any time if you have questions. The mentor will also observe your performance and provide structured feedback on a regular basis.
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I am looking for accommodation in Düsseldorf in the near future, either for my internship or full-time position. Can SMP help me?
Our associates in particular pass on good accommodation, and you can frequently obtain useful tips from consultants. We would be delighted to assist you – feel free to give us a call.
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