Careers:
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kinds of majors does Putnam usually hire from?
Although Putnam does not have any specific requirements in terms of majors, those who have been successful here have a solid analytical foundation from which to work. Students with backgrounds in economics, finance, and the hard sciences are strong candidates for Putnam, although we do have our share of liberal arts majors as well.
Does Putnam have a GPA requirement?
Putnam evaluates all applications received and understands that extenuating circumstances may have had an effect on an applicant’s grades for a semester or two. While we have not set GPA requirement, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 is preferred, and candidates should have a track record of success in rigorous analytic courses including microeconomics, calculus and statistics.
When applying, do I need to submit an official copy of my transcript?
Not in the application phase of the process. An unofficial copy of your transcript in an Excel spreadsheet or Word document is acceptable if it includes the following information: complete names of courses taken, grades received in each course, and cumulative GPA. Official transcripts are required in later stages of the interview process.
Are there opportunities to work in Putnam's London office?
We are currently focusing our hiring efforts on our Burlington, Massachusetts headquarters.
What type of compensation and benefits can I expect to receive?
• Competitive compensation
• Paid vacation
• Health and dental insurance
• 401(k) match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive training program
• Company events
• On-site workout facilities
How many cases do I work on at the same time?
While the goal is to have all staff assigned to two cases at a time, some cases require 100% dedication of some staff.
How quickly will I be promoted?
Analysts are promoted to the level of Associate on the first anniversary of their start date with Putnam. After that, promotions are strictly merit-based and are not related to any specific timetable.
Do I need to have an MBA to be promoted to the Consultant level?
No — while an MBA is a key component that we seek in candidates who are being hired to start at the Consultant level, it is not unusual for someone to enter the firm as an Analyst or Associate and eventually be promoted to a Consultant role after a number of years.
What is Putnam’s business school track record?
Putnam has an exceptional track record of helping its employees gain admittance to some of the country’s leading business schools including Harvard, Stanford, MIT Sloan, Wharton, Kellogg, Fuqua, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan and others.
How does the training program work?
Recognizing the need to provide its new employees with a solid foundation for embarking on a career in consulting, Putnam recently revamped the Analyst training program. The program consists of 14 modules delivered by a mix of Associates, Consultants, and Partners.
How long do new hires usually stay at Putnam?
At the Analyst level, it is expected that new hires will provide a minimum of two years of service to the firm. Putnam does not espouse an "up or out" policy and in many cases employees remain well after two years and are promoted to Senior Associate Consultant at rates commensurate with their abilities.
At the senior level, the majority of our staff has been with the firm for over five years.
When people leave Putnam, where do they go?
The most common reason for people to leave Putnam is to pursue an advanced degree (most often to business school, but law school and medical school are also becoming popular options). Others choose to seek industry positions while some prefer to leave consulting and pharmaceuticals altogether.