Hi,I was wondering if anyone who has worked or is currently working in PA's programme and project management practice could provide me an insight into the work culture, business, salary, career development...etc. I am seriously considering on applying to PA and although I've read all the material on the website...etc. I would be very interested in personal views and advice.Thanks in advance,Pinky

Hi guys,This is a bit of an old thread but it would be good if it could be revived.I'm considering applying to PA's Project Management Practice and just wondered exactly what kind of work they take on. It seems to fit the kind of role which I'm after, namely in that it provides a good mix of technical and non-technical skills. However they also seem to take on quite a diverse range of projects. Joining the practice as a graduate are you groomed towards specialising in certain areas or is it really a very multidisciplinary practice?Thanks

The Projects Practice has traditionally been a pretty successful one and my impression is its well thought of across PA. It's evidently a Service Practice so that means it can work with any of the industry practices or just on its own (sorry if basic answer, not sure of your understanding of consultancy business models as a grad). Having worked with a few Projects people down the years, they're good people and have a very pragmatic approach to consultancy as you'd expect. The type of work is Programme Management (ie management of a suite of projects) which they're successful in winning and delivering. By the nature of the work, it's not always the most interesting but if you find yourself as an organised, process-led person then it's just the place for you. The other upside is that after a few years if you don't like it you can leave and become a freelance contractor for more money. As for grad development in the practice, not sure as for years they didn't take any (the position was that they wanted experienced people who could go straight in) but as I say they are good people to work with and will bring you on leaps and bounds.

Thank you for posting this message on Top Consultant. I am the recruitment manager for the project and programme management practice at PA. We do have some good information on the projects section of the PA Web site (www.paconsulting.com/services/project_management_consulting), especially the 'meet us' section.This practice does recruit graduates and they are currently accepting applications. It will be to start in c.Autumn 2007. If you are interested in applying, please complete our graduate online application form. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to drop an e-mail to pmp@paconsulting.com

How nice of you to respond Jacqueline. Still waiting for a reply to my application (2004 I think it was). It's only polite you know, even if you did think it was rubbish.I'm not sure it was, though, as older sand wiser I am now at a better firm.

"older sand wiser"?Good work Jacqueline, you were right to bin that application!

Yes, quite right for binning someone for hitting the key next to the one they wanted! After all, careful proofing of forum posts is SO important!

JacquelineI have a pretty strong Programme Management/ Change Management background, but I'm also conscious that my industry experience is highly appropriate to one of your other areas. I'm also conscious that the various practices appear to recruit largely independently, from comments here about approach, style and timeliness.Do you circulate applicants around the firm should their suitability be appropriate to a number of different areas, or should I be looking to approach the other practice area in parallel?TIA

Thank you for your e-mail.I can confirm that we do circulate applicants around the firm if we feel that they are also suitable for a number of different areas. Please send your CV through to just one area and let us know which areas you are interested in applying to. Kind regards