So, it’s been a while since there has been a post on Capco…and I was wondering if any of you had some updates on them.I’ve read Capco is expanding quite significantly in the US with the takeover of (some) BearingPoint practices.But how are they doing in Europe? I have the feeling they had some tough years.I have trouble with identifying how they’re perceived in the industry and what kind of consulting they’re focused on. Is it mainly business consulting, let’s say similar to a Big4 Advisory practice. Or is their focus more on systems integration and package implementation (Murex) like Accenture, IBM, HP,…And what’s it like to work for them? I read in some older post they have a lack of culture and promotion is hard (and highly subjective).Any thoughts? Thanks

The Capco business is spilt across business consulting (big operating model theme) and package integration (predominantly murex).Ive worked on the consulting side for the last 3 years and apart from the blip end of last year the order book is looking very healthy now - actively recruiting, literally not enough people to fill the roles. I'd say a lack of culture is unfair, it's a smaller unit than your big 4 players but this brings benefits in terms of freedom of movement and types of project (we tend to pick up the smaller strategic business consulting projects which I prefer - lot of target operating model work across Capital Markets, Wealth and Retail). As far as promotion goes, there's always a game to played wherever you work - this is on the whole fair.

I really enjoyed Capco when I worked there, so much so that when I thought "grass was greener" and went somewhere else, I quickly returned back to Capco. They have a good work life balance, friendly people, a very social culture, and do interesting projects for major financial services clients. The promotion structure is normal and transparent. They are heavily recruiting now and are pretty much completely sold out. 2010 looks to be a very good year after the last strong 9 months.

From experience, promotion there is VERY subjective and to get any kind of decent pay rise or bonus from them (don't expect much in either dept.) you have to basically threaten to leave.

I've sold against them and worked alongside them. I'd say they have some strong individuals with deep technical expertise on particular point solutions and a decent client base, but to me they felt a bit like one of the 'band of brother' contractor boutiques, albeit on a much larger scale. Certainly very different culture to a Big 4 advisory firm.