making a difference
A CAREER
AT KEYSTONE
OUR MISSION
At Keystone, our mission is to make a substantive difference in the companies we work with and the lives of the people that work for them. For over twenty-five years, we have been building long-term relationships with our clients by helping them identify and implement solutions to their most complex business issues.
WHY CLIENTS
CHOOSE KEYSTONE
BREADTH OF CAPABILITIES
Keystone has four main areas of consulting expertise that we are able to provide to our clients: Profitable Growth Strategy, Operational Improvement, Restructuring & Turnaround, and Mergers & Acquisitions. This allows us to adapt as our clients' needs change over time.
FOCUS ON IMPLEMENTATION
We help our clients diagnose problems and develop strategies; but, Keystone adds the most value by working with our clients to execute on key initiatives and create sustaining results.
TRUE PARTNERSHIPS
Because we focus on implementation and sustainable solutions, many of Keystone's clients continually come back to resolve other issues.
WHY CONSULTANTS
CHOOSE KEYSTONE
TALENTED PEOPLE
Keystone consultants have diverse backgrounds which include banking, C-level executive positions, Fortune 100 operations management, and private equity, to name a few. As a result, the Keystone team is able to support clients through all aspects of their business cycle.
STRONG CULTURE
Keystone's balanced culture sets us apart from other firms. Our guiding principles illustrate our focus on work-life balance while our open-door policy, mentorship program, and relationship between offices foster a strong sense of community that has contributed to our reputation.
SOCIAL IMPACT
In addition to leaving a lasting impact with our clients, Keystone strives to make a positive impression on the global community with events such as the Annual Charity Softball Tournament and the biennial home building trip.
OUR CULTURE
It is not a coincidence that three of our four Guiding Principles relate to culture. Be the best at what we do, Be a place where talented people can grow their skills faster than anywhere else, and Have fun are all important elements of the firm -- it's about finding the right balance.
CHALLENGING PROJECTS
Keystone's generalist model gives you the opportunity to be challenged by a variety of new issues and industries
FAST-PACED
BUSINESS
You will be solving some of the client's most urgent and complex issues
TEAM
APPROACH
We work together to ensure the best possible outcome
STRATEGIC
THINKING
We ask the tough questions and think big picture
SUPPORTIVE COLLEAGUES
You will be working side-by-side with intelligent, experienced people who are always willing to help
FUN ENVIRONMENT
We balance our hard work with quarterly social events, frequent happy hours, and lots of laughs
INDIVIDUAL IMPACT
Small teams require each person to take on significant responsibility, allowing you to have a real impact on the client
IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLUTIONS
Results require more than just an idea, so you will be helping your client turn those ideas into reality
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
AT THE CLIENT
Keystone projects are often the highest priority that our mid-market clients tackle. The results of our projects have a real impact on the business, and every individual's work plays a significant role in the results. In some cases, it can be the determining factor in keeping a company out of bankruptcy. In other cases, it can mean the success or failure of a deal. Our work makes a difference at our clients.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Keystone's tagline "Making a Difference" means improving the lives of others, beyond just the client.
Every two years, The Keystone Group takes a firm-wide mission trip to build homes for families in need. To date, Keystone has built over twenty homes.
Each year, Keystone hosts an annual charity softball tournament to support kids in the local community. Recent tournaments have benefited The Cities Project. Funds will support research and programs that benefit Chicago Public School students living in low-income neighborhoods. This organization is doing impactful work to address how children are negatively impacted by stressful and traumatic life experiences.
In addition to these organized events, individuals at Keystone regularly provide opportunities to get involved in causes for which they are deeply passionate.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
At Keystone, our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients, our employees, and all others that we come in contact with. We understand that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background leads to a better environment for our employees and better results for our clients. We also understand that we can play a part in driving positive change in our communities. We choose to bring kindness, strength, and compassion to every community we serve. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging is unwavering which is why we seek to hire motivated, open-minded people from all backgrounds. We encourage you to join us in making a difference.
"I can confidently say that I enjoy working with each and every one of my colleagues, and I know what their lives look like outside of work. The increased collaboration gives analysts more responsibility, comes up with better results for clients, and allows a dialogue of how to make work interesting for employees."
GROW YOUR SKILLS FASTER
As Keystone is a true meritocracy, there is no fixed length of time you are required to stay at a particular level. Through hard work and proven results, you can quickly increase your responsibility and advance within the firm. At Keystone, we strive to create an environment where each individual has every opportunity to be successful. You will be given significant responsibility and will be an integral part of the project team, regardless of your title.
ANALYST
Analysts are expected to be an integral part of the engagement team and take on a significant amount of responsibility early in their careers. As an Analyst, you will undertake a variety of tasks: gathering and analyzing data, communicating findings, recognizing areas of opportunities, assisting in the development of recommendations, and working with client personnel to implement solutions.
ASSOCIATE
Associates are expected to take a substantive role in consulting engagements and obtain a tremendous amount of responsibility from day one, including: analyzing data, recognizing problems, identifying and prioritizing opportunities, assisting in developing recommendations, and working with the client to implement solutions. Additionally, associates serve as an example for analysts, which often provides leadership opportunities.
PRINCIPAL
A Principal is responsible for leading the day-to-day activities of the projects, developing marketing relationships to secure new business, helping write proposals to close new business, and mentoring the more junior staff. On any given engagement, a Principal's tasks may include recognizing core problems, identifying and prioritizing opportunities, developing recommendations, implementing solutions, and building the client relationship.
PARTNER
As a key leader of the firm, a Partner has an impact at every stage of an engagement and every level of the firm. As a partner, you will be responsible for the professional development of the firm's employees and the continued growth of the firm's client base. As it is core to Keystone's staffing model, at least one Partner will oversee each engagement, so interaction with clients and more junior Keystone staff members are everyday occurrences.
"The exposure I've had to all aspects of business -- Finance, Sales, Operations -- combined with significant responsibility on each project has provided me with an unparalleled opportunity for growth."
- Evan Farrell, Principal
MENTORING PROGRAM
Keystone's mentorship program allows junior staff to learn and develop with the guidance of a Partner. Although every mentoring relationship is unique, you will have an opportunity to meet with your mentor at least once per quarter to ask questions, seek advice and share professional goals in a safe atmosphere. Your mentor is there to provide critical feedback, assistance in professional development, and act as your advocate during year-end performance discussions.
COACHING PROGRAM
Keystone also offers a more informal program, where new hires are matched with a "coach" who is typically one level higher. The coaching program is designed to accelerate your successful integration into the firm. Having recently been in your position, your coach will be able to provide you with relevant insight to help you succeed.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
At Keystone, we pride ourselves on providing impactful, challenging, and dynamic projects for our consultants. One great advantage of the our small team structure is the tremendous responsibility and ownership each person on the team has over the project. As a result, every person at every level is continually learning and adding to their professional tool kit.
FEEDBACK
Keystone has worked hard to create a culture of development. In addition to regular on-the-job feedback, a performance review is completed by the project Partner after every engagement. By better understanding your strengths and weaknesses in a timely manner, you can more quickly build your skills and grow professionally.
FORMAL TRAINING MODULES
To supplement the extensive experience gained on projects, Keystone also has a formal training program. Each module includes the watching of a pre-recorded presentation of the respective material and the completion of a relevant case study for which you will present to a higher-level Keystone team member for approval.
