Graph Strategy: Careers, Culture, Interviews, and Salary Insights

Key Insights:

• Graph Strategy is a boutique consulting firm specializing in commercial due diligence, growth strategy, and market opportunity assessments.
• The firm has around 50 employees, with headquarters in Washington DC and a second office in London.
• Careers at Graph Strategy require strong analytical skills, investigative thinking, and collaboration for long-term consulting success.
• The Graph Strategy interview process includes screening, case interviews, and behavioral assessments to evaluate problem-solving and cultural fit.
• Graph Strategy salaries range from $80,000 to $150,000, with career progression from Associate to Partner supported by training and mentorship.

Graph Strategy is a boutique strategy consulting firm that specializes in commercial due diligence, market opportunity assessments, and growth strategy for corporations, private equity, and credit investors. With offices in Washington DC and London, the firm is known for its rigorous evidence-based approach and high-impact consulting work.

In this article, we will explore what Graph Strategy does, its career opportunities, culture, interview process, and salary expectations to help you decide if the firm is the right fit for your consulting journey.

What Does Graph Strategy Do as a Consulting Firm?

Graph Strategy provides strategic consulting services focused on commercial due diligence, growth strategy, and market opportunity assessments for global corporations and investors. Unlike large generalist firms, Graph Strategy delivers targeted, evidence-based insights without engaging in IT implementation, audit, or large-scale transformation projects.

The firm’s services include:

• Commercial Opportunity Assessments: Evaluating new markets and ventures to guide investment decisions.
• Commercial Due Diligence: Assessing risks and growth potential in private equity and corporate transactions.
• Growth Strategy Design: Creating actionable strategies to unlock commercial value and long-term profitability.
• Value Management: Supporting clients with structured frameworks to ensure strategies deliver measurable results.
• Pricing Optimization: Developing pricing models that maximize revenue opportunities.

For example, Graph Strategy has recently supported private equity investments in technology, infrastructure, and professional services, helping investors validate growth opportunities and manage commercial risks.

What Are the Key Stats and Background of Graph Strategy?

Graph Strategy is a boutique consulting firm founded by Mark Stein and James Tetherton, with headquarters in Washington DC and a second office in London. The firm employs around 50 professionals and has built its reputation on evidence-based analysis, commercial due diligence, and growth strategy consulting.

The firm’s key statistics and background include:

• Headquarters: Washington DC, USA
• International Office: London, UK
• Founders: Mark Stein and James Tetherton
• Employees: Approximately 50 professionals
• Focus: Commercial due diligence, market assessments, and growth strategy

Over time, Graph Strategy has grown into a trusted partner for private equity firms, corporations, and credit investors. Its model emphasizes investigative thinking, lean operations, and a commitment to providing unbiased strategic advice.

What Skills Are Needed to Work at Graph Strategy?

To succeed at Graph Strategy, candidates need strong analytical skills, investigative thinking, and the ability to communicate insights clearly. The firm values professionals who combine intellectual curiosity with collaboration, making it a good fit for individuals seeking consulting careers with private equity and corporate clients.

Key skills Graph Strategy looks for include:

• Analytical ability: Comfort with data, financial models, and market research.
• Investigative thinking: A habit of asking deeper questions and pursuing original research.
• Problem-solving mindset: Applying creativity and best practices to client challenges.
• Communication skills: Explaining complex findings in a clear, structured way.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within teams to support high-impact consulting work.

For early-career applicants, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and adaptability can be just as important as technical skills. Experienced professionals are expected to show leadership potential and the ability to advise senior executives at top firms and investors.

How Does the Career Path at Graph Strategy Progress?

The career path at Graph Strategy progresses through clearly defined levels, starting with Associate and advancing to Consultant, Manager, Director, and Partner. Each stage builds on analytical skills, leadership ability, and client management experience, giving professionals structured opportunities to grow within the consulting firm.

Typical career progression includes:

• Associate: Entry-level role for new graduates, focused on research, data analysis, and supporting case teams.
• Consultant: After 2 to 3 years, Consultants mentor Associates, manage smaller projects, and may receive MBA sponsorship for top performance.
• Manager: Leads larger projects, deepens sector expertise, and manages client relationships.
• Director: Specializes in industries, leads client engagements, and shapes internal initiatives.
• Partner: Responsible for firm strategy, client satisfaction, and mentoring senior teams.

Graph Strategy’s structured progression ensures that employees gain both consulting and industry exposure, while top performers have opportunities to accelerate growth through additional responsibilities and sponsorship programs.

What Is the Culture Like at Graph Strategy?

The culture at Graph Strategy is defined by collaboration, analytical rigor, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The firm emphasizes investigative thinking, professional growth, and creating an environment where consultants feel supported while tackling complex client challenges.

Core elements of the firm’s culture include:

• Collaboration: Small teams foster close working relationships and knowledge sharing.
• Diversity and inclusion: Active initiatives to recruit and support underrepresented talent.
• Excellence: High expectations for quality and impact in every client engagement.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and leveraging tools that improve client outcomes.
• Professional development: Continuous training and structured mentorship.

Employees often describe the culture as both challenging and supportive. Consultants are expected to deliver excellence but also receive investment in their training, career progression, and personal development.

What Is the Interview Process at Graph Strategy?

The interview process at Graph Strategy includes an initial screening, case interviews, and behavioral assessments designed to evaluate analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit. Candidates may also participate in final-round interviews with senior consultants or partners.

The typical interview steps are:

• Initial screening: A short phone or video call to review qualifications, motivations, and interest in consulting.
• Case interviews: One or two cases testing quantitative analysis, market sizing, and strategic thinking.
• Behavioral interview: Questions focused on teamwork, problem-solving approach, and alignment with firm culture.
• Final round: A mix of advanced casework and discussions with senior leaders, sometimes structured as a “super day.”

Candidates should prepare for both structured case problems and open-ended questions such as “Why Graph Strategy?” or “How do you handle pressure?” Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong investigative thinking, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under time pressure.

What Internship Opportunities Does Graph Strategy Offer?

Graph Strategy internships provide hands-on consulting experience through summer programs and pre-associate placements, offering students exposure to commercial due diligence and growth strategy. These internships allow students to work on live projects, conduct research, and gain exposure to commercial due diligence and growth strategy consulting.

Key features of Graph Strategy internships include:

• Practical experience: Interns join case teams and contribute directly to client projects.
• Program length: Most internships last 4 to 6 weeks, with structured training and mentorship.
• Locations: Opportunities are available in both Washington DC and London offices.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be nearing graduation and authorized to work in the host country.
• Career pathway: Strong performance can lead to full-time offers as Associates.

Interns benefit from competitive compensation, a collaborative environment, and early exposure to consulting methodologies. For many, these programs act as a direct pathway into full-time consulting roles at the firm.

What Salary Can You Expect at Graph Strategy?

Graph Strategy salaries are competitive with other boutique consulting firms, though generally lower than compensation at McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. Associates typically earn between $80,000 and $100,000 in the US, while Consultants can expect base salaries ranging from $130,000 to $150,000.

Key details about Graph Strategy salary include:

• Associate level: $80,000 to $100,000 in the United States
• Consultant level: $130,000 to $150,000 in the United States
• Regional differences: Compensation varies by office, with London salaries adjusted for local markets
• Additional benefits: Training, professional development, and mentorship programs add long-term value beyond base pay

While salaries may not match those of the largest global consulting firms, Graph Strategy offers attractive benefits, strong career progression, and high-impact project exposure that enhance overall career value.

What Industries and Clients Does Graph Strategy Serve?

Graph Strategy serves clients across a wide range of industries, including private equity, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer markets. The firm works with corporations, credit investors, and private equity firms, providing commercial due diligence, market assessments, and growth strategy consulting.

Key industries served by Graph Strategy include:

• Technology and media: Supporting investments in software, digital services, and telecom.
• Healthcare and life sciences: Advising on growth opportunities and risk assessments.
• Infrastructure and industrials: Evaluating market demand and operational performance.
• Consumer and retail: Assessing new product opportunities and pricing strategies.
• Professional and financial services: Helping investors understand market positioning.

The firm’s client base is primarily composed of private equity funds and corporations pursuing strategic growth. Recent projects have included validating market opportunities for investment and developing commercial strategies to ensure long-term value creation.

What Are the Benefits of Building a Career at Graph Strategy?

The benefits of building a career at Graph Strategy include high-impact project experience, structured career progression, competitive compensation, and strong exit opportunities. The firm also emphasizes professional development and offers exposure to transatlantic client work in both the US and UK.

Notable benefits of a career at Graph Strategy:

• High-impact projects: Early exposure to private equity deals and corporate strategy cases.
• Career development: Clear promotion path from Associate to Partner, with training and mentorship at each stage.
• Compensation: Competitive salaries relative to boutique firms, plus professional development support.
• Exit opportunities: Alumni move into roles in private equity, corporate strategy, and Fortune 500 companies.
• International exposure: Opportunities to collaborate across Washington DC and London offices.
• Inclusive culture: Commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a collaborative environment.

For many consultants, the combination of hands-on learning, growth opportunities, and long-term career prospects makes Graph Strategy an attractive firm to join.

Final Takeaways on Graph Strategy

Graph Strategy stands out as a boutique consulting firm offering commercial due diligence, market opportunity assessments, and growth strategy services to corporations and private equity clients. For candidates, the firm provides structured career progression, competitive salaries, and valuable experience across industries in both Washington DC and London.

If you are considering a career in consulting, Graph Strategy offers the opportunity to build analytical skills, work on high-impact projects, and develop long-term professional growth. With its collaborative culture and commitment to diversity, the firm remains a strong choice for those seeking a rewarding consulting career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the revenue of graph strategy?
A: The revenue of Graph Strategy is not publicly disclosed, but as a boutique consulting firm specializing in commercial due diligence and growth strategy, its scale is smaller than Big 4 or Big 3 firms while still delivering high-impact work for private equity and corporate clients.

Q: Do big 4 do strategy consulting?
A: Yes, the Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) offer strategy consulting through divisions like Deloitte Monitor and EY-Parthenon, although their broader services go far beyond strategy.

Q: Is Gartner a consulting firm?
A: Gartner is primarily a research and advisory company, not a traditional consulting firm, though it provides market insights and advisory services that some companies use alongside consulting firms like Graph Strategy.

Q: What is the salary of Strategy Consultant in Accenture?
A: The salary of a Strategy Consultant in Accenture typically ranges from around $90,000 to $140,000 annually in the U.S., depending on experience, location, and career progression within the firm.

Q: How do Big 3 compare to Big 4?
A: The Big 3 (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) focus on high-end strategy consulting with elite career progression, while the Big 4 combine strategy consulting with audit, tax, and broader advisory services, offering scale and diverse opportunities.