Public Consulting Group: Careers, Salary, and Interview Guide

Key Insights:

• Public Consulting Group, founded in 1986, has 2,000 employees, 33 offices, and $600 million in revenue.
• Public Consulting Group careers span consulting, technology, and operations with strong professional development and diversity programs.
• A Public Consulting Group internship lasts 8–10 weeks and offers project experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
• The Public Consulting Group interview process includes behavioral and case questions across phone and in-person rounds.
• Public Consulting Group salary averages $95,000 to $100,000 for analysts, with higher pay for consultants and managers.

Public Consulting Group is a management consulting firm that partners with government agencies and public sector organizations to improve efficiency, compliance, and outcomes. With a strong presence in healthcare, education, and human services, a Public Consulting Group career offers candidates the chance to make a direct impact while building professional expertise. Whether you are curious about the Public Consulting Group internship, preparing for interviews, or benchmarking salary expectations, this guide has you covered. In this article, we will explore the firm’s history, careers, internships, culture, interview process, and salary insights to give you a complete profile.

What are the key stats about Public Consulting Group?

Public Consulting Group is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, employs about 2,000 people, operates 33 offices across the US and internationally, generates roughly $600 million in revenue, and is led by founder and CEO Bill Mosakowski. These stats summarize the firm’s scale and presence in public sector consulting.

The firm’s size and steady growth highlight its ability to serve government agencies, healthcare providers, and education systems with lasting impact. For candidates considering Public Consulting Group careers, these details show the organization’s stability and reach.

Key facts include:

• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
• Employees: Around 2,000
• Global offices: 33 in the US, Canada, UK, and Poland
• Annual revenue: About $600 million
• Leadership: Bill Mosakowski, Founder and CEO

What is the history of Public Consulting Group?

Public Consulting Group was founded in 1986 by Bill Mosakowski with a mission to help government agencies operate more effectively. Over the past decades, the firm has grown to employ about 2,000 professionals and serve thousands of public sector clients across healthcare, education, and human services.

The company’s growth reflects a consistent focus on improving outcomes for communities while building long-term partnerships with state and local agencies. PCG’s expansion into international markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Poland, shows how its model of public sector consulting has scaled globally.

Highlights of Public Consulting Group’s history:

• Founded: 1986, Boston, Massachusetts
• Founder: Bill Mosakowski
• Core mission: Strengthen government operations and improve citizen outcomes
• Expansion: Offices established in North America and Europe
• Growth: From a small team to 2,000 employees worldwide

What careers does Public Consulting Group offer?

Public Consulting Group careers span consulting, technology, operations, and corporate roles, all focused on serving public sector clients. Employees gain professional development opportunities, diversity-focused programs, and the chance to engage in meaningful community work while building consulting expertise.

For candidates, a career at PCG offers:

• Entry-level analyst and consulting roles across healthcare, education, and human services
• Mid-level opportunities in project management, IT consulting, and operations
• Leadership development programs and mentorship to accelerate career growth
• A strong diversity and inclusion focus, reflected in employee resource groups
• Community engagement, including volunteer opportunities with paid time off

Public Consulting Group emphasizes career paths that balance client impact with professional advancement, making it a strong option for those who want to combine consulting with public service.

Does Public Consulting Group offer internships?

Yes, Public Consulting Group offers 8–10 week internships across consulting, technology, and corporate operations. Interns gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities, with many converting into full-time hires after graduation.

Public Consulting Group internships typically include:

• Exposure to client-facing projects in healthcare, education, or human services
• Participation in leadership speaker series and training workshops
• Networking events with consultants, managers, and executives
• Professional development sessions and mentoring support
• Opportunities for remote or hybrid arrangements, depending on location

These internships provide a pathway into Public Consulting Group careers and allow students to explore whether consulting in the public sector is the right fit for them.

What does Public Consulting Group do and what are its practice areas?

Public Consulting Group provides consulting services focused on corporate, education, health, human services, and technology. The firm helps government and public sector clients streamline operations, improve compliance, and deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Key practice areas include:

• Corporate: Finance, administration, and operations support for public agencies
• Education: Student support, special education, and district-level consulting
• Health: Medicaid consulting, healthcare management, and policy support
• Human Services: Child welfare, workforce services, and community-based initiatives
• Technology Consulting: IT modernization, digital transformation, and system implementation

For candidates considering Public Consulting Group careers, understanding these practice areas is crucial to aligning interests with the firm’s work.

Which industries does Public Consulting Group serve?

Public Consulting Group primarily serves the public sector, including healthcare, education, and human services. The firm works with state and local governments, school districts, and healthcare providers to improve efficiency, compliance, and outcomes for communities.

Industries supported by Public Consulting Group include:

• Healthcare: Medicaid consulting, hospital management, and policy advising
• Education: K-12 school systems, special education programs, and higher education support
• Human Services: Child welfare, workforce development, and community programs
• Public Sector Agencies: State and local governments needing regulatory or operational guidance

By focusing on these industries, the firm distinguishes itself as a consulting partner dedicated to public service rather than private sector growth.

Where are Public Consulting Group’s office locations worldwide?

Public Consulting Group has 33 offices located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Poland. Major hubs include Boston, San Diego, Princeton, Austin, Quebec, Maidenhead, and Warsaw. These offices allow the firm to serve a wide range of public sector clients both domestically and internationally.

Examples of office locations:

• United States: Boston, Massachusetts; San Diego, California; Princeton, New Jersey; Austin, Texas
• Canada: St-Laurent, Quebec
• United Kingdom: Maidenhead
• Poland: Warsaw

For consulting candidates, knowing where Public Consulting Group operates can help in targeting roles aligned with your preferred location or practice area.

What is the career path at Public Consulting Group?

The career path at Public Consulting Group typically begins with analyst roles, progresses through project management and senior consulting positions, and may lead to leadership opportunities. The firm does not publish a formal ladder, so candidates should clarify details with recruiters during the hiring process.

Typical progression may include:

• Analyst: Entry-level position focusing on research and client support
• Consultant or Project Manager: Mid-level roles managing client deliverables
• Senior Consultant or Director: Overseeing teams and larger-scale initiatives
• Executive roles: Strategic leadership and business development

For candidates pursuing Public Consulting Group careers, understanding the career path helps align expectations and plan for long-term growth.

What exit opportunities do Public Consulting Group consultants have?

Public Consulting Group consultants often transition into roles within government, nonprofit organizations, graduate programs, or other consulting firms. These exit opportunities reflect the firm’s strong focus on the public sector and the transferable skills developed in project management, policy, and operations.

Common exit opportunities include:

• Graduate programs such as MBA or MPA
• Positions in federal, state, or local government agencies
• Leadership roles in nonprofit and community organizations
• Strategy and operations roles at other consulting or professional services firms
• Private sector positions in healthcare or education administration

Public Consulting Group exit paths are well-suited to those seeking to continue making an impact in public service or apply consulting skills to new contexts.

How does Public Consulting Group recruit from target schools?

Public Consulting Group recruits from a range of universities including Clark University, Rutgers University, Northeastern University, and San Diego State University. The firm connects with candidates through career fairs, on-campus events, and networking opportunities, making campus outreach a key part of its recruiting process.

Target schools and recruiting approach include:

• Clark University: Strong feeder for entry-level consulting roles
• Rutgers University: Recruitment for both consulting and technology positions
• Northeastern University: Focus on co-op and internship pathways
• San Diego State University: Regular presence at career fairs and information sessions
• Networking: Active use of alumni connections and employee referrals

For candidates, knowing these target schools helps in understanding where Public Consulting Group sources much of its talent and how to engage with the firm during the recruiting cycle.

How does Public Consulting Group support diversity and inclusion?

Public Consulting Group supports diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups, leadership-led initiatives, and community-focused programs. The firm emphasizes building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and encourages collaboration across different perspectives.

Key diversity initiatives include:

• Military Networking Group to support veterans and active service members
• Virtual discussion series focused on workplace inclusion and cultural awareness
• Commitment to hiring practices that reflect local communities
• Employee volunteer programs to strengthen civic engagement

These efforts show that diversity is not only part of the firm’s culture but also integrated into Public Consulting Group careers and client-facing work.

What is the culture like at Public Consulting Group?

The culture at Public Consulting Group is described as collaborative, mission-driven, and flexible, with employees appreciating meaningful work and strong benefits. However, reviews also note challenges such as limited work-life balance and varying management quality.

Culture highlights include:

• Positive aspects: supportive colleagues, flexible work options, and strong benefits
• Challenges: demanding hours and inconsistent managerial support
• Employee feedback: 3.8 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor, with 69% recommending the firm to a friend

For candidates exploring Public Consulting Group careers, culture is a key factor in deciding whether the firm’s public sector focus aligns with personal and professional goals.

What is the interview process at Public Consulting Group?

The interview process at Public Consulting Group typically includes an initial phone screen followed by one or more in-depth interviews. Candidates can expect a mix of behavioral questions, discussions about public sector interest, and in some cases, case-style problem-solving exercises.

Steps in the interview process:

• Phone screen with recruiter to confirm fit and interest
• One-on-one interviews with managers or consultants
• Behavioral questions on teamwork, leadership, and public service motivation
• Possible case component to test problem-solving and communication skills
• Final round focused on long-term career goals and client fit

Preparing for both behavioral and case-style interviews is important to succeed in the Public Consulting Group hiring process.

How much does Public Consulting Group pay consultants?

Public Consulting Group pays analysts around $95,000 to $100,000 annually, which typically includes a base salary of about $85,000 and a performance bonus near $12,000. Compensation is competitive for public sector consulting but generally lower than salaries at MBB firms.

Breakdown of Public Consulting Group salary:

• Analyst: ~$85,000 base plus ~$12,000 bonus
• Consultant-level roles: Typically exceed $100,000 with performance incentives
• Manager-level roles: Range higher based on experience and project responsibilities
• Interns: Competitive hourly pay with potential for conversion to full-time roles

For candidates comparing options, Public Consulting Group salary offers solid pay balanced with meaningful public service work, strong benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Public Consulting Group a real company?
A: Yes, Public Consulting Group is a real management consulting firm founded in 1986. It specializes in healthcare consulting, education consulting, and human services consulting for public sector organizations across the U.S.

Q: Who is the CEO of Public Consulting Group?
A: The CEO of Public Consulting Group is William Mosakowski, who also founded the firm. Under his leadership, PCG has expanded into healthcare, education, and technology consulting across multiple U.S. locations. 

Q: Who are the competitors of Public Consulting Group?
A: Competitors of Public Consulting Group include large consulting firms like Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC, as well as niche public sector consulting specialists focused on healthcare and education services.

Q: Is consulting a stressful career?
A: Consulting can be a stressful career due to demanding hours, client expectations, and travel. However, firms like Public Consulting Group emphasize supportive culture and diversity programs to balance workload with professional development.

Q: Who pays the most in consulting?
A: Among consulting firms, McKinsey, BCG, and Bain are often cited as paying the most in consulting, with salaries well above the industry average. Public Consulting Group salary levels are competitive for public sector consulting.