Yakov and Partners Firm Profile: Careers, Salary, and Interview Guide

Key Insights:

• Yakov and Partners Firm Profile shows Russia’s largest strategy consulting firm with offices in BRICS markets and 300+ professionals.
• The firm’s career path spans Business Analyst to Partner, with internships and MBA entry points shaping Yakov and Partners careers.
• The Yakov and Partners interview process includes a problem-solving test, case interviews, and final partner interviews with only 1 percent of applicants receiving offers.
• Consultants earn competitive Yakov and Partners salary packages, from $70,000 at entry level to $140,000+ in senior roles, plus performance bonuses.
• Exit opportunities after Yakov and Partners include corporate strategy, finance, technology, and leadership positions in global firms and client companies.

Yakov and Partners Firm Profile highlights Russia’s leading strategy consulting firm, built from the legacy of former McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants. With headquarters in Moscow and a growing presence across BRICS nations, Yakov and Partners has quickly become a top destination for aspiring consultants and global businesses seeking strategic expertise.

In this article, we will explore the firm’s history, organization, careers, interview process, salaries, culture, and more to help you decide if Yakov and Partners is the right consulting firm for you.

What are the key facts about Yakov and Partners Firm Profile?

Yakov and Partners Firm Profile shows a Moscow-based consulting company founded in 2022, employing about 300 professionals with offices in Russia, India, China, and the UAE. The firm generates around $50 million in annual revenue and is led by CEO Yakov Sergienko, with projects averaging $500,000 per month in engagement cost.

Key details about the firm include:

• Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
• Founded: 2022 by Yakov Sergienko
• Employees: Approx. 300
• Offices: Russia, India, China, United Arab Emirates
• Annual revenue: $50 million USD
• Average engagement cost: $500,000 USD per month
• Leadership: Yakov Sergienko (CEO)

The firm has positioned itself as the largest Russian strategy consultancy after MBB exited the market, filling a gap for multinational and domestic clients seeking high-end advisory work. It works across industries like banking, energy, healthcare, and digital transformation, with a strong emphasis on BRICS economic integration.

How did Yakov and Partners start and grow as a consulting firm?

Yakov and Partners began in 2022 when former consultants from McKinsey, BCG, and Bain in Russia merged under the leadership of Yakov Sergienko, creating the country’s largest strategy consulting firm. Since its founding, the company has grown by serving major Russian businesses and expanding to BRICS nations.

The firm was established during a turning point for the Russian consulting market. With the exit of MBB firms, Yakov filled the gap by offering top-tier strategy and implementation support.

Growth highlights include:

• Built ties with 5 of Russia’s 10 largest companies and 4 of its 5 biggest banks
• Expanded consulting services to India, China, and the UAE
• Leveraged a network of experts in 120+ countries for cross-border projects
• Invested in social impact initiatives, allocating 10% of profits to pro bono work

The firm has also grown in visibility through frequent publications on economic issues, quoted by major outlets such as Bloomberg and the Financial Times. By combining global consulting practices with local expertise, Yakov and Partners continues to scale across industries while shaping BRICS cooperation.

What is the organizational structure at Yakov and Partners?

Yakov and Partners operates under a hybrid model that combines a traditional partnership with a matrixed organization. This means decision-making is shared among partners while consultants often report to multiple managers, ensuring collaboration, flexibility, and efficiency across client projects.

The partnership structure ensures:

• Shared ownership and accountability among senior leaders
• Consensus-driven decision-making on client and firm priorities
• Strong mentorship for younger consultants

The matrix structure provides:

• Flexibility to assign consultants to projects across industries and geographies
• Opportunities for professionals to develop under different leaders
• A balance between functional expertise and client service delivery

Together, this dual model allows Yakov and Partners to remain agile in complex consulting environments while fostering collaboration across global offices. The approach reflects best practices from MBB but adapted for a Russian consulting firm with growing BRICS integration.

What industries and practice areas does Yakov and Partners cover?

Yakov and Partners consults across banking, energy, healthcare, consumer goods, and infrastructure, while its practice areas include AI, digitalization, mergers and acquisitions, ESG, and business transformation. The firm’s broad portfolio allows it to support both domestic Russian companies and global clients within the BRICS network.

Industries served include:

• Banking and finance
• Energy, oil, and gas
• Consumer goods and retail
• Healthcare and medicine
• Construction, real estate, and urban development
• Transport, logistics, and port infrastructure
• Telecom, media, and digital technology
• Agriculture, chemicals, and heavy industry
• Public sector and social services

Practice areas covered include:

• Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics
• Business transformation and operational efficiency
• Mergers, acquisitions, and investment strategy
• Digitalization and IT strategy
• ESG and sustainability consulting
• Supply chain, procurement, and capital projects
• Marketing, sales, and new product development

By combining industry breadth with specialized expertise, Yakov and Partners positions itself as a full-service strategy consulting firm. This mix ensures clients benefit from both sector-specific knowledge and best practices in global business transformation.

How does Yakov and Partners recruit new consultants?

Yakov and Partners recruits new consultants through a selective process that values academic excellence, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills. The firm hires undergraduates, MBAs, and experienced professionals, with applications open globally across Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

Key aspects of Yakov and Partners careers include:

• Target backgrounds: Engineering, economics, mathematics, data science, and business
• Candidate traits: Leadership potential, analytical strength, and teamwork skills
• Hiring stages: Application review, online problem-solving test, case interviews, and partner interviews
• Recruitment reach: Russia as the core market, with increasing global applications from BRICS and beyond
• Early opportunities: Part-time internships for undergraduates, plus full-time analyst and associate roles

The firm emphasizes networking as an entry strategy, encouraging candidates to connect with current consultants and alumni. Yakov also partners with leading universities worldwide, such as MIT, Wharton, INSEAD, and London Business School, as well as top Russian institutions like HSE University.

This recruiting model allows Yakov to source high-achieving candidates who can adapt to client-facing work in strategy, transformation, and digital projects.

What is the Yakov and Partners interview process like?

The Yakov and Partners interview process starts with an online problem-solving test, followed by two rounds of case interviews, and ends with final partner interviews. Only a small percentage of applicants advance through each stage, making this process highly competitive and selective.

Typical stages include:

• Application screening: Resume and cover letter review
• Digital assessment: Problem-solving test to measure analytical skills
• First round: Case interviews with consultants to test structured thinking
• Final round: Interviews with senior leaders and partners
• Selectivity rate: About 15 percent pass the initial test, and around 1 percent receive offers

Yakov interviews are interviewer-led, meaning candidates are guided through the case with structured prompts. This allows the firm to assess logical reasoning, adaptability, and problem-solving under pressure. Preparing with case interview practice, mental math drills, and market knowledge is essential to succeed.

What career path can you expect at Yakov and Partners?

The Yakov and Partners career path moves from Business Analyst to Partner, with clear promotion milestones and training at every stage. Undergraduates begin at the analyst level, while MBA graduates typically enter as Associates, progressing through client-facing and leadership roles over time.

Client service track progression:

• Business Analyst
• Senior Business Analyst
• Associate (common entry point for MBA hires)
• Engagement Manager
• Director
• Partner

Office service track progression:

• Junior professional
• Middle professional
• Senior professional

Yakov and Partners career path emphasizes early exposure to clients, structured mentorship, and international project opportunities. Internships offer a gateway for undergraduates, while MBA and experienced hires gain immediate leadership responsibilities. This two-track system ensures growth opportunities for both client-facing consultants and internal operations professionals.

How much do consultants earn at Yakov and Partners?

Consultants at Yakov and Partners earn competitive salaries, with entry-level roles starting around $70,000 to $75,000 annually and senior managers reaching $140,000 or more. Partner compensation is significantly higher, reflecting both revenue contribution and firm leadership responsibilities.

Typical salary ranges by level:

• Business Analyst: $70,000 to $75,000
• Senior Business Analyst: $80,000 to $90,000
• Associate (MBA hires): $100,000 to $110,000
• Engagement Manager: $120,000 to $130,000
• Director: $130,000 to $140,000+
• Partner: Variable, often $250,000+ depending on performance and profit share

While slightly lower than McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, Yakov and Partners salary packages remain competitive within the Russian and BRICS consulting markets. Compensation is complemented by performance bonuses, professional development, and international project opportunities, making the overall package attractive for ambitious candidates.

What is the culture like at Yakov and Partners?

The culture at Yakov and Partners emphasizes collaboration, professional growth, and impact, shaped by many former McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants. Employees describe the firm as diverse, fast-paced, and supportive, with strong mentorship and alumni engagement across Russia and BRICS markets.

Key aspects of Yakov and Partners culture include:

• Core values: Talent development, centrality of meaningful projects, and long-term impact
• Work-life balance: Demanding hours balanced by wellness initiatives and flexible work options
• Professional development: Structured training, mentorship programs, and international project exposure
• Diversity of people: Team members include graduates from top global schools, industry experts, and professionals from varied academic and cultural backgrounds
• Alumni network: Active participation in gatherings and one of the largest consulting alumni clubs in Russia

While consultants often face long hours, Yakov supports employees with coaching, mental health resources, and development opportunities. This balance of high expectations with career growth is a hallmark of Yakov and Partners culture.

What are the exit opportunities after Yakov and Partners?

Exit opportunities after Yakov and Partners include roles in corporate strategy, finance, technology, and project management, both within Russia and internationally. Alumni often transition into leadership positions, leveraging their consulting experience in highly competitive industries.

Common exit paths include:

• Corporate strategy: Strategy divisions in Fortune 500 and large Russian enterprises
• Finance: Investment banking, private equity, and venture capital roles
• Technology: Product management and data analytics positions in tech companies
• Industry roles: Executive functions at former client companies, including banking and energy
• Academia and nonprofits: Positions in research institutions and social impact organizations

Notable alumni have moved into senior leadership at firms such as Yandex, Avito, and Rusal. This demonstrates that Yakov and Partners exit opportunities open doors to prestigious positions, aided by the firm’s reputation and rigorous training.

Is Yakov and Partners a good consulting firm to join?

Yakov and Partners is a good consulting firm to join if you value international exposure, structured career progression, and competitive salaries within the Russian and BRICS consulting markets. The firm combines MBB-style training with opportunities in fast-growing industries like energy, finance, and digitalization.

Strengths of joining Yakov and Partners:

• Exposure to cross-border projects across Russia, India, China, and the UAE
• Clear career path from analyst to partner with structured mentorship
• Competitive compensation packages and international opportunities
• Strong culture of collaboration, learning, and alumni networking
• Social impact initiatives, including pro bono projects and cultural partnerships

Potential challenges to consider:

• Long hours and travel requirements for client-facing roles
• Highly selective hiring process with less than 1 percent offer rate
• Slightly lower salaries compared to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain

Overall, Yakov and Partners is a strong option for aspiring consultants seeking growth in Russia and BRICS economies, though it requires resilience and commitment.

How to get a job at Yakov and Partners?

You can get a job at Yakov and Partners by building a strong academic record, preparing for the problem-solving test and case interviews, and networking with current consultants. The firm hires undergraduates, MBAs, and experienced professionals who demonstrate analytical ability, leadership, and resilience.

Steps to improve your chances:

• Build academic strength: Excel in quantitative fields such as economics, engineering, or mathematics
• Network strategically: Connect with Yakov consultants and alumni before submitting your application
• Craft a strong resume: Highlight measurable impact, leadership, and problem-solving achievements
• Prepare for assessments: Practice mental math, case interviews, and business frameworks
• Leverage internships: Apply for part-time or full-time internships that may lead to full-time offers

Successful candidates often combine technical expertise with strong communication skills and adaptability. If you can demonstrate these qualities and align with the firm’s culture, you will stand out in the highly selective recruiting process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a partner in a consultancy firm?
A: A partner in a consultancy firm is a senior leader who owns equity, manages client relationships, and guides the firm’s strategy. In Yakov and Partners consulting, partners play a central role in shaping careers and practice areas.

Q: Is a partner the highest position in a firm?
A: Yes, a partner is usually the highest position in a consulting firm. Beyond managing projects, partners influence culture, career paths, and exit opportunities within firms like Yakov and Partners.

Q: What is the salary of a partner in Deloitte consulting?
A: The salary of a partner in Deloitte consulting often ranges from $300,000 to over $1 million annually, depending on tenure and profit share. This benchmark helps compare Yakov and Partners salary structures against Big 4 firms.

Q: Which Big 4 pays the most?
A: Among the Big 4 consulting firms, PwC and Deloitte are often cited as paying the most at senior levels, though compensation varies by region. Candidates exploring Yakov and Partners careers may compare these packages with boutique strategy consulting.

Q: What are the 4 stages of consulting?
A: The 4 stages of consulting are entry, analysis, recommendation, and implementation. Understanding these stages helps applicants prepare for the Yakov and Partners interview process and consulting career path.