At Rios Partners, we believe mentorship is the cornerstone of professional growth, especially in the consulting industry. January marks National Mentoring Month, and we proudly highlight how deeply mentorship is ingrained in our culture. For us at Rios Partners, it’s not just a value; it’s the active method through which we develop the next generation of consultants. We are committed to empowering them to cultivate critical thinking, excel in collaborative environments, and deliver impactful solutions. Our internship program is a tangible manifestation of this dedication, carefully designed to integrate practical, hands-on experience with comprehensive guidance and robust support, crucial for fostering substantial professional development.
One of our success stories comes directly from within. James (Jimmy) Ragan Hattier, a former Summer Consultant Intern and now a full-time consultant at Rios Partners, shares his impactful experience: “My internship served as an ideal introduction to the Rios Way of consulting. From day one, Rios Partners entrusted me with responsibilities akin to those of a new full-time hire. I was an active participant in meetings and a contributor to key work products. The consistent, constructive feedback I received from project team members was instrumental in building my confidence and realizing my potential within the Rios consulting team. Returning as a full-time employee, I was able to seamlessly integrate and contribute value immediately, leveraging the network and knowledge gained during my internship.”
From the moment they join Rios Partners, each intern is paired with a dedicated Rios Buddy. This mentor acts as a guide, offering support in navigating the organizational landscape, answering questions, and ensuring interns feel fully supported as they immerse themselves in real client projects. By actively integrating interns into project teams, we go beyond theoretical learning. We provide a platform for them to directly contribute to solving complex, real-world challenges. This hands-on approach is central to our commitment at Rios Partners.
Further reinforcing our mentorship culture is the Rios Partners Learning & Lunch Series. This initiative brings together the entire Rios team to facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange experiences. These sessions cover a wide array of topics, from in-depth explorations of human-centered design principles to practical tips for effective client engagement, and even informal Q&A sessions with our CEO. These moments are invaluable, providing interns with unique opportunities to learn directly from—and build connections with—Rios Partners team members at all levels of the organization.
The internship program culminates in a final presentation, a significant milestone where interns showcase their contributions, reflect on their overall experiences, and receive constructive feedback from the broader Rios Partners team. This is more than just a presentation; it’s a celebration of their professional growth journey and a recognition of the impactful mentorship that has been pivotal to their development.
Mentorship is deeply interwoven into every facet of Rios Partners—from our engagement with interns to our internal team collaborations. It’s the fundamental approach we use to strengthen our consulting practice and ensure every member of our team is equipped to excel and thrive.
