At CRA, we understand the value of introducing students to corporate environments and helping them explore potential career paths. Through our partnership with KIPP Massachusetts (KIPP-MA)—a tuition-free, college-preparatory school serving students in underserved communities just outside Boston—we provide opportunities for students to connect with CRA team members and learn more about professional services.
Corporate Day: An Inside Look at Consulting
A highlight of this partnership is Corporate Day, an event where KIPP-MA students visit our Boston headquarters for a half-day of learning and engagement. This experience offers students the opportunity to see firsthand how consulting firms operate and hear directly from team members about their careers and experiences.
This year’s Corporate Day featured interactive sessions, group discussions, and a hands-on challenge designed to encourage collaboration and problem-solving. The visit began with a welcome from CRA team members, setting the tone for a day of exploration and conversation.
Teamwork & Problem-Solving in Action
One of the most engaging moments of the day was the Reverse Pyramid Build, a team-based activity where visiting students worked together to complete a structured challenge. The exercise encouraged collaboration, creative thinking, and communication in a dynamic way. Seeing the students strategize, share ideas, and support one another highlighted the value of teamwork in any professional setting.
Hearing from CRA Analysts & Former KIPP Students
Students also had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion featuring two former KIPP students who had previously participated in CRA’s Rising Freshman Summer Internship Program, along with two CRA analysts with one to two years of experience at the firm. The panel was moderated by a CRA analyst with a few more years under her belt, creating a relatable and insightful discussion.
Rather than a broad conversation about the consulting profession, the panel focused on day-to-day experiences at CRA, the transition from school to a corporate setting, and what skills they found most helpful along the way. The analysts shared advice on what high school students might consider studying, what helped them adjust to the professional world, and how they navigated their early career experiences.
A fireside chat with CRA CEO Paul Maleh and KIPP-MA Executive Director Nikki Barnes, moderated by Raquel Tamez, CRA’s Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer and executive sponsor of Corporate Day, provided another opportunity for students to hear perspectives from leadership. The conversation touched on different career paths and the importance of adaptability in today’s workforce. Students were encouraged to engage in the discussion and asked many insightful questions, sparking thoughtful exchanges about professional growth, leadership, and career decision-making.
Throughout the day, Ink Factory, a local creative agency, visually captured key moments of the discussions and activities in a live whiteboard illustration, adding a unique and engaging element to the experience.
Reflections on the Day
Adriana Borrero, CRA’s Director of Events and Marketing, who also led the onsite coordination of this event, shared her thoughts on the experience:
“Spending time with the students from KIPP-MA is always a rewarding experience. Their curiosity and interest in learning about the corporate world make these events so worthwhile. This year’s Reverse Pyramid Build was a great example of how teamwork and creative thinking can come together to solve a challenge, and it was great to see the students actively working through it. The morning with them was a great reminder of how valuable it is to connect students with opportunities that help them explore different career possibilities.”
Beyond Corporate Day: Continuing the Connection
Beyond Corporate Day, CRA offers additional initiatives to support students who are interested in learning more about professional services. One such program is the Rising Freshman Summer Internship, a paid internship designed for college-bound high school seniors. This program provides hands-on experience in a corporate setting, allowing students to develop valuable skills as they prepare for the next stage of their education.
Our partnership with KIPP-MA is part of CRA’s broader Community Advancement efforts, which include structured programs that provide access to learning opportunities, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. Through scholarships, internships, and hands-on career exposure, we aim to support students as they build their skills, expand their professional networks, and explore potential career paths in consulting and beyond.
Looking Ahead
We appreciate the enthusiasm and engagement the KIPP-MA students brought to this year’s Corporate Day. It was a meaningful and enriching experience for both the students and our CRA team members, and we look forward to continuing to build connections and provide opportunities for students to learn more about professional careers.
A special thank you to our CRA team members who helped make this event possible. We look forward to welcoming more students in the future and continuing to share insights into the consulting world.