1. What is a Consultant at Burns & McDonnell?

The role of a Consultant at Burns & McDonnell—often sitting within the 1898 & Co. division—is distinct from typical engineering roles. While the company is rooted in engineering and construction, your role focuses on business strategy, technology transformation, and operational intelligence. You act as the bridge between complex technical infrastructure (like electric utilities, critical manufacturing, or government systems) and high-level business goals.

In this position, you are not just delivering data; you are driving decisions. Whether you are specializing in AI Solutions, Geospatial (GIS) Systems, or general utility strategy, your work directly impacts how critical infrastructure is modernized. You will help clients navigate the energy transition, optimize asset management through predictive modeling, and implement digital solutions that ensure grid reliability and efficiency.

You will join a team that prides itself on "employee ownership." This means you are expected to think like an owner—taking initiative, identifying new business opportunities, and delivering work that ensures long-term client success. The environment is collaborative but rigorous, requiring you to pivot quickly between technical deep-dives (e.g., Python scripting or ArcGIS modeling) and executive-level presentations.

2. Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for the Consultant role requires a shift in mindset. You need to demonstrate that you possess both the technical vocabulary to speak with engineers and the polish to present to executives. The process is designed to test your communication skills as much as your technical resume.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

Communication & Presentation Skills – This is the single most important non-technical factor. You will likely be asked to deliver a presentation about yourself. Interviewers are evaluating your ability to synthesize information, manage time constraints, and engage an audience. They want to see if you can tell a compelling story—starting with "who you are" and ending with "why you are here."

Domain Expertise (Utilities & Infrastructure) – Burns & McDonnell dominates the power and infrastructure sectors. Whether your background is in data science or GIS, you must demonstrate an understanding of the specific challenges these industries face (e.g., grid modernization, SCADA data integration, renewable energy integration).

Consulting Aptitude – Beyond hard skills, you are evaluated on your ability to "consult." This means showing curiosity, asking the right questions to uncover client pain points, and proposing pragmatic solutions rather than just theoretical ones. You need to show you can handle ambiguity and shifting project priorities.

Cultural Fit & Ownership – As an employee-owned firm, they look for candidates who are self-starters. They value humility, a "can-do" attitude, and a willingness to mentor others. Arrogance or an inability to collaborate is a major red flag.

3. Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Consultant position at Burns & McDonnell is generally described as efficient and relationship-focused, typically spanning 3 to 7 weeks depending on team availability. The process usually begins with an initial screening, which may be a phone call with a recruiter or a recorded video interview where you answer prompted behavioral questions. This step checks your basic qualifications and communication style.

If you pass the screen, you will move to the core of the evaluation: the on-site (or virtual) panel interview. This stage almost always centers around a prepared presentation. Unlike standard case interviews found at other firms, Burns & McDonnell often asks you to prepare a 15-minute presentation "about yourself." This is a unique opportunity to showcase your background, personality, and professional journey on your own terms. Following the presentation, you will have back-to-back interviews with different practice groups (e.g., Transmission, Energy, or Technology Consulting).

The atmosphere is often described as laid-back and conversational, but do not mistake this for a lack of rigor. Interviewers are assessing your fit for specific teams during these conversations. It is common to meet with potential peers and leadership from different groups to see where your skills align best.

This timeline illustrates a standard progression. The defining moment is the Second Round Presentation, where you control the narrative. Use the time between the initial screen and the panel heavily to refine your slide deck and rehearse your delivery, as this presentation often dictates the direction of the subsequent Q&A.

4. Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

The interview team will probe several specific areas to ensure you can deliver value to clients immediately.

The "About Me" Presentation

This is a cornerstone of their Consultant interview process. You will be asked to prepare a slide deck (usually around 15 minutes) introducing yourself.

• Why it matters: Consultants must build rapport with clients quickly. This test verifies if you can be personable, professional, and concise.
• What they look for: A balance of personal history (hobbies, background) and professional achievements. They want to know the person behind the resume.
• Success Strategy: Do not just read your resume bullets. Tell a story about your career arc. Highlight what drives you. Keep the slides visually clean and professional.

Technical Domain Proficiency (Role Specific)

Depending on the specific Consultant track (AI/Analytics vs. Geospatial/GIS), the technical depth will vary.

• For AI/Analytics: Expect questions on Python, data libraries, and machine learning models. You must understand data domains like AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) and SCADA.
• For Geospatial: Be ready to discuss ArcGIS Pro, Utility Network, and data modeling. You may be asked about system implementation lifecycles.
• General Utility Knowledge: Regardless of the tool, you need to know why it matters to a utility company. How does this data help prevent outages? How does it support asset management?

Behavioral & Situational Judgment

You will face questions regarding how you handle client relationships and internal collaboration.

• Client Management: How do you handle a client who disagrees with your recommendation? How do you explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?
• Adaptability: Consulting priorities shift rapidly. You need to show you can handle "heavy weekends" or sudden scope changes without losing composure.

Be ready to go over:

• Project History: specific examples of projects where you led a solution from design to implementation.
• Tool Stack: The specific BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) or coding languages you use daily.
• Industry Trends: Your perspective on current trends in energy, such as decarbonization or AI in grid management.

5. Key Responsibilities

As a Consultant, your day-to-day work is a hybrid of technical execution and client engagement. You are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy.

• Solution Design & Strategy: You will work with clients to identify high-impact opportunities. For an AI Consultant, this means envisioning how predictive analytics can solve grid challenges. For a GIS Consultant, this involves designing spatial analysis workflows that improve operations.
• Client Engagement: You will lead workshops and presentations. You are the face of the technical solution, responsible for communicating insights effectively to stakeholders who may not have a technical background.
• Implementation & Delivery: You don't just advise; you build. You will document findings, develop visualizations, write code (Python/SQL), or configure GIS systems. You ensure that the solutions are robust, scalable, and meet data integrity standards.
• Business Development: As you grow, you will support proposal development and sales pursuits. You will help scope projects, estimate costs, and identify new needs within existing client accounts.

6. Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive, you need a mix of hard technical skills and industry-specific experience.

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Data Analytics, Computer Science, GIS, Engineering) is required. A Master’s degree or PhD is often preferred for specialized tracks like AI Architecture.
• Experience Level: Typically, they look for 5-8 years of experience. This is not usually an entry-level role; they need someone who has "seen it before" and can hit the ground running.
• Industry Focus: Experience with Electric Utilities is a massive differentiator. Familiarity with utility data domains (AMI, SCADA, GIS, Asset Management) is often listed as a "Strong Preference."
• Technical Stack:
  • Analytics: Python, Spark, Hadoop, SAS/SPSS, Power BI/Tableau.
  • Geospatial: ArcGIS Desktop/Pro, ArcGIS Utility Network, spatial analysis.
• Soft Skills: Strong written and verbal communication is non-negotiable. You must be willing to travel (often around 25%) to client sites.

7. Common Interview Questions

Expect a mix of questions that probe your presentation, your resume history, and your technical competence. The following list is derived from candidate data and the specific demands of the utility consulting sector.

Presentation & Background

• "Walk us through your presentation. Why did you choose to highlight these specific experiences?"
• "Tell me about a time you had to learn a new technology quickly to solve a problem."
• "Why do you want to work for Burns & McDonnell specifically, rather than a tech-only firm?"

Behavioral & Consulting Scenarios

• "Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult client or stakeholder. How did you handle it?"
• "Tell me about a time a project did not go according to plan. How did you recover?"
• "How do you manage conflicting priorities when working on multiple projects?"

Technical & Domain Specific

• "How would you approach cleaning a large, unstructured dataset from a SCADA system?"
• "Explain your experience with ArcGIS Utility Network and how it differs from the geometric network."
• "What is your experience with predictive modeling for asset failure?"
• "How do you ensure data integrity when integrating multiple utility systems?"

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How technical is the interview process? The process is "technically aware" but not always a deep-dive coding exam. While you may get technical questions, the focus is often on applied knowledge—how you use technology to solve business problems—rather than whiteboard coding. However, for AI roles, be prepared to discuss your code structure and logic in detail.

Q: What is the 'About Me' presentation really for? It is a culture and communication test. They want to see if you are someone they would enjoy working with and if you can present clearly. Do not make it 100% technical. Include personal interests or values to show you are a well-rounded human being.

Q: Does Burns & McDonnell offer remote work? The culture strongly values in-person collaboration and client presence. While there is flexibility, and some initial screens are virtual, the role typically involves working from the office and traveling to client sites (approx. 25%). The "cool office" and collaborative environment are frequently cited positives.

Q: How long does the process take? It can vary. Some candidates report a quick, efficient process (3-4 weeks), while others have experienced delays or gaps in communication (up to 7 weeks). If you haven't heard back, a polite professional follow-up is recommended.

9. Other General Tips

Showcase the "Employee Owner" Mindset: Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. This is a core part of their identity. Research what this means. In your interview, speak to your desire for long-term impact, accountability, and contributing to the company's growth, not just punching a clock.

Know the Industry: If you are applying for a role in the Energy or Utility group, read up on current grid challenges. Mentioning "decarbonization," "grid hardening," or "renewable integration" in the right context shows you understand their clients' world.

Polish Your Slide Deck:

Treat the "About Me" presentation like a client deliverable. Use high-quality visuals, keep text minimal, and practice your timing to ensure you hit the 15-minute mark exactly.

Be personable: Reviews consistently mention that the people are "smart" and the interviews are "laid back." Match this energy. Be professional but relaxed. They are hiring a colleague they will travel with, so likability matters.

10. Summary & Next Steps

Securing a Consultant role at Burns & McDonnell is an opportunity to join a premier firm at the intersection of critical infrastructure and advanced technology. You will be challenged to apply your technical skills in Python, AI, or GIS to solve real-world problems that keep the lights on and the water running.

To succeed, focus your preparation on your personal presentation. Make it engaging, professional, and authentic. Brush up on your utility industry knowledge so you can speak the same language as your interviewers. Approach the process with confidence, demonstrating that you are not just a technician, but a strategic partner ready to take ownership.

The salary data above provides a baseline, but remember that total compensation at Burns & McDonnell is heavily influenced by their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and performance bonuses. For many long-term employees, the stock accumulation and dividends are a significant portion of their wealth, often exceeding base salary figures over time. View the offer holistically.

Prepare thoroughly, tell your story well, and show them you are ready to be an owner. Good luck!