Pros
This is a top firm in the industry, and standards are high, as they should. In this context, the owner is utterly committed to help clients succeed, is transparent, is responsive, pays advisors on time, trains advisors, provides extensive pre-designed materials to ease their work, supports them and the clients throughout, and doesn’t micromanage or get into the advisor-client partnership. She’s also generous with her knowledge, and, with part-time advisors, doesn’t demand that they don’t work for competitors while they work for her; not that the advisor will, but it’s nice to have the flexibility to not be subject to a non-compete. She also doesn’t ask advisors to take marketing calls or do work that falls outside contracted partnership activities. Also, SOP goes above and beyond to ensure that clients deliver in time and don’t have to cram last-minute and force advisors to do same-day turns. SOP does its best to prevent clients’ and advisors’ getting stressed submitting applications too close to the deadline.
Cons
Clients can be demanding or anxious or nervous and often have difficulties articulating their ideas. Calming down clients, instilling self-confidence in them, and helping them crystalize their thoughts are part of the advisor’s job. So, anyone considering joining an MBA advisory firm should keep the above in mind if they weigh in their decision. Stakes are high in MBA applications, and it’s only natural that clients get stressed or worried in the process. The company has high standards, but excellence is expected from a firm of this caliber.