Looking to apply to CRA? Wondering what happens after you submit your application? Below you will find the most frequently asked, CRA-specific questions about our application and interview process during campus season. For general application tips, please visit our Prepare to apply & interview page.
Q: Does CRA sponsor international students?
A: Yes. We provide sponsorship for international students and have an in-house immigration team that can help answer questions and assist with the process. Our support includes contingency planning in the event a particular visa option is unsuccessful. Visit our Immigration & Global Mobility page to find out more about how we support our international workforce.
Q: Is it possible to set up a call to speak with a recruiter or a consultant to learn more about CRA?
A: While we do not have the resource capacity to meet your request for an exploratory conversation due to the volume of these requests, we encourage you to connect with us on our social media pages and explore our careers website to learn about CRA.
Q: Can I apply to both full-time and intern positions?
A: If you’re in, or entering, your final year of education, we ask that you apply only to the full-time opportunity. If you have one or more years of education remaining (e.g. you’re in your penultimate year of undergraduate study, or you’re in your final year but planning to do a one-year master’s program), we ask you apply to the internship; we would consider you for full-time employment starting in the year following your internship.
Q: I’m a PhD student, can I apply to intern positions?
A: In general, most of our intern positions are for undergraduate and masters’ students. We occasionally have openings for PhD interns. We encourage you to review the job descriptions for the intern programs to see if you are eligible.
Q: Where do I indicate practice/geographic interest on the application?
A: When you submit your application through crai.com/careers, you can also submit up to two geographic and practice preferences. You do not have to specify preferences if you do not wish, but it is strongly encouraged.
Q: Where a role is multi-office and/or multi-practice, is it possible to be interviewed by more than one office or practice?
A: Yes, we often have candidates interested in multiple locations and/or practices. Visit the Practices section of our careers page to see where each practice has an office presence. Our recruiting team coordinates internally to ensure the process is seamless for you should this scenario happen. If multiple practices are interested in considering you for a role, we will likely schedule more than one interview.
Q: What do I do if I want to change my practice/location preference?
A: Please contact us at campus@crai.com to confirm your new preferences, and we will update your application.
Q: I am open to working in any practice, how will my application be considered?
A: We will review your application to match your background and skillset with the most relevant practice(s).
Q: Are all practices available at every office location?
A: Visit the Practices section of our careers page to see where each practice has an office presence.
Q: Can I be considered for the same practice in multiple offices?
A: Yes. Ultimately, we determine the location for a candidate’s offer based on practice needs and candidate input.
Q: Is it possible to transfer to different offices?
A: Yes, it is possible, but not guaranteed. We offer transfers on a case-by-case basis, typically after 12-18 months with CRA. The transfer is made with approval from your practice and will depend on factors such as whether you will have close colleagues to work with in your new location and your past performance.
Q: I saw a new application open on CRA’s website. Do I need to fill out the new application?
A: If you have already applied for the role, you do not need to reapply. However, if you have found another role you are interested in, please submit your application to that position as well.
Q: How will I know if my application is successful?
A: Each application should receive an auto-reply confirming receipt and describing the next steps. We will contact you if we are interested in moving forward with a first-round interview. After you submit your application, it will be provided to our recruiting team for consideration. We review all incoming applications to see which ones best match our open positions, and we contact the individuals who may be a good fit for one or more roles.
Due to the high number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every candidate. However, we will keep your application on file in case a future open position matches your qualifications. If you would like us to delete your application at any point, please contact us.
Q: Are applications reviewed on a rolling basis or only reviewed after the deadline?
A: Generally, we review applications on a rolling basis though for some positions we only review after the deadline. Please refer to the specific job description to find out when applications are being reviewed.
Q: Is there a way to reiterate my interest in an interview for a position, especially if I applied several months ago?
A: The best thing to do is wait until you are contacted. Our hiring teams will contact you if your application is successful.
Q: I have updated my résumé/cover letter/transcript since my original submission. How should I send this?
A: Please send any updated application materials to campus@crai.com, stating if you have made significant changes. We will update your application.
Q: I have applied for an open role on CRA’s website. Should I apply separately on Marakon’s site to be considered for a position with them?
A: Yes, please apply to Marakon as well if you’re interested in joining their team.
Thank you again for your interest in Charles River Associates. We look forward to reviewing your application materials!