At Charles River Associates (CRA), we believe opportunity can change a young person’s trajectory. Our long-standing partnership with KIPP Massachusetts (KIPP MA) creates meaningful ways for students to explore the professional world, build confidence, and imagine possibilities they may not have seen before. Corporate Day—our annual half-day visit at CRA’s Boston headquarters—is one of the most impactful expressions of that commitment.
A Day Designed to Spark Curiosity
From the moment students arrived, their energy and excitement filled the office. After a warm welcome, teams across CRA introduced students to a range of functions, including Finance & Accounting, Information Technology Services (ITS), Marketing, Business Development & Coaching (MBDC), and Talent Acquisition. These conversations highlighted the many career paths that exist within a consulting firm—and reinforced how early exposure can help students make more informed decisions about their futures.
Across all sessions, a consistent message emerged: access to information builds clarity and confidence. Students learned that careers rarely follow a straight line, and that growth often comes from staying curious, asking thoughtful questions, and surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and peers.
Hands-On Learning
One of the most memorable moments of the morning was the Reverse Pyramid Challenge, an activity CRA proudly brings back year after year. Working in teams, students were tasked with building cup pyramids using limited materials—an exercise that encouraged communication, creativity, and problem-solving under pressure.
Beyond the fun and friendly competition, the challenge reinforced a powerful lesson in resilience: setbacks are inevitable, but progress depends on the willingness to adapt, regroup, and try again. It remains one of the most energizing elements of Corporate Day and a vivid demonstration of how teamwork, persistence, and adaptability help people move forward.
Insights From Leaders
Another highlight was the fireside chat featuring Paul Maleh, President & CEO of CRA, and Nikki Barnes, Executive Director of KIPP MA. Their conversation offered students practical and encouraging guidance, including:
• Consistency builds trust—say what you mean and follow through.
• Experience is a powerful teacher; learning happens through action, not observation alone.
• Career paths often evolve and change, and that is both normal and valuable.
• Staying open to new opportunities allows potential to expand.
These themes were captured in real time through a live illustration by Ink Factory, transforming ideas, quotes, and reflections into a visual story that brought the day’s lessons to life.
Exploring Careers
Students then participated in a panel discussion featuring CRA professionals and former Rising Freshman interns. Panelists shared how early exposure to the workplace shaped their academic choices and career paths, while offering practical advice on resume building, interviewing, networking, communicating with confidence, and using LinkedIn with intention.
For many students, seeing individuals with similar backgrounds thriving in a corporate environment made a lasting impression. It reinforced the idea that effort, curiosity, and access to support can open real doors—and that success is achievable.
The Broader Impact
Corporate Day is one component of CRA’s All-Access Initiative, a core part of our Community Advancement efforts and a cornerstone of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. In addition to this annual event, CRA offers the Rising Freshman Summer Internship, a competitive, paid opportunity for college-bound seniors interested in economics, consulting, and related fields.
Through hands-on work, training sessions, and sustained mentorship, these programs extend learning beyond a single day—equipping students with the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to advance in their studies, pursue meaningful careers, and contribute to the workforce of the future.
Looking Ahead
To the students of KIPP MA: thank you for bringing your curiosity, enthusiasm, and determination into our office. You inspire us every year.
To the CRA colleagues who planned, hosted, mentored, or supported Corporate Day in any way—thank you. Your commitment demonstrates what is possible when a community invests in future leaders.
Together, we are helping students see their own potential more clearly—and encouraging them to reach higher than they ever thought possible.