Does luck play a role ?

Hey there :)

Yes, luck can definitely play a small role, but getting through the first round at an MBB is never just luck. Especially with almost no red flags in your feedback, it’s very likely that your strong fundamentals, clear thinking and real consulting experience made the difference. That instinctive, conversational approach often works best in MBB interviews, especially in final rounds where fit and presence matter even more.

Your feeling of imposter syndrome is normal, but the fact that you’ve done well with little prep only reinforces that you’re more ready than you think. Stay relaxed, keep that conversational mindset, and trust your instincts.

Best,
Alessa :)

Hi there,

As a Senior Manager in BCG, I can tell you that luck mainly plays a role in the following way: sometimes you apply in times where there is growth and projects and get called in for an interview more easily and sometimes you apply during periods of downtime where we don't need new recruits.

Once already in the interview process, there is no more luck involved. Your interviewers will be experienced and would have met many candidates so for sure they saw potential in you when they passed you. Regardless of your case experience, sometimes you compensate with the fit part.

That being said, last round interviews are different ballpark, with partners looking for very specific traits and behaviors. If you would like to practice for the last round and make your offer a sure thing, don't hesitate to write me.

It sounds as though your experience in strategy consulting has certainly helped your case performance!

I think any application process has some element of luck - sometimes you might receive a case similar to one you've practiced the day before, for example. 

That being said, it's not possible to receive an offer unless you can exhibit the skills and capabilities that MBB firms test for in a rigorous and systematic manner.

Good luck with your final round. Let me know if you want to practice some challenging final round cases.

Hi,

What matters is if you are able to demonstrate the right skills, across each round.

Does luck play a role? Of course it does - in anything in life. 

But maybe you are also talented/have the natural ability - don't discount this.

My suggestion - don't worry so much and focus on putting in your best performance. 

All the best!

Luck 100% plays a role in interviews + career progression, you genuinely can't influence this too much. 

But being prepared to seize the moment is something that you can control - Therefore practice, have the right mindset, and be confident in your abilities; everyone is figuring things out at the same time and pace as you most of the time

Hi there,

it may be that luck has played a role, or that you were confident and shown good business sense/math skills and compelling stories in the fit portion due to your non-stress about the interview and previous experiences.

Either way, don't feel that you don't deserve to be there. First of all, this is merely a company (a group of people that get paid to do something) despite all the marketing and buzz around McKinsey, they owe you nothing for you to think like this. Second, two interviewers agreed that you were precisely good enough to pass to the next round, so earn it, you made it! Third, have you heard about the "insecure overachiever"? That's how McKinsey consultants are known -- how funny is that? :-)

My advice is: have confidence in yourself. You may hire a coach to increase your odds of success, but other than that, be proud to have gone this far and keep up the good job. 👏  ...and stop trying to get the confirmation it was luck, that will not help you at all to feel strong for the upcoming interviews. 

You've got this!!

Best,

Mari