How to answer fit questions if I come from a non-traditional background? (BCG SEA)

Hi,

I believe coming from a non traditional background is even an advantage as firms are looking for diversity. focus on the skills you can easily transfer to consulting (e.g., communication, research, creativity) and that sets you apart. Always answer in a structured way using the STAR method.

Let me know if you would like to practice the FIT questions together.

Mattijs

Great question! Also interviewed with BCG SEA and would say I come from a non-traditional background (was an event organiser-turned product manager and I’m also a content creator)

Assume you will be asked questions like “tell me about yourself” or “tell me about a time you’ve used data to solve a problem”. For these types of FIT questions, remember that they are looking for how you approach problem solving and whether you can do it in a structured way, not whether you have consulting experience. To address this, two things I would do:

1. Search for common FIT questions (definitely leverage ChatGPT here if you can) and write down some bullet points on how you would respond to each. Practice laying out the structure of your answer eg set context, lay out actions taken, establish results of your actions. For example, in response to a question about when you’ve used data to solve problems, you could straight up say: I will tell you about a time when I was asked to improve viewership on a particular piece of content I created. I will share how I approached it, and the result of those actions. Then you go into your story. This shows that you are able to clearly structure your thoughts regardless of what background you come from

2. One thing interviewers will be keen on testing is your comfort level with numbers, so try and recall examples where you dealt with any piece of quantitative data at all from your internships, and build some stories around how you used that piece of data. The more specific, the better. And even if it’s tricky to recall numbers, try to recall the logic of how you brought information together into a piece of output. 

Hope that helps!
 

Hello,

Congrats on getting this far! I can empathise, as I am also from a humanities background.

This can indeed be an advantage as consulting firms really want diversity of thought (which means lots of different educational profiles).

The most important thing is to show examples of tangible, measurable personal impact in your interviews. They do not have to be business related (in my interviews, I talked about a volunteering project, for example).

Let me know if you’d like some help crafting your narrative.

Hi there,
They are not trying to access if you have had business related experiences, but rather if you have the right behavior and decision making rationale that can be replicated in future situations. 
One of the fit stories I told in the final round at McKinsey was actually within a volunteer group setting, and the partner literally said he would never forget that interview.

I have supported several candidates successfully pass the fit interview conveying their stories in a strong and compelling manner, if you would like to know more about it in a 20min free consultation, just DM me. You will see that you’ll have what it takes and feel confident about this portion of the case!

You’ve got this :)

Best,

Mari

hey there!

Congrats on passing Casey! You're absolutely right to focus on the fit portion too—it’s a crucial part of the interview, even in Round 1.

Here’s how I would approach fit questions from a non-traditional background:

1. Focus on transferable skills:
Highlight experiences where you showed problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, or teamwork—even in media/content roles. Consulting firms care less about what you did and more about how you did it.

Example: “In a fast-paced media internship, I led a cross-functional project to launch a new campaign. I had to align multiple stakeholders, meet tight deadlines, and analyze performance metrics—this taught me structured problem-solving and client management.”

2. Show a clear motivation for consulting:
Explain what drew you to consulting. Link it to your desire for impact, structured problem-solving, learning, and working with diverse teams. Make the story personal but concise.

3. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):
Structure your answers clearly and always reflect on what you learned or how it prepared you for BCG.

4. Be authentic but strategic:
Don’t hide your background—own it. Your unique path can stand out if you connect it well to the skills BCG values.

Fit interviews in R1 tend to focus on one or two behavioral questions (e.g. “Tell me about a time you led a team” or “Why BCG?”), so just prep 3–4 solid stories you can adapt.

You’ve got this—best of luck on Friday! Let me know if you need support! 
I am often collecting fit questions from my former coachees - I have a lot on BCG in case you want to practice! 
Alessa :)

In short, by emphasizing the 'consulting-like' skills you developed or exhibited in those internships.

Consulting interviews care primarily about skills, not knowledge. 

Even if your internships were in a different industry (I also had this situation btw), what you need to show is that you employed skills that consultants would use as well (structuring, analysis, top down communication, etc.)

Best,
Cristian

Hi, 

Congrats on your interviews, that's great news! 

To answer your last point first: the importance of fit questions increases as you progress through the interview rounds because by the time you reach the final round, the partner already knows you can crack a case so, at that stage, they want to assess whether you're someone they would enjoy working with! 

Having said that, even in first-round interviews, fit questions are very important. In my view, here are 3 questions you will almost certainly encounter: 

Q1: Why the industry shift?

Tip: Don’t shy away from your experience, that’s what makes you unique! 
Ideally, try to highlight some of your soft skills (i.e., leadership, communication, etc.). Clearly articulate your rationale for making the switch and avoid generic reasons like compensation or pursuing an MBA.

Q2: Why consulting?

Highlight reasons that aren’t available to you in your current role.
There are many valid arguments here but the one key tip I have is: be structured in your answer and that applies to all fit questions. Interviewers test your structuring skills from the get-go and that includes the fit question part.

A strong answer template would be:

I want to move into consulting for three main reasons:

Reason 1: xx

Reason 2: xx

Reason 3: xx

Q3: Why this firm specifically? 

Tip: This is where most candidates lose points by giving a generic answer. If you can replace the name of the firm with any other name in your answer, this means that it is not tailored enough. So how to tailor it? 

1. Network with current employees (use LinkedIn if needed) 

2. Visit the firm's website, look into their specific projects, values, DEI/ESG initiatives and success stories. 

The goal is to show that you've done your homework and are applying intentionally. 

Hope that helps! Please feel free to reach out for any follow-up questions! 

They are not testing technical capabilities, but attitude and general abilities / skills. These do not depend on a business background.