Kearney Australia

Question

Hi,

Would love to get some advice:

1. What's the interview process like for an ex-MBB consultant interviewing for Kearney manager role? Are case interviews involved or would it be more of a fit interview?

2. How is the lifestyle of Kearney Australia compared to MBB Australia?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Interview process: Even for ex-MBB candidates applying to a manager role at Kearney, expect a structured process with both case and fit interviews. At manager level, cases are often less about drilling math and more about how you structure ambiguous problems, lead teams, and draw insights. They may also test your ability to drive a client conversation, not just solve the case. Fit interviews will dig into leadership, client management, and reasons for moving. You shouldn’t assume it will be purely conversational—case prep is still necessary.
Lifestyle at Kearney Australia vs MBB: Generally, Kearney has a reputation for being a notch more balanced than MBB in Australia, though this can vary by office and project. Hours can still be intense (common in consulting), but the culture is often described as slightly less “up or out” and with more emphasis on sustainability and collegiality. Compensation is typically competitive but a step below MBB. In short: still demanding, but a bit more manageable on average compared to MBB.

Best,
Evelina

Answer 2

All consulting interviews will involve casing, you will need to brush up on casing skills regardless of where you apply.

Wish you the best,

Udayan

Answer 3

Hi :)

For a manager role at Kearney, even with MBB experience, you should expect at least some case component. It may be lighter than for junior hires and more focused on how you structure problems and lead teams, but they’ll still want to test problem-solving. Fit and leadership interviews will be equally important.

Lifestyle-wise, Kearney Australia is generally a bit lighter than MBB in terms of hours and travel, though still demanding. Culture is described as collaborative and slightly less intense, but expectations remain high, especially at manager level.

best,
Alessa :)

Answer 4

Hi there,

Cannot say for #2, but for #1, yes there will be case still, even though you might not get it in every conversation you have with them, but expecte at least 1-2 cases.

Best,

Emily

Answer 5

Yes, you will have a regular case interview, even if you have a proven track record in Strategy Consulting. You will also have FIT questions, which will carry significant weight in the decision.