Roland Berger

I've been on the other side interviewing candidates for RB Riyadh for many years, and I can tell you some of what I used to look for in Business Analysts (non-exhaustive):

- Sharp CV that actually catches the attention and passes the screening (e.g., good grades, defect-free language and format, relevant experience, etc.)

- Ability to show understanding of the firm and the job (e.g., type of work, expected hours, what RB stands for, etc.)

- Excellent communication and argumentation skills (e.g., is he someone I can trust in front of a client)

- Structure and frameworks (e.g., ability to simplify a complex problem using a top-down MECE approach, 

- Critical thinking and being good with numbers (e.g., ability to think on your feet, do arithmetic fast, etc.)

Ultimately, one of the most important thing I used to look for is if this candidate has what it takes to succeed as a consultant and if he/she is coachable. As a business analyst, you are not expected to know the consulting craft from day 1, but definitely you are expected to learn and grow fast

Hi there,

Quite simply, the holistic extent of your consulting related experience, including education and brands, is what matters.

With 9+ months of experience, you are expected to have a better understanding of the area you come from. You should have more powerful FIT answers, as you should have had some trying and challenging experiences.

For what Roland Berger Riyadh specifically emphasizes, network! Your question is a fantastic excuse to reach out to people in that office AND a great question to ask during the networking call.

Hey there :)

With 9+ months of experience, I’d expect Roland Berger Riyadh to look for strong problem solving, structured thinking, communication and the ability to take ownership early. I actually had an internship at Roland Berger myself and received an offer, so I’d say the fit and case performance matter a lot, alongside a clear motivation for the firm and the Middle East.

Your experience level is definitely enough to position yourself beyond a pure entry level candidate, so I’d make sure your CV clearly shows impact rather than just responsibilities.

best, Alessa :)