SBA and Associate Interview difference

Hi there,

Try not to overcomplicate this.

Perform the best that you can in the interview. Period.

Yes, an Associate post MBA has higher expectations. Generally, they're need more case leadership, higher business acumen, etc. 

However, you're splitting hairs here. Get as good at you can at casing and you shouldn't have to worry.

Prepare for your SBA interview as you would a Consultant interview!

Here's some reading to help:

The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
 

Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
 

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
 

Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases

Hey,

Generally, candidates for every position get the same cases.

For interns, most difficult parts can sometimes be simplified (e.g. where a more senior candidate has to come up with some tough market sizing assumptions, this data is just handed to an intern). At SBA and Associate levels the rigour is pretty much the same, but the performance expectations may vary.

The position you are offered is defined by your interview performance and the general seniority level that you demonstrate. One of my students applied for a Consultant position but ended up receiving a Project Leader offer from BCG a couple years ago. The Partners who made the decision cited her seniority level as the dealbreaker (she had just received a Senior Manager promotion at the Big4 firm she had been working at the time and her work experience was very relevant for BCG).

Good luck!
Nick

Hi there,

Good answers here already.

I want to add one point - often forgotten:

Fit Interviews: For both roles, the fit interview is important. Kearney is known for disqualifying candidates if they feel that they don't fit in or don't want the role enough (find a couple of solid reasons why Kearney is the place for you to be - non-generic ones!).

While the fit questions are usually the same and the traits demonstrated in these interviews might be similar (such as leadership, communication, and ethical standards), Associates might be expected to exhibit these traits in more complex and high-pressure scenarios with more impact.

All the best,

Florian

Basically, consulting firms have been trying to create different entry points for candidates depending on their existing academic credentials. 

Until recently, regardless of whether or not you had a masters, you still started as a BA - that's how it was also with me. 

Now, with a masters, you can start in an intermediary role between BA and Associate. 

The requirements are different between the roles. Basically, they expect a higher degree of mastery of case practice and personal fit the more senior the role. 

Feel free to reach out if you have specific follow-up questions - I've worked with several Kearney candidates at different seniority levels. 

Good luck!
Cristian 

Hi there,

If you are talking about MBB, interview process and excellence bar are at the same level for both SBA and Associates.

I've interviewed dozens of candidates for both positions while I was at McKinsey and the interview fit + case and hiring criteria were exactly the same.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs