What would be a good answer to ‘Why consulting?’ or ‘Why our company?’ in the case of MBB?

A good answer will be linked to your story (your background, interest, aspirations) as well as how you see that fit with what the company does (focus areas, ways of working, overall strategy). These answers aren’t meant to test uniqueness, but rather thoughtfulness. 

Can you showcase a clear understanding of consulting and the firm (what the job entails, its demands, culture) that gives them the confidence that you are up for it and can excel in that environment (based on what you’ve done and want to do)? That’s what matters. Good luck!

Hi there,

It doesn’t have to be some “wow” original story as interviewers mostly want to see that your reasons are genuine and make sense for you. For “why consulting,” you can talk about what excites you (e.g. solving complex problems, exposure to different industries, steep learning curve). For “why this firm,” make it personal—draw on your interactions with people from the firm, what stood out about their culture, or a project focus that resonates with you.

What sticks with interviewers isn’t flashy answers, but answers that clearly connect your own motivations and experiences to what the firm actually offers.

Q: How to answer ‘Why consulting?’ or ‘Why our company?’ in the case of MBB?

A: Great question, Claudia.

First, let me highlight how important this question is. It’s one of the few moments during the interview process when you can create a powerful, human connection with the interviewer and make your answer stick — just like you said.

Before jumping into my answer, I want to stress that this isn’t just a casual, break-the-ice question. It actually comes with an underlying question: "Why do you want to leave your current job and join consulting?" The interviewer wants to assess whether you’ve really thought through this career move — and whether you might end up frustrated by certain aspects of consulting, like the long hours, frequent travel, or lack of specialization in one industry early on.

With that in mind, my advice to all my mentees — and this applies to interviews in general — is to focus on both:

A) Non-verbal communication (your energy, body language, conviction, tone of voice), and

B) Verbal communication (the content of your answer).

They’re equally important. So, points to you for thinking about this question ahead of time — that’s exactly how you set yourself up to shine on interview day!

If you want more help on A)non-verbal delivery, just let me know. But for now, I’ll say this: you need to be genuinely convinced of your answer, because that authenticity is what will make your communication natural and compelling.

Now, for B) the content of your answer, I suggest this 3-step framework:

1. List what excites you about consulting and/or the MBB firm you're applying to.

This could include things like intellectual challenge, impact, variety of projects, structured problem-solving, exposure to senior leadership, etc.

2. Pick 1–3 of those that you feel are missing or limited in your current role.

Maybe it’s not part of the job’s nature, or maybe you’ve already learned what you wanted and it’s no longer challenging.

3. Include 1–2 examples of what you've been doing to develop those skills or experiences.

For example: enrolling in a course, leading a cross-functional project, volunteering for something outside your comfort zone, etc.

This approach makes your story personal, because only you can speak to your own motivations and current situation. It also shows that your move to consulting isn’t a whim — it’s a thoughtful, logical next step in your career.

Hope this helps — and best of luck with your interviews!

— Anderson

Hi Claudia!

Most answers to “Why consulting?” or “Why our firm?” sound like they were written by ChatGPT or copied from a career site. “I love problem-solving, steep learning curves, and impact.” Every interviewer’s heard it a hundred times before.

Here’s the truth: MBB interviewers aren’t looking for an “original” answer. They’re looking for an answer that feels real. One that shows clarity of thought, self-awareness, and maturity. The traits of someone they’d trust in front of a CEO next month.

Let me show you how to build one.

1. Start from your inflection point, not your résumé.
Every strong “Why consulting” story starts with a moment of realization. Something clicked. You saw what great problem-solving and structured thinking can do, and you wanted to master it.
Maybe you were leading a messy project and realized you loved the analytical part more than the delivery. Maybe you saw consultants transform chaos into clarity and thought, I want to be that person.

That’s where your story starts.

2. Make it about who you’re becoming, not what you’re leaving.
Most candidates talk about what they did. The best talk about what they’re becoming.
Frame your move as the next logical step in your evolution.
Example: “I’ve built significant expertise in X. What I’m missing now is the structured exposure to complex, high-stakes problems that forces me to think across industries and functions. That’s why consulting.”

It sounds confident, intentional, and forward-looking.

3. For “Why this firm?”, connect to their values in action.
Don’t say “because of the people” or “the culture.” Everyone says that.
Instead, connect your motivation to something tangible you’ve seen.
Example: “When I spoke to consultants from BCG Zurich, what stood out was how analytical rigor never comes at the cost of empathy. That combination is rare, and it’s exactly the environment where I’d thrive.”

Now the interviewer knows two things:
a) You’ve done your homework.
b) You know what kind of environment brings out your best.

The interviewer’s mental takeaway:
“This person has reflected deeply, understands what drives them, and fits our world.”

That’s the real goal. Not originality. Authenticity with precision.

The best answers always sound like this: simple, specific, emotionally honest.

Because MBB consultants don’t hire people who say smart things.
They hire people who think clearly.

Hope this helps!
Sidi

___________________

Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™

Hi,

You don’t need an especially original answer. You need a true (also don't lie to yourself - this will eventually catch up to you during your time in consulting...)  and well-reasoned one. What can make it memorable is how clearly it connects your personal story to what consulting (and that firm) actually offers.

For "Why consulting”, talk about what genuinely draws you (again be honest to yourself)... e.g. solving complex, high-stakes problems with smart teams, learning fast, and making tangible impact across industries. Link it to something you’ve already experienced that gave you a taste of that.

For “Why this firm”, be specific. A bit of a cliche but still mention real touchpoints; so people you met, projects or industries you admire, or cultural aspects that stood out.

Best,
Lukas

There isn't a single answer that's great. 

Why? 

Because a great answer is one that is steeped in your personal experience and motivation. It's about what makes you you. 

So I would start by doing some deep soul searching (take a long walk, to begin with) and figure out why are you genuinely interested in this industry.

Then, regarding a specific firm, I suggest you have a couple of convos with people at that firm and see what would make you excited about joining them and what sets them apart. 

Sounds like a lot of work?

Yes, it is, but it's also what sets candidates apart.

Best,
Cristian

Hey Claudia :)

A great answer balances personal motivation with a clear understanding of the firm. For “Why consulting?”, you can link your drive for impact, problem solving, and learning across industries. For “Why our company?”, go deeper: check the firm’s website, values, and practice areas to find what truly resonates with you. Mention specific initiatives, leadership programs, or development paths that align with your goals. Showing that you’ve done your research and can connect their culture to your personal story makes your answer memorable and genuine.

Happy to help you refine your personal version if you’d like!

best, Alessa :)

Hi,

For me what really makes these answers strong or memorable is typically authenticity. As others have mentioned, it doesn't have to be unique. But it should genuine because it will also affect how strong the delivery of the story is in terms of the micro-expressions etc.

For example, in my own response to 'Why Consulting' as an undergraduate, I wove in key life experiences that fundamentally shaped who I was at that time, and I drew an analogy of overcoming challenges to me needing to overcome to fear of jumping out of an airplane during my military service -> that stuck with many people that I told my story to.

All the best!

Sounds like you could use a coach. There is no generic answer to this question because it is behavioral — it has to come from you. That’s the whole point. A strong “Why consulting” answer shows who you are, not what you memorized. Get a coach to help you build one that sounds like a real person instead of a prep book. Or take a look at the Ace the Behavioral Interview course I built for exactly this purpose.

Hello - great that you're thinking about this as many candidates only focus on casing and put the fit part on the back burner.

My recommendation is try to personalize these answer as much as possible. 

Why consulting

I imagine you have a true reason that you're interested - lean into this! For some it is the learning, access to interesting projects and perhaps pulling together skills you have developed in your career to culminate in one role. Personalize this with examples and stories from your own experience and research that you did on the  consulting industry that got you interested.

Why our company

A strong approach is that you have spoken to multiple people at your target firm. Did you feel a fit with them? Does this firm have a unique focus area (in that city/region), did the people that you spoke to mention aspects that heightened your interest to join the company? All of these aspects are great to draw on for your genuine and unique to you answer!

Good luck!