Why move from a Big 4 to Roland berger

Hi there,

A generic answer like entrepreneurial mindset or culture on its own is usually not enough, especially since you’re already coming from a strategy team. Roland Berger will expect a more specific and thoughtful rationale.

Strong reasons to move from Big 4 strategy to RB usually center on depth and exposure. RB is a pure strategy firm with a strong reputation in core strategy topics like corporate strategy, restructuring, and industrial strategy, often with closer partner involvement and leaner teams. Many candidates also cite earlier responsibility, more hands-on problem solving, and a stronger European strategy identity as motivations.

Your answer should connect RB’s positioning to what you want more of in your day to day work, for example deeper strategy work, faster learning, or closer proximity to senior decision makers. It also helps to reference RB’s strengths in your region or industry rather than speaking in abstract cultural terms.

Best,
Evelina

They'll see through generic answers like "entrepreneurial mindset" or "empathy." You're already in strategy consulting at Big 4, so the question they're really asking is: why leave, and why us specifically?

You need reasons that are specific to Roland Berger and can't be said about your current firm.

Here are some angles that actually work.

Depth of strategy work. Big 4 strategy teams often sit alongside broader consulting practices. RB is pure strategy. If you want deeper, more focused strategy projects, that's a real reason.

European DNA and global reach. RB is headquartered in Germany with strong presence across Europe, Middle East, and Asia. If you want exposure to different markets or cross-border work, that's valid.

Industry expertise. RB has strong practices in automotive, industrials, and restructuring. If you're interested in these sectors and your current firm doesn't offer the same depth, say that.

Smaller teams, more responsibility. RB is leaner than Big 4. You might get more ownership earlier. If that matters to you, mention it.

The key is connecting it to your career goals. Don't just say what RB offers. Explain why that matters for where you want to go.

And whatever you say, don't badmouth your current firm. Frame it as moving toward something, not running away from something.

This is the most critical question they will ask, because on paper, you aren't moving into a clearly superior position—you are moving sideways from one strategy group to another. Generic terms like "entrepreneurial mindset" are immediate red flags because every firm claims that, and they signal you haven't done your homework on RB specifically.

The reality is that Big 4 Strategy often functions as a very large internal strategy shop tied heavily to implementation and large enterprise tech deals. Roland Berger, as an elite pure-play management consulting firm, operates differently. The interviewer is testing if you understand the gap and if you have a genuine desire for it.

You need to anchor your answer in two areas: Impact and Focus.

1. Impact & Autonomy: Frame the move around scale. In a boutique like RB, teams are much leaner, often requiring you to take on partner-facing responsibilities and deep client ownership far earlier than you would in the massive machinery of a Big 4 firm. You want to articulate a desire for a place where you are not just a piece of a massive strategy project, but an indispensable part of a small, fast-moving solution team.

2. Sector Focus: This is key. RB has a defined identity, particularly strong in European markets, restructuring, and specific industries like Automotive/Industrials. Your winning answer must tie your existing sector expertise (or career aspiration) directly to RB's strengths. For example, "While I appreciate the breadth of Big 4, my passion lies specifically in [X industry], and RB's reputation for deep, focused expertise in this area is unmatched, offering a level of intellectual depth I simply can't achieve at my current scale."

This approach demonstrates you understand what RB sells, how it differs structurally, and why you fit their specific niche, rather than just wanting a name change on your resume.

All the best with the interview.

Congrats on your upcoming interview with RB! Exciting.

I would suggest taking some quality time to prepare for the fit part of the interview - which RB takes while seriously.

If you haven't already - speak to some current RB consultants to understand why they like RB and use this data to formulate your own story of why you want to make the move. Could be interesting projects, great culture, great brand and upward growth opportunity. Of course, make it unique to you - interviewers can always tell if you have taken the time to really give it genuine thought.

Good luck!

Hi there,

congratulations on the interview. I'm sure you already have some good reasons as to why you applied to RB when you are already part of a Big 4 strategy team. What are they?

Reasons I heard a lot as to why candidates would choose to switch to RB vs. their current company are things like being able to focus on certain content areas more that they discovered they enjoyed (at RB this might be a platform area while at other companies exposure might only come as an opportunistic project here and there). Another aspect could be a different sort of client base.

Just stating the company's self-proclaimed values such as "entrepreneurial mindset" or "empathy" would be a very weak answer to give. 

Feel free to message me if you have questions about your upcoming interview.

Best

RB is seen as more of a 'strategy / management consulting' firm than Big 4. The brand is stronger because Big4 does more things beyong consulting and thus the value prop is more diluted. 

In most geographies, RB also has better compensation packages. 

Still, that doesn't mean you have to move. You might want to have a chat with some people from each office to get a vibe of how things specifically for your geography.

Best,
Cristian

hey there :)

You can definitely start with something like entrepreneurial mindset, but it’s much stronger if you add personal experience. I loved the culture at Roland Berger and the kind of clients you get to work with, having worked there myself, I can say it really gives you more ownership and impact compared to Big 4. Framing it that way makes your answer concrete and authentic.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there,

A common reason is more exposure to different type of project/industries/geographies.