Hi there,

Q: Would you say that if I apply as a strategy consultant at EY focusing on energy & resources, the interview will be easier than a typical MBB case interview?

It won’t necessarily be easier. However, due to demand and supply, it might be easier to land an offer (there are more people applying to MBB, although they might also have more slots available).

If you are prepared for an MBB interview, you should be fine with a strategy interview at EY.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hello,

I wouldn't say that it is an easier interview. Strategy consulting interviews at E&Y tend to be quite similar to MBB-style interviews, so you will absolutely be seeing frameworks and MECE structuring there too. If you're suspecting that it would be easier because you have more familiarity with energy & resources due to your engineering background, that's also not necessarily true because case interviews test your problem-solving abilities, quantitative aptitude, and logic more so than your expertise. 

If you prepare for MBB-style interviews (i.e., yes, learning to put together frameworks and structure your answers in the way they want), you should be fine with E&Y strategy consulting interviews too. 

Hi there!

Lots to unpack from your question.

So, first of all: Is EY easier than MBB?

Theoretically yes, because they have fewer candidates applying. So it's less competitive. 

Do you need to learn frameworks?

You don't need to learn frameworks for EY or MBB. Learning frameworks are an old school methodology that is likely to blow in your face is your try it these days. Current interviews appreciate more creativity than structural perfection. 

If you're at the start of the process, I'd recommend you have a chat with an expert so you get an undertanding of how to approach this process in the smartest way possible. You could also get their assets this way for your preparation so you have everything you need going forward. 

Sharing with you a pre-read on how to approach the application process in the smartest of ways:

• Free Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

I genuinely wouldn't try to worry too much about the differences - rather, build up the core skillsets required

Hi,

Interesting question - the general consensus is that the EY interview will arguably be easier than MBB. For me, the way I think about why this is so:

• MBB is the most selective and often has the pick of choice from the candidate pool
• Not all top candidates will get into MBB, and some will end up interviewing at T2
• But the statistical reality is that the bulk of the less competitive profiles will end up interviewing and getting offers at T2
• Therefore the standard needs to be slightly lower 

Nevertheless - you should still seek to perform the best that you can.

All the best!

The interview process and difficulty level of the questions tends to be similar. The bar may be at a different spot though.

This means your preparation plan should be similar, regardless of the target firm being T1 or T2.