Did you have to make any sacrifices along the way? What lessons have you learned? Knowing what you do now, would you do it again?

This question tests your ability to do things 80/20.

What is 80/20? It’s a rule which basically states that 80% of the results come just from 20% of your efforts. So, in practice it means that you need to be able to prioritise and make trade-offs to complete more work in a given time vs striving for perfection in one specific task.

The 80/20 principle is very important in consulting industry, because in most cases you don’t have time to do things perfectly (there are literally not enough hours in a day).

So, when preparing for your personal fit interviews make sure you think about situations where you had to make sacrifices along the way (meaning applying 80/20) and make sure to bring those situations up during the interview. 

A few generic examples of 80/20:

• you wanted to do your internship but at the same time you were completing two degrees, so you persuaded the company to take you in for less hours than what they usually offer their interns;
• you were working on the project with your team and wanted to complete everything on time but then encountered a major problem – instead of killing the team and making them work night shifts, you pivoted the project and achieved some results (maybe not the results you wanted, but some results);
• you were training for a marathon, which was very important to you, but then your team member got sick and you needed to take over his workload – instead of killing yourself by overtraining and overworking, you chose to do a marathon in another city 3 months later, which was a mentally difficult decision but in the end the right one, because you managed to succeed in both;

So, once during your interview you get a question about challenges on the way, unexpected problems and issues, think about 80/20 :)

I'm originally from Friesland, when I had to move to Rotterdam for my studies I had to sacrifice a lot and let go of many things I valued. However I gained a lot as well, this learned me that you shouldn't always keep on to things you love because there might be betters things ahead.

Yes, the sacrifices i've made me realise its all worth it in the long run.

I made a lot of sacrifices along the way. Sometimes it felt like the wrong decision. If i had to do it again, I would get a mentor early on.

First of all: I would not do anything different. Not because everything was perfect but everything was worth it and led to something new.

Sacrifices have been always to have less leisure, to be outside the comfort zone and to have little time to rest on laurels. Thereby i have learned for myself, that i only do feel sustainable confident and happy, when i regularly accept to challenge myself. 

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Opportunity cost is a sacrifice that needs to be constantly evaluated at every major decision. I first made a career sacrifice to pursue my ambitions as an entrepreneur and business owner,  and later again while pursuing my MBA as a first step towards my long term professional objective. Given the chance I would redo the timeline rather than the actual process. 

As I was applying to consulting clubs, there was one night where I missed three things – a movie with a group of friends, a chance to bake cookies with another friend, and a board game night with other friends. I had to skip out on all three so that I could finish my applications, due by the next day. It hurt a lot seeing all of their posts on Instagram, but I knew it was worth it because I love being in the consulting club I'm in now. I've learnt balance as I juggle all my activities - some weeks I get to spend more time with friends, and some weeks I don't, but because I love everything I do, it all works out.

Sacrificing close relationships with friends who were toxic for my physical, mental, and spiritual health and growth.

Even in a Historical moment in which every company looks to be committed to diversity, coming from the south of Italy and belonging to a low income family means that you have to sacrifice almost everything to get on top and sometimes it is not enough, because not having a chance to “network” a.k.a. “to get a backing” means you have to work, get 2 “hard skills” Master degrees (MSc in Chemical Engineering and Doctor of Dental Surgery), learn 3 foreign languages etc. in order to have the money to get a top tier MBA that, even though interviews used to have very positive outcomes, cracking every single business case i came across, did not pay off at all. But I am still here, I am 37 y.o and “making” my own path in order to get where I want to avoiding those doors that are locked for those who have no “backing”.

yes, i sacrificed my time with my children . your determination will get you the results that you require