“Why consulting?” – It’s one of the most common questions during your case interview and as it’s so predictable, make sure to be prepared. Top firms such as McKinsey, BCG or Bain ask the “Why consulting” question to assess your motivation for the job and find out if you are a good personal fit for the position as management consultant. After all, consulting is not only one of the most prestigious industries to work in, but also known for its long working hours and competitive work environment. It’s not a job for everyone, and interviewers want to make sure that you know what you are getting yourself into and choose this demanding career path for the right reasons.
In this article, we will cover what interviewers expect when they ask the “Why consulting?” question and how you can shine with your answer. We will also present you some sample answers and give some tips and tricks. ✨
A lot of candidates in consulting interviews think that the question “why consulting?” is just a conversation opener or a formality to check off. However, if this would be the case, you would not get this question from every single interviewer you are talking to. The real reason why interviewers ask this question so frequently during case interviews is that it helps them to instantly separate good from bad candidates. In general, this question assesses four major criteria that are crucial for the job in management consulting. They want to know:
Do You Understand the Job? 💡
By asking “Why consulting?”, interviewers want to gauge whether you truly understand what the job entails. They’re looking for candidates who know what management consulting is all about—not just those who are applying because of the job’s prestige or exit opportunities. This helps weed out applicants who might not have a genuine interest in the role.
Can You Think Structurally? ⚙️
Consulting requires breaking down complex problems into manageable parts. The way you answer this question reveals your ability to think clearly and structure your thoughts. A well-organized response will showcase that you can approach problems in a structured manner—a skill critical in consulting.
Can You Communicate Effectively? 🗨️
Consulting is all about people. You’ll be working with clients, teams, and stakeholders, so clear, confident, and concise communication is crucial. The “Why consulting?” question serves as a mini-pitch, giving you the chance to demonstrate your ability to communicate your motivations in a way that’s both compelling and easy to follow.
Do You Have Passion and Enthusiasm? ❤️
Recruiters want to see if you’re genuinely excited about consulting. They’re looking for candidates who are motivated and committed to the profession, not just those who will lose interest after a few months. A passionate, enthusiastic answer will show that you’re truly invested in the career path and ready to take on the challenges it brings.
In short, this question isn’t just about your reasons for choosing consulting – it’s a test of your understanding, communication skills, structure, and passion for the field. So, make sure you prepare a thoughtful and engaging answer!
During your case interview, the interviewer not only wants to find out whether you have the right skills for a career in consulting, but also if you have the right motivation and want to join for the right reasons. They want to see if your expectations of the job match the reality and try to find out if you will be happy with this career path in the long run. Hiring (and firing) is expensive, so it does not make sense to recruit candidates that will only stick around for a couple of months, use the brand name to polish their CV and then run off to the next career opportunity.
With the “Why consulting?” question, MBB and other consulting firms want to make sure that you will be a good personal fit for the job and can handle the demanding requirements that come along with it. They expect stories of evidence that you will manage and enjoy the environment in consulting, which includes the following specifics:
High-Pressure, Fast-Paced Environment
Consulting is known for its tight deadlines, high client expectations, and demanding workload. You’ll be expected to consistently deliver excellent results, even when working long hours (up to 14 hours a day!). Full commitment and ambition are necessary to stay engaged and motivated in such an environment.
Adaptability to Uncertainty
If you prefer routine and predictability, consulting might not be the right fit. Projects are often complex, fast-changing, and diverse. You’ll need to quickly familiarize yourself with new problems, industries, and functional areas. Your ability to embrace uncertainty and manage ambiguity is key to thriving in this field.
People-Centric Work
Consulting is a people’s business. You’ll be collaborating closely with clients and team members, so emotional intelligence, communication skills, and empathy are critical. Building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders requires flexibility, openness, and the ability to adapt to different personalities and needs.
Does this sound like a work environment you'd enjoy?
✅ If your answer is a clear “YES”, then you’re on the right track! Now, it's time to show that during your case interview.
❓ If you’re unsure and your answer is “MAYBE”, take the time to do more research, talk to former consultants, or engage with other candidates to better understand the reality of consulting.
❌ If your answer is a definite “NO”, that’s okay too—there are plenty of other exciting career opportunities waiting for you!
Make sure your answer to “Why consulting?” reflects not only your motivations, but also your awareness of what the job truly entails.
When asked "Why consulting?", be authentic and honest. If you've thought through your career choice, there's no reason to be nervous—just make your reasons clear.
Here’s how to structure your answer:
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your response to about 2-3 minutes. Focus on the three main reasons you want a consulting career, and explain how they align with your experience and skills.
Show Confidence: Look the interviewer in the eyes, speak clearly, and avoid rambling. This is your chance to show your personality, so be open and confident about why you're excited for the role.
Make it Personal: Stand out by sharing specific, personal stories that highlight your enthusiasm and experience. Talk about situations where you’ve thrived in a fast-paced, demanding environment, or where you’ve enjoyed solving complex problems.
Be Genuine: Your answer should feel natural, not overly rehearsed. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, just make sure your reasons reflect your true motivations. Interviewers can easily spot a canned response, so be yourself!
By showing that you understand what consulting involves and sharing your genuine enthusiasm for the role, you'll make a lasting impression.
A great example answer on “Why consulting” comes from our coach Clara who worked at McKinsey for many years. She is a true expert when it comes to preparing for the personal fit part of your interview, so make sure to check out her Integrated FIT Guide for MBB.
Let’s take a look at how Clara would answer “Why consulting”:
“There are two main reasons why consulting is the way that I want to start my career. I studied Architecture since I loved the multi-multidisciplinary approach: from Math to History, from Construction to Aesthetics. However, I realized that, when it comes to working as an architect, the scope narrows down a lot. Hence, the 1st reason why I want to transition to consulting is to keep the multidiscipline and multi-industry focus. Furthermore, I love being constantly challenged and learning at high speed, and I know that consulting has one of the steepest learning curves. In a nutshell, the 2 reasons why I would like to join consulting are the multidisciplinary focus and the constant challenge that drives exponential growth “
👉 You can learn more about our coaches here!
So, what makes her answer outstanding?
It does take some time and brain juice to come up with a really good answer on “Why consulting”, but it’s time well-invested as it also helps you to learn more about yourself, reflect on your experience and really question yourself if you are ready for a career in consulting.
Finally, we have summarized even more reasons why it pays to work in consulting
While there are reasons that may be mentioned to your interviewer, there are also those that should rather be kept secret. 🚫 The following reasons are definitely understandable and legitimize your motives for sending off your application in management consulting. However, you should avoid mentioning these reasons during your job interview because it will decrease your chances to get invited to another round.
Earning a High Salary: While it's true that management consultants earn well, focusing on salary in your answer can make you seem more interested in money than the job itself. Instead, highlight your passion for the work and the personal growth it offers.
Sponsorship for an MBA: Many consulting firms offer MBA sponsorships, but this should not be your main reason for applying. Keep the focus on the consulting experience you want to gain, rather than the potential for future education funding.
Consulting as a “Safe Option” After Graduation: Choosing consulting because you're unsure of what to do next may come across as lack of direction or motivation. Interviewers want to hear that you’re excited about consulting itself, not just using it as a fallback option.
Exit Opportunities: Consulting can open many career doors, but discussing exit opportunities too early can imply you're already planning to leave. Focus on what excites you about the job and how you’ll contribute to the firm, rather than your plans for the future.
By steering clear of these reasons and focusing on what truly excites you about consulting, you’ll present a stronger and more compelling case.
There are many reasons to seek a career in management consulting. A steep learning curve, challenging problems, interesting people and high-impact projects are just a few of them. But what is it that really matters to you? What gets you excited? What will ensure that you stay motivated even when the days are long and the client is complicated? That’s what you want to point out in your interview. And that’s what will make you successful in the job.
