Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
Sort by
Last Activity
Newest question
Newest answer
Answer upvotes
Most views
Most relevant
Limit Selection
Answered
Your Tag Subscriptions

Bain SOVA Assesment

Bain & Company consulting MBB MBB recruiting process recruiting SOVA
Most recent answer 48 minutes ago
The best answer (9 hours ago) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer 9 hours ago
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Congrats! Most offices send the test to all those who have an ‘eligible’ application - meaning, they scan your documents to see that you have the right profile, but they don't assess them in depth.  Then, once you do th ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
35
Views
3
Total Upvotes
48 min ago 48 minutes ago
Last Activity

My application is currently stuck at the resume stage without any progress.

Bain & Company McKinsey Resume
Most recent answer on Mar 25, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 22, 2024) is from:
Udayan
Expert
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience
Udayan
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 22, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience
The challenge with recruiting for a top consulting firm is that you are competing with people who have stellar resumes for the most part. You do have strong work experience and a good resume overall but quite likely giv ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
115
Views
61
Total Upvotes
on Mar 25, 2024 on Mar 25, 2024
Last Activity

Bain Final Round interview Estimation Question: How would you value Spain?

Bain & Company estimation
Most recent answer on Mar 22, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 21, 2024) is from:
Iman
Expert
Systemiq | Ex-BCG | 10 years experience with 8+ specialising in sustainability | Free Intro | Ex-PrepLounge candidate
Iman
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 21, 2024
Systemiq | Ex-BCG | 10 years experience with 8+ specialising in sustainability | Free Intro | Ex-PrepLounge candidate
This is a cool question! I actually think the more vague the question, the more the interviewer wants insight into how you think. They're looking to see whether you can be a good brainstorm/sparring partner and how you ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
102
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on Mar 22, 2024 on Mar 22, 2024
Last Activity

If an MBB firm takes a long time to give a final offer for a summer internship after final round, is it a good sign or a bad sign?

Bain & Company BCG consulting Final Round internship Interview interview questions McKinsey waiting period
Most recent answer on Mar 18, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 16, 2024) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 16, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there,  Q: Should I interpret this as a positive or negative sign? Normally, offers are extended within a few days. On the other hand, it is unusual to wait so long for a rejection.  Most likely, they don’t have visi ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
109
Views
90
Total Upvotes
on Mar 18, 2024 on Mar 18, 2024
Last Activity

[Experienced Hire] - Why MBB?

Bain & Company MBB McKinsey & Company preplounge
Question edited on Mar 18, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 17, 2024) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 17, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Philip, Sorry to hear about the rejection. In terms of your questions: 1) Should the last aspect (to make money) from my three career aspects not have been explained/mentioned during the interview? I would not recomm ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
157
Views
76
Total Upvotes
on Mar 18, 2024 on Mar 18, 2024
Last Activity

Bain Middle East Salary

Bain & Company doha dubai
Most recent answer on Mar 15, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 14, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 14, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there Consultant should be in the range of 120-140k but if I were you I'd check with multiple sources and also do some networking to get a better understanding of the range.  They do offer relocation allowance / bonu ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
183
Views
34
Total Upvotes
on Mar 15, 2024 on Mar 15, 2024
Last Activity

Bain Madrid Office

Bain & Company Madrid MBB recruiting
Most recent answer on Mar 13, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 11, 2024) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 11, 2024
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions: First of all, while this does not seem to be the official process of providing a referral, you can most likely assume that “uploading your resume” has s ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
138
Views
85
Total Upvotes
on Mar 13, 2024 on Mar 13, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey vs Bain 1st round 2024

Bain & Company Interview McKinsey Interview Scheduling MBB MBB McKinsey mckinsey 1st round interview
Most recent answer on Mar 12, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 09, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 09, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, First, remember that you might not have control over scheduling. For the most part, they get to decide when they take place. Ultimately, I would apply (or have applied) to dozens of other firms. They can be yo ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
475
Views
76
Total Upvotes
on Mar 12, 2024 on Mar 12, 2024
Last Activity

Which industry to start a case in?

Bain Bain & Company
Most recent answer on Mar 09, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 06, 2024) is from:
Nick
Expert
Bain London PE practice / ex-Interviewer and recruiting lead at Bain / I will coach you to rock those interviews
Nick
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 06, 2024
Bain London PE practice / ex-Interviewer and recruiting lead at Bain / I will coach you to rock those interviews
Congratulations! Bain is of course well know as the leading firm on private equity topics (3x the market share vs the #2 player, advises on 50%+ of all large deals), but typically the firm would like you to first attain ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
143
Views
63
Total Upvotes
on Mar 09, 2024 on Mar 09, 2024
Last Activity

ME first round market sizing case

1st round Bain & Company Market sizing MBB Middle East
Most recent answer on Mar 07, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 03, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 03, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, You'll learn a lot more from this by trying it out yourself first! Why don't you post your approach here and we can provide commentary? Hint: This is a bottom-up market sizing (think about how much you could m ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
247
Views
56
Total Upvotes
on Mar 07, 2024 on Mar 07, 2024
Last Activity

Which firms should I look at for a Consumer Insights Consultant role?

Accenture Bain & Company Boston Consulting Group MBB McKinsey
Most recent answer on Mar 06, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 06, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 06, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Sorry to hear the interview didn't go well.  Getting sick is a perfectly fine reason to postpone an interview. So next time, do ask for an extension if you're not ready. I haven't had any candidates bullied into intervi ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
136
Views
57
Total Upvotes
on Mar 06, 2024 on Mar 06, 2024
Last Activity

Failed aptitude test but have upcoming partner meeting

aptitude test Bain Bain & Company BCG BCG Case Interview BCG McKinsey and Bain Coffee Chat McKinsey partner rejection
Most recent answer on Mar 05, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 29, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 29, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi Steph! I like your resilience and problem-solving ability.  In short, you should use these calls to better understand what it takes to be successful during the recruitment process. It's also important to have a perso ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
262
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on Mar 05, 2024 on Mar 05, 2024
Last Activity

T2 USA vs Bain Riyadh Summer Associate

Bain Bain & Company Career Advising MBB Multiple offers offer decision riyadh T2 USA
Most recent answer on Mar 05, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 31, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Congrats on the options (and the baby)! :) Honestly, you can't really go wrong with either of them.  What I'd do is think about which one is more aligned with my long-term plan.  Where do you see yourself with your wife ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
282
Views
134
Total Upvotes
on Mar 05, 2024 on Mar 05, 2024
Last Activity

Initial assessment preparation for Bain & Co

Bain & Company Good resources Online Assessment
Most recent answer on Mar 05, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 04, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 04, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Lucky for you the McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so you really can leverage the practice tests for all of them in order to prepare: The best way is to really find online tests ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
128
Views
53
Total Upvotes
on Mar 05, 2024 on Mar 05, 2024
Last Activity

Time to apply and the intake for new hire?

Bain & Company BCG McKinsey
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 02, 2024) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 02, 2024
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hi there, The timeline you've outlined for the application process at firms like McK, BCG, and Bain is quite accurate. Typically, the recruitment process from submitting your resume to completing interviews and receivin ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
712
Views
96
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Bain Round 1 interview

1st round Bain & Company
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 12, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 12, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
It depends on so many factors. Could you have passed? Yup Did you not pass? Also possible (generally, this is more likely all things equal) Generally you need to do well across the interview and have a strong overall pr ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
227
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Optimal Consulting Recruiting Strategy Starting in March

Bain & Company BCG MBB Mentorship Middle East strategy&
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 16, 2024) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 16, 2024
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions: First of all, it's important to recognize that starting your preparation in March puts you at a unique position. While you may miss out on traditional c ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
225
Views
81
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

CAREER DECISION

Bain & Company BCG BCG McKinsey and Bain McKinsey USA visa visa issues
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 17, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 17, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, You are requesting life altering advice from a free forum. It's like asking “how should I invest my million dollar inheritance”, but not spending a few hundred $ for a professional wealth advisor. Consider a c ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
263
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Bain Nordics vs Middle East

Bain & Company Middle East nordic recruiting
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 19, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 19, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there! Happy to provide a perspective.  1 - which office. Always go for an office where you can demonstrate a link. If you have no connection to ME (nationality, having lived there, worked there, having family there ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
201
Views
43
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Bain - Summer Intern/Asscociate - Middle East - HIRING PROCESS

Bain & Company Middle East recruiting
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 20, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 20, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi Zhan! Sorry to hear about the wait.  I have candidates who are applying in the ME, and they heard back much earlier from their applications.  7 weeks is definitely too long.  If you haven't heard back yet, even after ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
204
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 528 results
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely