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Consulting Q&A

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.

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Kearney in Australia - 3 questions about recruiting

A.T. Kearney Australia Decision Round Industry experience recruiting rounds SE Asia
Most recent answer on Oct 08, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 27, 2023) 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 27, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, congratulations on the invitation from Kearney! I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: First of all, while it i ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
796
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 2023
Last Activity

Thoughts on joining consultancy firm now vs 3 YOE in industry

Capgemini Invent Finance background Industry experience
Most recent answer on Nov 06, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 05, 2022) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 05, 2022
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi Mark, Congrats on the offer :) Would a switch to consulting still be feasible later on? A switch to consulting will still be feasible with ~3 YOE. During my time in consulting, I have known consultants with up to 8-1 ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.2 k
Views
30
Total Upvotes
on Nov 06, 2022 on Nov 06, 2022
Last Activity

How to efficiently / effectively learn a brand new industry or topic?

Industry experience
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2022
The best answer (on Oct 31, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 31, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  I definitely empathise with the situation. I felt like that often when starting projects, especially when I was more junior.  There are four things that I would attempt: Search for ‘industry primers’. Most co ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
858
Views
33
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2022 on Oct 31, 2022
Last Activity

Bain: Commercial Excellence Specialist Consultant

Bain & Company First Round Industry experience
Most recent answer on May 17, 2022
The best answer (on May 17, 2022) is from:
Lucie
Expert
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader
Lucie
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 17, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader
Hi there,  I am an experienced hire myself and experienced/experts are used as generalist: from proposal up to implementation, but their value is more on content, bringing client perspective, bridging the conversation b ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
962
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on May 17, 2022 on May 17, 2022
Last Activity

The way from a small manufacturing company to MBB

BCG Bain McKinsey Industry experience manufacturing
Most recent answer on Dec 08, 2021
The best answer (on Dec 05, 2021) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Dec 05, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, 1) I wonder how likeable my overall profile would be for MBBs? Especially for the offices in the ME, where historically mostly Public, Oil & Gas have power. If you apply as an MBA student at a top school, ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
803
Views
33
Total Upvotes
on Dec 08, 2021 on Dec 08, 2021
Last Activity

After 25 yr in industry: can one move to consulting?

age limit Experienced Hire Industry experience recruiting
Most recent answer on Jan 10, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 09, 2021) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 09, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! A priori yes, for sure, there are many cases of industry experts who join in high tenures. However, totally depends on which area of expretise and the areas covered by each of the offices, since this is a mu ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
1.3 k
Views
144
Total Upvotes
on Jan 10, 2021 on Jan 10, 2021
Last Activity

Applying to implementation branch of Capital and Infrastructure Projects in Big4 or Accenture

Engineering Engineering and Management Consulting Experienced Hire Implementation Industry experience PwC Interview
Most recent answer on Nov 12, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 11, 2020) is from:
Adi
Expert
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
Adi
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 11, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
Hi Dana, I ran Accenture UK & Ireland's Supply Chain and Operations practice in London, so can give you plenty of tips and insights on your aspirations. Please feel free to message me and we can setup an intro call ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
2.0 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Nov 12, 2020 on Nov 12, 2020
Last Activity

What roles can I pursue from being in Technical Consulting to move into MBB?

Application application process application strength Application timing applying Consulting Resume Experienced Hire getting interview Industry experience Resume
Most recent answer on Oct 16, 2020
The best answer (on Oct 09, 2020) is from:
Robert
Expert
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author
Robert
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 09, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author
Hi Sri, Obviously you have several possible options to pursue. However, why not Kick-starting your networking activities in MBB to jump over the CV-screening (currently a major liability on your balance sheet, a ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
2.3 k
Views
40
Total Upvotes
on Oct 16, 2020 on Oct 16, 2020
Last Activity

Project Manager or Team Lead - what is a bigger advantage for experienced hires?

Experienced Hire Industry experience
Most recent answer on Sep 09, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 09, 2020
Of course it always depends on which firms you are targeting and what responsibilities you will have in detail in the potential new roles. Assuming you are aiming for MBB and just looking at the labels without further ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.1 k
Views
42
Total Upvotes
on Sep 09, 2020 on Sep 09, 2020
Last Activity

Reaching out to people on Linkedin as an experienced Hire

Bain BCG Experienced Hire Industry experience Mck RolandBerger
Most recent answer on Sep 03, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 27, 2017) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 27, 2017
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, Your e-mail is good. Also, you are right - the conversion to reference will be higher among consultant / manager level people who are still interested in the referral bonus. The basic idea is to ask these people f ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
6.1 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Sep 03, 2020 on Sep 03, 2020
Last Activity

German Consulting Recruitment Time line for 2020 ?

Application germany Industry experience
Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 31, 2020) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 31, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi Akshay, it usually takes up to 2 months, but in this special period it can be longer. Best, Antonello
2
Answers
1.1 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Aug 31, 2020 on Aug 31, 2020
Last Activity

Apply first or study first?

Application timing Industry experience
Most recent answer on Jun 15, 2020
The best answer (on Jun 13, 2020) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jun 13, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Fiona, I would not recommend you wait the invitation to start preparing on cases. Many candidates get max 2-3 weeks notice before the first round. Also, many candidates need a minimum of 30 cases to be in good sh ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
1.8 k
Views
66
Total Upvotes
on Jun 15, 2020 on Jun 15, 2020
Last Activity

What does Industry experience mean in the JD of consulting roles ?

Industry experience
Most recent answer on May 06, 2020
The best answer (on May 05, 2020) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 05, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! Congrats for your offer! I would make myself the following questions to reflect: Which is my long term goal? If consulting, as you say, the boutique positions you better for it -as it seems with th ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.2 k
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on May 06, 2020 on May 06, 2020
Last Activity

Industry knowledge required in interview (experienced hire)

Industry experience
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2020
The best answer (on Feb 18, 2020) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 18, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, I do not agree with Case in Point here. Although MBB companies will tell you that industry knowledge is not required, in reality, it will help you solve the case and impress the interviewer. Business Acumen is a ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
1.9 k
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2020 on Apr 30, 2020
Last Activity

8 years of non-typical background and ways of landing an interview

consulting Industry experience
Recent activity on May 24, 2019
The best answer (on May 24, 2019) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 24, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, There are 2 things that can help you: Reshuffle your resume to highlight the business experience Get a referral There are certain criteria for the referral: The consultant makes you a reference in the ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
2.0 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on May 24, 2019 on May 24, 2019
Last Activity

Might I be better off trying to go straight into industry than consulting?

exit options Industry experience leadership and development MBB
Recent activity on Aug 05, 2018
The best answer (on Aug 04, 2018) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 04, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Fred, MBB have a wide variety of alumni who become CXO in some of the biggest companies worldwide, I would say thus you will be totally safe going into consulting if you target a senior management position. In gene ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
3.9 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Aug 05, 2018 on Aug 05, 2018
Last Activity

Corelation of Interviewer's background with the industry of the phone round case

Industry experience McKinsey Phone interview
Recent activity on Apr 07, 2018
The best answer (on Apr 07, 2018) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Apr 07, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, based on my experience: Low correlation in first rounds – also due to the fact that specialization for Engagement managers is not as strong as for Partners High correlation in final rounds – at thi ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.9 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Apr 07, 2018 on Apr 07, 2018
Last Activity

What is the best way for experienced hired to break into consulting? And which companies more willing to hire them?

Experienced Hire Industry experience
Recent activity on Mar 03, 2018
The best answer (on Mar 03, 2018) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 03, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Fiona, to answer your first question, whatever is your current experience (Vlad provided a good list of the possible options) the best way to break into consulting for an experience hire is to network and apply via ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.8 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Mar 03, 2018 on Mar 03, 2018
Last Activity

Consulting after industry experience

case championships Industry experience MBB preparation
Recent activity on Jan 19, 2017
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jan 11, 2017
It's not a very typical path to enter MBB from industry unless you enter as a subject-matter-expert (SMEs at McKinsey or equivalents elsewhere). There are a few ways this can be achieved: 1. MBA: get into a 1-yr progr ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
8.0 k
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Jan 19, 2017 on Jan 19, 2017
Last Activity
19 results
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