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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Public sector/government case interview question (MENA)

Government MENA Public policy Public Sector
Most recent answer on Dec 16, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 29, 2023) is from:
Florian
Expert
Strategy consultant focused on energy & industry, I've led dozens of recruitment interviews at BCG
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 29, 2023
Strategy consultant focused on energy & industry, I've led dozens of recruitment interviews at BCG
As the case do not allow for clarfying questions, I would suggest to be even more hypothesis driven, and check at each stage that the interviewer is ok with the direction you're taking.    First, you will need to define ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
339
Views
92
Total Upvotes
on Dec 16, 2023 on Dec 16, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey Public & Social Sector

Government McKinsey Public Sector Social Sector
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Alberto
Expert
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Alberto
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, The process is exactly the same. Best, Alberto
4
Answers
8.8 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Public sector consulting in London

Public Sector
Most recent answer on Jul 31, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 14, 2021) 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 Sep 14, 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, That is indeed not an easy question to answer, so I'm happy to give you my perspective on that: In case you want to join public sector consulting to land a public sector job afterwards, I would advise you to f ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
809
Views
85
Total Upvotes
on Jul 31, 2023 on Jul 31, 2023
Last Activity

Infrastructure Advisory (govt.) interview and case studies

consulting Public Sector
Most recent answer on Mar 28, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 27, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 27, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  My suggestion would be to check in with the recruiter first and ask whether the case will be from within your target industry.  Most consulting firms keep the interview process industry-agnostic because they ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
896
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Mar 28, 2023 on Mar 28, 2023
Last Activity

China/public sector/sustainability

Government Greater China Public policy Public Sector Sustainability
Most recent answer on Jan 16, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 14, 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 Jan 14, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: Yes, both Chinese (local and national) governments and foreign governments are interes ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
751
Views
47
Total Upvotes
on Jan 16, 2023 on Jan 16, 2023
Last Activity

Public and social sector client focus in management consulting firms

Public Sector Social Sector visa
Most recent answer on Dec 26, 2022
The best answer (on Dec 21, 2022) 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 Dec 21, 2022
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for a lot of users, thus I am happy to provide my perspective on it: There are many strategy consulting firms that offer sponsorship for H1B vi ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
537
Views
34
Total Upvotes
on Dec 26, 2022 on Dec 26, 2022
Last Activity

Best strategy firm for healthcare ?

Healthcare Public Sector recruiting
Most recent answer on Dec 22, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 27, 2022) is from:
Emily
Expert
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
Emily
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 27, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
Within MBB, Bain currently has the largest healthcare practice. My understanding is that BCG's was significantly scaled down after a series of scandals on test and trace; McKinsey's also went through a similar situation ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
975
Views
59
Total Upvotes
on Dec 22, 2022 on Dec 22, 2022
Last Activity

Recruitment for consultant position is by function/industry or as a generalist?

functional areas industry Public Sector recruitment Social Sector
Most recent answer on Dec 20, 2022
The best answer (on Dec 15, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 15, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  Congrats - quite a few promising things ahead of you.  The short answer is that the recruitment process is what you make out of it. As in, it can be for a more specialised role or it can be for a generalist r ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
917
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Dec 20, 2022 on Dec 20, 2022
Last Activity

Trending specializations to gain experience in for MBB

Accenture Strategy BCG McKinsey and Bain MBB Public Sector
Most recent answer on Jun 14, 2022
The best answer (on Jun 14, 2022) 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 Jun 14, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, Literally, everything right now in consulting is about sustainability. It is the big topic of the decade and is reflected in everything consulting firms do: Every strategy project has a sustainability compone ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
1.3 k
Views
85
Total Upvotes
on Jun 14, 2022 on Jun 14, 2022
Last Activity

Structure of framework

Framework Public Sector
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 24, 2021) is from:
Agrim
Expert
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
Agrim
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 24, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
Usually 3-6 pillars in your framework is fine. Beyond 6 means that you are not thinking in a simple manner, Below 3 means you are thinking trivially. Further, there is NO fixed way to structure - ever. Each framework is ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
947
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2021 on Oct 31, 2021
Last Activity

Covid-19 vaccination case

case practice COVID-19 Government Public Sector
Most recent answer on Jul 01, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 01, 2021) 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 Jul 01, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, Without going too deep into a structure here, be careful what question you are trying to solve. It is a common issue I see with many candidates and as the question is asked here I would clarify with the int ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.1 k
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Jul 01, 2021 on Jul 01, 2021
Last Activity

In public sector cases, what do we mean by the goal being demand or supply driven? Could you give an example?

BCG McKinsey and Bain McKinsey & Company non-profit Public Sector
Most recent answer on Apr 14, 2021
The best answer (on Apr 13, 2021) 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 Apr 13, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, i can't really speak to what they mean by this (as I didn't write that), but that's quite a confusing way to break it down. Fundamentally, there are a myriad goals that public sector cases could have, and yo ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.6 k
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Apr 14, 2021 on Apr 14, 2021
Last Activity

Does anyone have any advice for dealing with non-profits or public sector cases particularly in helping them grow?

Nonprofit Public Sector
Most recent answer on Feb 16, 2021
The best answer (on Feb 07, 2021) is from:
Ken
Expert
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
Ken
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 07, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
It may not be the answer you want to hear but taking a framework-driven approach will only get you so far. Interviewers like giving non-proift/public sector cases partly because they tend to be more interesting/impactfu ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.5 k
Views
82
Total Upvotes
on Feb 16, 2021 on Feb 16, 2021
Last Activity

Best non-profit / public sector cases to practice?

Case Interview MBB non profit Public Sector
Most recent answer on Jan 12, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 10, 2021) 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 10, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, First, if you have a short timeframe, I cannot recommend a coaching session highly enough. Coaching is the best way to make up for lost time. Practice Cases If you want some practice cases: Tepper 20 ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.9 k
Views
82
Total Upvotes
on Jan 12, 2021 on Jan 12, 2021
Last Activity

How to prepare for first online case study interview - Public Sector Consultant

case study consultant Public Sector
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 28, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 28, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, It would really help if you can put the name of the company here. Otherwise, it's really hard to help you. It looks like you are talking about BCG case and you can find a sample here: https://www.dropbox.com/s ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
5.0 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2020 on Dec 31, 2020
Last Activity

Public Sectory Operations

Deloitte Deloitte Operations Deloitte S&O operations Public Sector
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2020
The best answer (on Jun 15, 2019) is from:
Daniel
Daniel gave the best answer on Jun 15, 2019
Hi Neeraj, McKinsey has two public-sector cases on their website (https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/interviewing). You could start with them. Have a look at casebooks from business schools (Wharton, Kellogg, etc.). They ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.4 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2020 on Dec 31, 2020
Last Activity

Good framework to use for public sector or non-profit cases

non-profit Public Sector
Most recent answer on Nov 17, 2020
The best answer (on Oct 09, 2020) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 09, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! The most important message first: >>> There is no conceptual difference between profit and non-profit cases! <<< This perception just comes from the tradition of "case frameworks" that have bee ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
3.7 k
Views
24
Total Upvotes
on Nov 17, 2020 on Nov 17, 2020
Last Activity

Does anyone have any good resources for public sector/ government, or nonprofit consulting?

Corporate Social Responsibility Government Nonprofit Public Sector resources
Most recent answer on Nov 17, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Apr 26, 2019
I am not sure whether any particular source specifically focused on the public sector but many MBA case books have public sector cases. You may want to check them. Also if you did not solve that already, Diconsa case ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.5 k
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on Nov 17, 2020 on Nov 17, 2020
Last Activity

Roland Berger - experienced hire

Experienced Public Sector Roland Berger
Most recent answer on Sep 18, 2020
Anna asked on May 26, 2017
Hi there - I was wondering whether anybody has gone through the experienced hire process at Roland Berger? Intersted in sharing any experiences with me? Thanks, A
1
Answer
3.6 k
Views
0
Total Upvotes
on Sep 18, 2020 on Sep 18, 2020
Last Activity

Transition from identifying root cause to implementing solution

Baringa Partners Government Presentation Case Problem Solving Public Sector
Most recent answer on Mar 23, 2020
The best answer (on Mar 12, 2020) is from:
Luca
Expert
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Luca
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 12, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Dear anonymous, The focus of the case can vary a lot depending on the case. Generally speaking you should go through the following steps: Identify root causes Find a solution Assess feasibility of solution (wi ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.6 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Mar 23, 2020 on Mar 23, 2020
Last Activity
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