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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Consulting to Industry

associate consultant consulting industry Healthcare
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 04, 2024) is from:
Farrah
Expert
2 yrs coaching; ex-McKinsey, ex-Goldman, ex-UN; founder x2; management consultant; Private Equity (3 free lessons!)
Farrah
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 04, 2024
2 yrs coaching; ex-McKinsey, ex-Goldman, ex-UN; founder x2; management consultant; Private Equity (3 free lessons!)
Hello! I'd suggest: 1. Network - research as many people as you can in the industry (spec., those you have a connection to), and ask for a 10 minute chat. I'd probably start outreach with ‘Hello! I’m really interested i ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
208
Views
95
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Consulting to industry question

associate consultant Healthcare industry
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 29, 2024) is from:
Dennis
Expert
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Dennis
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 29, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi, it is very common that consultants actually end up working for previous clients. It is also legitimate to keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities while you are on the job. In your current situation, you p ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
89
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Which role do I stand a better chance of getting into at McK, BCG, Bain and etc coming from academia

associate consultant Bain BCG knowledge analyst McKinsey
Most recent answer on Jan 15, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 12, 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 12, 2024
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, Cool background! I would argue that there is very little difference in terms of difficulty. The interview process would be a bit tougher for consulting roles, yet there are many more free consultant spots (bo ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
214
Views
71
Total Upvotes
on Jan 15, 2024 on Jan 15, 2024
Last Activity

Getting anxious of waiting after final interview--to follow up or not?

Advisory associate consultant big four Final Round followup Partner Interview
Most recent answer on Oct 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 29, 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 Sep 29, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, I believe in your situation all indicators are green and positive + they already told you in advance that it might take a while. Hence, I would stay put for now and give them another week or two to sort thing ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
7.2 k
Views
44
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2023 on Oct 30, 2023
Last Activity

bain and company uk office

associate consultant Bain & Company bain london
Most recent answer on Oct 10, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 10, 2023) is from:
Francesca
Expert
Former Bain | Landed Bain & BCG offers | Bocconi & CEMS Alumna | Free introductory meeting & prep material
Francesca
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 10, 2023
Former Bain | Landed Bain & BCG offers | Bocconi & CEMS Alumna | Free introductory meeting & prep material
Hi there! Ex-Bain here, ready to help! First of all, you could ask them to clarify what kind of test they are going to give you, in order to plan your preparation. In case you are not going to be able to get this inform ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
336
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Oct 10, 2023 on Oct 10, 2023
Last Activity

bain and company test

Actively preparing for interviews with Bain and BCG associate consultant Bain & Company case interview practice with consultants Online Assessment
Most recent answer on Oct 09, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 06, 2023) is from:
Francesca
Expert
Former Bain | Landed Bain & BCG offers | Bocconi & CEMS Alumna | Free introductory meeting & prep material
Francesca
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 06, 2023
Former Bain | Landed Bain & BCG offers | Bocconi & CEMS Alumna | Free introductory meeting & prep material
Hi there! Ex-Bain here, ready to help! The different sections of the Bain test are the following: Situational Judgement Test (SJT) Numerical Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Logical Reasoning Personality Questionnaire Video i ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
473
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Oct 09, 2023 on Oct 09, 2023
Last Activity

Working on weekends without compensation

associate consultant
Most recent answer on Oct 05, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Lorenzo
Expert
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
Lorenzo
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
I'm sorry to hear about the challenging situation you're facing. Here are some insights and suggestions on how to handle this:1. Common Practice: It's not uncommon for consulting firms to expect consultants to work on w ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
417
Views
79
Total Upvotes
on Oct 05, 2023 on Oct 05, 2023
Last Activity

Does it make sense to change career to consulting in mid 30's?

associate consultant BCG
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 25, 2023) is from:
Lorenzo
Expert
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
Lorenzo
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 25, 2023
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
Hi, Switching from a computer science background with some years of experience in industry to a career in consulting, such as at a firm like BCG, can certainly make sense, and it's a path that many professionals have su ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
457
Views
70
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Apply as Healthcare specialist or Associate?

and Bain associate consultant BCG McKinsey Specialist
Most recent answer on Sep 27, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 27, 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 27, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, Given your unique background, it's evident that you offer a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set. I'd like to build upon the expert advice given above with a few more thoughts: Career  trajectory: it's ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
314
Views
44
Total Upvotes
on Sep 27, 2023 on Sep 27, 2023
Last Activity

Bain & Company Middle East

associate consultant Bain Bain & Company Middle East
Most recent answer on Sep 17, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 17, 2023) 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 Sep 17, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Regardless as to whether it's given to anyone or just a select few, remember to focus your energy/thinking/efforts/time on things that matter….no matter what we say what's the result? You need to do the best t ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
416
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Sep 17, 2023 on Sep 17, 2023
Last Activity

What are examples of Associate daily tasks at Mckinsey?

associate consultant McKinsey
Most recent answer on Aug 09, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 07, 2023) 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 Aug 07, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Sounds like you could benefit from getting on the phone and talking to some people in consulting! (I.e. networking). 3 distinct examples/scenarios: Design and conduct interviews (e.g. client interviews) Create ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
485
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Aug 09, 2023 on Aug 09, 2023
Last Activity

Type of cases asked for Bain AC level interview

associate consultant Bain & Company Bain case interview
Most recent answer on Jul 24, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 22, 2023) is from:
Pedro
Expert
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | 30% off in March 2024
Pedro
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 22, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | 30% off in March 2024
Sorry - wrong mindset here. You get 4 cases in an interview process.  Each case can be about anything. Even if you “guess” a “case type” it doesn't mean you'll be able to get the case sub-type. There are no good shortcu ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
515
Views
76
Total Upvotes
on Jul 24, 2023 on Jul 24, 2023
Last Activity

Consulting career options : Accenture Or Cognizant

Accenture associate consultant business analyst
Most recent answer on Feb 14, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 13, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 13, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi Imane,  Congrats on the two offers! It's always great when you have a choice.  I would do 3 things: Reflect on where you want to be in 5-10 years time in terms of role, work type, lifestyle, finances, etc? Then try a ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
626
Views
33
Total Upvotes
on Feb 14, 2023 on Feb 14, 2023
Last Activity

Applied by recruiting event for diversity (female leadership) - Mckinsey

associate consultant Experienced junior associate McKinsey
Most recent answer on Jan 29, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 24, 2023) is from:
Lilit
Expert
Associate Partner at Bain| ex EY-Parthenon|5+ yrs of coaching | Personalised approach and detailed & actionable feedback
Lilit
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 24, 2023
Associate Partner at Bain| ex EY-Parthenon|5+ yrs of coaching | Personalised approach and detailed & actionable feedback
Hi Ardak, I think you should be elibible to apply for an Asociate position, however it would really depend on the roles/ positions you have had over the 5 years of experience. I usually suggest to aim higher and if they ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
571
Views
110
Total Upvotes
on Jan 29, 2023 on Jan 29, 2023
Last Activity

Advice for late-finisher PhD

associate consultant MBB phd
Most recent answer on Jan 23, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 22, 2023) 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 22, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, My advice: Get another job in the meantime Do “pro bono” consulting work. There are hundreds of organizations out there that get you consulting experience Start daily reading to build up your knowledge Start c ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
592
Views
89
Total Upvotes
on Jan 23, 2023 on Jan 23, 2023
Last Activity

Consulting with a criminal record

associate consultant backgroundcheck
Most recent answer on Dec 28, 2022
The best answer (on Dec 28, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 28, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  Indeed, not an easy situation.  My suggestion would be to play by the rules. If they ask for you to declare this beforehand, do it. If they don't, then probably they don't care about it and as a consequence I ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.0 k
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on Dec 28, 2022 on Dec 28, 2022
Last Activity

Hello, I am preparing for Consulting for my college interview.

associate consultant
Most recent answer on Dec 27, 2022
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 22, 2019
Hi Pranay, I am happy to help you in preparation to your interviews and share my experience with you. Please have a look at my profile and let me know, how we shall move forward. Best, André
3
Answers
1.6 k
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on Dec 27, 2022 on Dec 27, 2022
Last Activity

BCG Application

Actual BCG case associate associate consultant BCG BCG Case Interview recruiting
Most recent answer on Oct 23, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 29, 2022) is from:
Sofia
Expert
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching
Sofia
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 29, 2022
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching
Hello, Definitely reach out to HR and politely ask for an update on your application. It's been quite some time since your application deadline, and there may have been some administrative lag or error on their end, so ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
801
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Oct 23, 2022 on Oct 23, 2022
Last Activity

Infrastructure and control projects

associate consultant
Most recent answer on Jul 18, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 18, 2022) is from:
Moritz
Expert
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Moritz
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 18, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Hi there, Impossible to tell without knowing the company. Hence, the best advice anyone can give would be to prepare for any type of case interview. That being said, you may indeed get an infrastructure case, which typi ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
971
Views
40
Total Upvotes
on Jul 18, 2022 on Jul 18, 2022
Last Activity

Bain Final Round

and Bain associate consultant Bain & Company Bain interview Case Interview
Most recent answer on Jul 01, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 01, 2022) 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 Jul 01, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! Congrats for moving to final round! As it has been outlined, its very similar, but : Cases you can expect are more "free riding" - less organized than the ones your found in the 1st round or most prep pages Stron ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
3.7 k
Views
61
Total Upvotes
on Jul 01, 2022 on Jul 01, 2022
Last Activity
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How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
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0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely