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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How to develop a mindset of a consultant

consultant mindset
Most recent answer on Mar 19, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 19, 2024) is from:
Qdot
Qdot gave the best answer on Mar 19, 2024
Developing the mindset of a consultant is crucial for anyone looking to excel in this dynamic field. Consultants are valued for their expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to provide actionable solutions. If you ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
2.8 k
Views
28
Total Upvotes
on Mar 19, 2024 on Mar 19, 2024
Last Activity

Trafigura vs PwC

consultant
Most recent answer on Mar 07, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 31, 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 Jan 31, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi there, congratulations on two offers. It sounds like a luxury problem to have, especially in the current environment. The answer will depend on what the personal weighting of the different factors is that you mention ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
285
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on Mar 07, 2024 on Mar 07, 2024
Last Activity

Management Consultant Targeting MBB

background case interview preparation Case preparation constulting consultant currently preparing for MBB MBB case interview prep MBB. Background preparation
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 11, 2024) is from:
Erin
Expert
Ex- BCG Principal | 8 years experience | Previous BCG Miami Recruiting Director | Yale MBA
Erin
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 11, 2024
Ex- BCG Principal | 8 years experience | Previous BCG Miami Recruiting Director | Yale MBA
You can definitely prepare and be ready for case interviews in 2 months. This is about the amount of time I had between doing my first case and my first interview. However, it will take a lot of dedicated practice in th ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
256
Views
102
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Results of Bain's Sova Test

consultant
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
Anonymous B gave the best answer on Feb 17, 2024
Hi, I took the SOVA test a couple of months ago and got invited for the 1st round of interviews. I did not do amazing with time, spent 30 to 40 minutes above the recommended time. However, I was pretty sure I had an abo ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
205
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Two offers from same consulting firm, two geographies, different pay, different positions, help!

business analyst consultant Deloitte Monitor Hong Kong Paris interviews
Most recent answer on Oct 30, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 30, 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 Oct 30, 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 offers! I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question: I would highly advise you to opt for the option that better aligns with your professional (and maybe even pe ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.8 k
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2023 on Oct 30, 2023
Last Activity

Got two MBB offers but for slightly different entry points - things to consider when choosing?

consultant Junior Consultant
Most recent answer on Oct 30, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 30, 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 Oct 30, 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 offers! I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question: I would highly advise you to opt for the option that better aligns with your professional (and maybe even pe ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.1 k
Views
14
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2023 on Oct 30, 2023
Last Activity

Living in hotels

consultant consulting living MBB on the job
Most recent answer on Oct 13, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 13, 2023) 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 Oct 13, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, I travelled for about ~50% of the time I was in consulting. I would say that it is nice to have a place to call home and feel at home. If you are living in a place where real estate prices are very high, then I thin ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.2 k
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Oct 13, 2023 on Oct 13, 2023
Last Activity

BCG specific: can someone explain the difference between an associate and consultant please?

associate BCG consultant
Most recent answer on Oct 12, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 12, 2023) 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 Oct 12, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Sharing a comprehensive perspective on BCG positions and titles. The normal progression looks like this: Associate (2 yrs) → Senior Associate (1 yr) → Consultant (2 yrs) → Project Leader Associate is the role you jo ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
19.8 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Oct 12, 2023 on Oct 12, 2023
Last Activity

Got an offer for a position higher than what I applied for... mixed feelings

2-tier consultant Middle East seniorconsultant tier2
Most recent answer on Oct 08, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 22, 2023) 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 Sep 22, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Hi there, Well done, congratulations!  Here's some ‘wisdom’ to calm your nerves: they know much better than you and therefore they know what they're doing, even if you may not think so.  They have so many data points on ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
344
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 2023
Last Activity

BCG Consultant position application

BCG consultant doha
Most recent answer on Sep 18, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 01, 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 Sep 01, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi Federica, I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question: First of all, based on the experience of my coachees, the response time can vary, but generally, you should expect to hear back within 1 to 4 weeks af ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
393
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Sep 18, 2023 on Sep 18, 2023
Last Activity

How can I with a profile like mine get into MBB as a consultant?

associate BCG McKinsey and Bain consultant CV fellow
Most recent answer on Jun 28, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jun 20, 2023
Hello :) While your CV may not align perfectly with the typical profile of an MBB consultant, there are still several steps you can take to increase your chances of getting into MBB. Here are some suggestions: Focus on ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.4 k
Views
96
Total Upvotes
on Jun 28, 2023 on Jun 28, 2023
Last Activity

JLL Consulting Interviews

consultant jll
Most recent answer on Nov 09, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 09, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 09, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  I would recommend you reach out to HR - give them a call even for a more personal touch - and ask them about the structure of the interview. This is not meant to be a secret, so it's totally ok for you to inq ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
604
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on Nov 09, 2022 on Nov 09, 2022
Last Activity

2 different BCG positions

BCG consultant
Most recent answer on Oct 01, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 25, 2022) 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 25, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, I agree with the other coaches. Go ahead and apply! Try to see if you can get a referral as well to help your cause. Don't forget to keep progressing your casing as you wait! Here are some BCG cases to help: h ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
638
Views
36
Total Upvotes
on Oct 01, 2022 on Oct 01, 2022
Last Activity

What makes a good management consultant?

consultant consulting MBB skills
Question edited on Aug 28, 2022
The best answer (on Aug 28, 2022) 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 Aug 28, 2022
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous, when interviewers ask this question, they are looking for an understanding of the job and industry and an appreciation for the skills/personality traits needed. I would not come up with a laundry list here ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
4.4 k
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on Aug 28, 2022 on Aug 28, 2022
Last Activity

Interview Process Alixpartners Consultant Performance Improvement DACH

AlixPartners consultant interview process
Most recent answer on Apr 05, 2022
The best answer (on Apr 04, 2022) is from:
Andi
Expert
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Andi
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 04, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there, Thanks for the question - quite relevant for many candidates here in the forum!  Based on the feedback of a former coachee who (successfully) interviewed for Duesseldorf office, AlixPartners DACH recruiting pr ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.6 k
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Apr 05, 2022 on Apr 05, 2022
Last Activity

How was your first consultancy project?

consultant
Most recent answer on Mar 10, 2022
The best answer (on Mar 08, 2022) is from:
Adi
Expert
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
Adi
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 08, 2022
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
My first project (donkey years ago now :)) was nightmare for me. It was just me (full-time) and a Partner (part-time) to create a new operating model for a small Telco business. My gosh…the volume of data, meetings, sta ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
2.0 k
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on Mar 10, 2022 on Mar 10, 2022
Last Activity

Consultant job remote working

consultant remote work
Most recent answer on Mar 04, 2022
Anonymous gave the best answer on Mar 04, 2022
Remote Work Like some of the other posts have mentioned, most consulting firms (especially MBB) would not accept this arrangement of working from the UAE. The first question most recruiters would ask would be 'Why do yo ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
1.1 k
Views
97
Total Upvotes
on Mar 04, 2022 on Mar 04, 2022
Last Activity

Family in same industry

consultant
Most recent answer on Oct 28, 2021
The best answer (on Oct 25, 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 Oct 25, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Absolutely they can! Of course, both have to adhere to the confidentially clauses in their contracts (which you have to do regardless as to whether or not your partner/family work in consulting).
6
Answers
689
Views
21
Total Upvotes
on Oct 28, 2021 on Oct 28, 2021
Last Activity

Pre-interview help from consultant

1st round interview consultant help MBB Tier-2
Most recent answer on Jun 27, 2021
The best answer (on Jun 16, 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 Jun 16, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! I used to do those calls for McKinsey candidates! They are totally risk free, the people who will be on the other side are really there to help and won´t inform anyone about anything.  Furthermore, I am mos ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.2 k
Views
62
Total Upvotes
on Jun 27, 2021 on Jun 27, 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
1 - 20 of 36 results
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
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0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely