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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Seeking Advice on Coping with Stress at My Consulting Job

entry level stress
Question edited 22 hours ago
The best answer (on Mar 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 Mar 16, 2024
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, I am sorry to hear about your negative experience in your current job! I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation: First of all, managing stress in a high-pressure job like consultin ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
79
Views
46
Total Upvotes
22 hrs ago 22 hours ago
Last Activity

Is working in commercial banking sector a good addition in resume to reapply for a consulting role?

Application Banking entry level
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 12, 2024) is from:
Adrien
Expert
Ex-McKinsey interviewer & Senior Consultant | Harvard MBA
Adrien
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 12, 2024
Ex-McKinsey interviewer & Senior Consultant | Harvard MBA
Hi there, Sorry you got rejected from MBB - I got rejections in the past as well so I know it can be hard, but kudos for bouncing back quickly and thinking about other potential opportunities. Yes, banking (incl. retail ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
216
Views
72
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Recent Graduate Inquiry

entry level graduate recent graduate tier1 tier2
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 26, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 26, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Actually, that's a very good question.  The reality is that  1. What is defined as ‘recent graduate' depends very much from firm to firm and region to region. For instance, US and UK offices tend to be more stiff in thi ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
143
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

UK MBBs don't Hire non-quant Indian expats who come to the UK for a non-MBA masters

BCG McKinsey and Bain entry level Master
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 24, 2024) 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 Feb 24, 2024
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, I am not entirely clear on what your specific question is as the language is a little unclear to me.  The reality is that firms will have a preference on a type of target profile. Often times this is based on your s ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
150
Views
39
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

How long does an entry offer stand?

entry level
Most recent answer on Feb 27, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 26, 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 Feb 26, 2024
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hi there, Usually 2 weeks; you can sometimes ask for an extension by 1-2 weeks but it's tricky without a valid reason that is not that you are waiting for a better offer. I would create a detailed preparation plan with ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
109
Views
56
Total Upvotes
on Feb 27, 2024 on Feb 27, 2024
Last Activity

MPhil in Management at Cambridge

education entry level MASTER GRADES masters MBB
Most recent answer on Jan 15, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 14, 2024) is from:
Brad
Expert
Expert coach | Head of recruiting for Bain | 8+ years interviewing | Free intro call
Brad
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 14, 2024
Expert coach | Head of recruiting for Bain | 8+ years interviewing | Free intro call
100% agree with Ian on this one.   On the face of it, you look like you have the start of the good application. The 2:1 isn’t ideal, but then again Masters * Engineering ain’t an easy course (and management consultancie ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
262
Views
66
Total Upvotes
on Jan 15, 2024 on Jan 15, 2024
Last Activity

London Strategy Consulting Outlook

BCG McKinsey and Bain Big4 entry level EYP eyparthenon LEK M&A MBB OC&C
Most recent answer on Nov 28, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 28, 2023) is from:
Raj
Expert
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
Raj
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 28, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
In my experience and based on my knowledge of the London market, the project pipeline for both MBB and tier 2 firms has been relatively strong. There has been a steady demand for consulting services, resulting in a redu ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
494
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Nov 28, 2023 on Nov 28, 2023
Last Activity

Mckinsey new hire - advice on development and should I work on weekends?

analysis entry level Excel McKinsey newbie PowerPoint Problem Solving
Most recent answer on Oct 15, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 06, 2019) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 06, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, First of all - try to get on the project. There is nothing worse than sitting on the beach with no skills Secondly - please practice on your own I would concentrate on getting the right financial modeling skil ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
4.3 k
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Oct 15, 2023 on Oct 15, 2023
Last Activity

Entry level consultant thoughts

entry level management consulting Middle East Saudi Arabia
Most recent answer on Oct 08, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 26, 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 26, 2023
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
Hello, Congratulations on receiving an offer from a tier 2 management consulting firm in Saudi Arabia! It's great that you're seeking to clarify your expectations and understand what lies ahead. Let me address your ques ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
491
Views
95
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 2023
Last Activity

Chemistry Graduate interested in consulting

consulting dubai entry level MENA
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 19, 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 Aug 19, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, I'll share a couple of pointers on question #2-4 based on my own experience - I too came from a non-traditional background (I studied History). 2. How do I refine my casing skills, what books do I have to learn, ana ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
366
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

BCG and Mckinsey Middle East Application Process

BCG BCG middle east entry level MBB McKinsey Mckinsey middle east Middle East recent graduate
Most recent answer on Aug 20, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 18, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 18, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there! Sure - happy to help. About a third of my candidates are applying and interviewing in the Middle East.  Let me take your questions one by one: Does anyone have insight into the application process for entry-le ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
747
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Aug 20, 2023 on Aug 20, 2023
Last Activity

Switching from hospitality? Is it possible?

Boston Consulting Group career move Career start Change Career consulting job Deloitte Consulting entry level graduate graduate program Jobs in consulting compnay
Most recent answer on Aug 10, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 09, 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 09, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Short answer: Yes One of the best consultants in the Sydney BCG office was a professional violinist at the Sydney Opera house prior to starting. The Partner on my first project was a former professional flautist. I work ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
397
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Aug 10, 2023 on Aug 10, 2023
Last Activity

Searching for an Internship Opportunity.

Bain & Company BCG Deloitte entry level PwC Interview
Most recent answer on Jul 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 08, 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 08, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, I am sorry to hear about the situation you are in! I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: It is possible that t ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
774
Views
67
Total Upvotes
on Jul 31, 2023 on Jul 31, 2023
Last Activity

Relevant Internships for Undergrad Consulting Recruiting

entry level MBB mbb big4 recruiting T2
Most recent answer on Jul 25, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 23, 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 Jul 23, 2023
#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 question: First of all, yes, the internships you've completed are most likely relevant. The experience and skills gained through these internships, such as underst ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
302
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Jul 25, 2023 on Jul 25, 2023
Last Activity

Efficient Prep for Consulting Case Interviews.

Actively preparing for interviews with Bain and BCG BCG Case Interview entry level
Most recent answer on May 04, 2023
The best answer (on May 04, 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 May 04, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hello, Some good resources already linked by other coaches. I'll add what I think are the top 3 things I think you should look out and avoid based on what I've seen: Not practicing with a partner Self-practice and readi ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
516
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on May 04, 2023 on May 04, 2023
Last Activity

Starting a career in consulting with a STEM degree

Advice entry level
Most recent answer on Jan 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 27, 2023) 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 Jan 27, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Oliver, Q: Anyone has been in a similar position and could provide any advice on what sort of jobs/internships to apply for and generally how to enter the field with no prior experience in it? There are several candi ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
774
Views
66
Total Upvotes
on Jan 31, 2023 on Jan 31, 2023
Last Activity

MBB SEA work life balance

Bain & Company BCG entry level MBB Mck work life balance working hours
Most recent answer on Dec 10, 2022
The best answer (on Dec 07, 2022) is from:
Rushabh
Expert
Limited Availability | BCG Expert | Middle East Expert | 100+ Mocks Delivered | IESE & NYU MBA | Ex-KPMG Dxb Consultant
Rushabh
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 07, 2022
Limited Availability | BCG Expert | Middle East Expert | 100+ Mocks Delivered | IESE & NYU MBA | Ex-KPMG Dxb Consultant
Hello, As you have rightly pointed out, this does vary per project/client etc. But it also varies based on the partner you work for, what is their work-style etc.  As a rule of thumb, expect 12-14 hour days, 5 days a we ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
1.6 k
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Dec 10, 2022 on Dec 10, 2022
Last Activity

MBB Italy - Entry Level

Bain & Company BCG Client and MBB entry level McKinsey
Most recent answer on Sep 13, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 13, 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 Sep 13, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
So I don't know about Milan specifically, but in general the Firms are all excellent and would all be wonderful places to be.  There may be some differences in which industries each one serves in Milan, and it's worth a ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
744
Views
13
Total Upvotes
on Sep 13, 2022 on Sep 13, 2022
Last Activity

Poor undergrad GPA, solid Master's GPA

entry level GPA MBB
Most recent answer on Sep 04, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 03, 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 03, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, In my view, most people stand a chance. The question is always how much of a chance. Then, the question becomes how do I maximize my chances? Make sure to do the following: Aim to build your resume with strate ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.3 k
Views
47
Total Upvotes
on Sep 04, 2022 on Sep 04, 2022
Last Activity

6 years experience, move from government to MBB

Application entry level Government pitch
Most recent answer on Aug 10, 2022
The best answer (on Aug 10, 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 Aug 10, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
You have a great profile! There are many people who make the move from government into MBB. Generally if you've got less than two years you go in at the entry (post undergrad) level - you'll go in as an Associate (i.e., ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
927
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Aug 10, 2022 on Aug 10, 2022
Last Activity
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