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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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

PwC Middle East EDGE (Deals Graduate - Transaction Services)

case study Deals graduate PwC PwC Interview
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 22, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 22, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  I had one candidate who applied for the exact same division within ME, and the cases he received were all from within PE, M&A, and transactions area.  I wouldn't take it as a given, though. Please reach o ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
147
Views
44
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

What shall I do if I missed the recruiting deadline?

europe graduate graduate program Middle East Recruiting timeline
Most recent answer on Nov 28, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 16, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 16, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi! Sorry to hear about the stressful situation.  You can either apply outside of the US in other geographies - but do make sure you have some sort of connection with them so the application doesn't seem random and gets ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
286
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Nov 28, 2023 on Nov 28, 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

Networking with seniors in the industry

consulting graduate networking
Most recent answer on Jun 20, 2022
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jun 14, 2022
Hey, thanks for posting this question. First of all, I think it is great that you are actually thinking of networking with seniors in the industry, this would not only give you greater insights into what the experts are ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
939
Views
80
Total Upvotes
on Jun 20, 2022 on Jun 20, 2022
Last Activity

Tips for passing cv screening

consulting CV screening graduate
Most recent answer on Jun 18, 2022
The best answer (on Jun 15, 2022) is from:
Udayan
Expert
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience
Udayan
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 15, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience
Follow these guideline to craft a winning resume Your resume should be only one page for clarity and ease of use. Your recruiter will easily find your best achievements. Provide no more than 2 sentences per bullet. Any ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.5 k
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Jun 18, 2022 on Jun 18, 2022
Last Activity

International student doing master's degree in the U.S. trying to break into consulting - any advice?

columbia graduate graduate program recent graduate UK
Most recent answer on Mar 21, 2022
The best answer (on Mar 18, 2022) is from:
Matteo
Expert
McKinsey & Company | Currently offering 1 free coaching session| Happy to PARTNER with you to get an offer from MBB
Matteo
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 18, 2022
McKinsey & Company | Currently offering 1 free coaching session| Happy to PARTNER with you to get an offer from MBB
Dear Michael,  congratulation for your degree from Columbia University! Whether or not you decide to do a Master in Management Science and Engineering, if you focus on the following 3 main pillars you would not have pro ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
637
Views
43
Total Upvotes
on Mar 21, 2022 on Mar 21, 2022
Last Activity

MBB internship as Master graduate possible?

graduate internship Master MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 29, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 28, 2017) 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 Sep 28, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, that would depend on your geography, in Italy for example that’s possible for all MBB and most of the other consulting companies, assuming you just graduated; the majority of the firms would be happy to ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
4.0 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Dec 29, 2021 on Dec 29, 2021
Last Activity

Preparing for a new job + tips for starting well

entry level graduate
Most recent answer on Feb 21, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 20, 2021) 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 20, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Congratulations on your offer! These are the tips I usually recommend for MBB prep: On the technical side, Excel will be the most important technical thing to master at the beginning, in particular for ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.8 k
Views
44
Total Upvotes
on Feb 21, 2021 on Feb 21, 2021
Last Activity

What are the different expectations for graduate vs. MBA candidates?

case study differences graduate Interview MBA MBB
Most recent answer on Nov 20, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Aug 19, 2018
A couple differences: An MBA applicant will be expected to have better business acumen/terminology, and so are also more likely to get cases with more advanced concepts (e.g. NPV/IRR). On the other hand, a History u ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.5 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Nov 20, 2020 on Nov 20, 2020
Last Activity

Applying to MBB/T2 as an experienced analyst?

analyst Big 4 consulting graduate MBB T2
Most recent answer on May 03, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on May 01, 2020
Hi there, Since you already have 1 year experience, you should have already graduated? If that's the case then I don't think you would apply through student application any more. You could apply via the off campus ch ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.3 k
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on May 03, 2020 on May 03, 2020
Last Activity

London entry-level position immediate start

associate associate consultant business analyst graduate Job offer London recent graduate start-date strategy consulting
Recent activity on Dec 06, 2019
The best answer (on Dec 05, 2019) 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 Dec 05, 2019
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Congrats in 1st place for your offer! The starting dates are normally configured like this to constitute "classes" of Business Analysts and Associates, that start all together, have performance evaluations at the sam ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.0 k
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Dec 06, 2019 on Dec 06, 2019
Last Activity

Has anybody heard back from OW London, graduate intake?

entry level graduate London Oliver Wyman
Most recent answer on Nov 27, 2019
The best answer (on Nov 27, 2019) 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 Nov 27, 2019
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi, it usually takes up to one week to get back a feedback. I recommend to email/call HR without worrying about bothering them: they are there to help Hope it helps, Antonello
1
Answer
1.8 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Nov 27, 2019 on Nov 27, 2019
Last Activity

Applying to MBB International Offices when coming from a UK University

Application Bain BCG deadline graduate McKinsey
Most recent answer on Oct 16, 2019
The best answer (on Oct 16, 2019) 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 Oct 16, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, if you are referring to applying to a country different from the UK: sure, you can apply after the UK deadlines so far that your target country has deadlines after that. What matters is the deadline of t ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
2.6 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Oct 16, 2019 on Oct 16, 2019
Last Activity

Is a small employment gap after graduation negatively perceived by employers in consulting?

employment gap graduate recent graduate
Most recent answer on Aug 20, 2019
The best answer (on Aug 20, 2019) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 20, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, It's fine if you have this gap: You might get a response faster The people who will review your application will see the current version on the moment of sending it Your interviewers will not care about th ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
1.5 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Aug 20, 2019 on Aug 20, 2019
Last Activity

Differentiation depending on degree?

graduate
Most recent answer on Jun 14, 2019
The best answer (on Jun 14, 2019) 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 Jun 14, 2019
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Eduardas, Each interviewer comes in with the case they're going to give. They've prepared this already and it has already been vetted/approved. They have prepared this based on their experiences not yours :)
2
Answers
1.6 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Jun 14, 2019 on Jun 14, 2019
Last Activity

Can/should I apply to strategy consulting firms before graduation?

Application graduate
Recent activity on Aug 17, 2018
The best answer (on Aug 17, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 17, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, The grade should not be something to prevent you from applying and you can easily point out your current average grade. They will check the grades if you get the offer, but no one will be calculating the real aver ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
2.0 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Aug 17, 2018 on Aug 17, 2018
Last Activity

How difficult it is to enter in a consulting company 1 year after graduating?

Change Job Consulting interview graduate Interview
Recent activity on Aug 03, 2018
The best answer (on Aug 01, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 01, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, You can enter the consulting company at any stage. There might be many factors that might have influenced the decision when you were a graduate: University brand Internships you had before The office you a ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
4.8 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Aug 03, 2018 on Aug 03, 2018
Last Activity

How often do firms accept job applications from graduates?

application process graduate graduate program
Recent activity on Nov 03, 2017
The best answer (on Nov 02, 2017) 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 Nov 02, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Costas, that depends on the country you are applying to. In Italy for example there is rolling admission, while in UK as you mentioned you have specific deadlines, normally concentrated in the period September – De ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
3.1 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Nov 03, 2017 on Nov 03, 2017
Last Activity

Starting salary for phd graduate

graduate MBB phd salary starting salary Top tier
Recent activity on Jul 13, 2017
Anonymous B gave the best answer on Jul 13, 2017
It depends on the firm. MBB hire PhDs/JDs/MDs at post-MBA level so the salary is same as MBA graduates. They are hired at McK at associate level and at BCG and Bain at consultant level. The salary depends largely on ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
5.2 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Jul 13, 2017 on Jul 13, 2017
Last Activity
20 results
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
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0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely