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Consulting Q&A

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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Working in MBB - Intellectually difficult or just demanding?

Bain BCG MBB McKinsey on the job Worklife
Most recent answer on Oct 15, 2023
The best answer (on May 04, 2018) 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 May 04, 2018
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous, your certainly need to meet a certain threshold regarding cognitive smartness ("IQ"). However, you do not need to be Albert Einstein for sure! If you meet that required IQ floor level, it is much more im ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
7.6 k
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Oct 15, 2023 on Oct 15, 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

MBB - what to buy before starting

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, Sharing the top useful gadgets in my consulting career: Travel charger These are lighter version of the laptop charger and save alot of weight and space (it all adds up quickly) Jabra wireless speaker Typically not ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
2.3 k
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Oct 13, 2023 on Oct 13, 2023
Last Activity

Typical day of a consultant

consulting general on the job position
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, As others have mentioned, there is hard to give a sense of the typical day. Your life as a junior consultant will consist normally of the following: Engagement with client Engagement with internal team Doing researc ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
7.2 k
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Oct 13, 2023 on Oct 13, 2023
Last Activity

Must have gadgets / gift ideas for future McKinsey consultants?

MBB McKinsey on the job
Most recent answer on Oct 13, 2023
Anonymous C gave the best answer on May 29, 2018
What a very kind gesture - I don't know how much you want to spend but here are some rough ideas. Cufflinks Tie wireless headphones laptop bag briefcase travel suitcase watch starbucks voucher gym ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
9.1 k
Views
20
Total Upvotes
on Oct 13, 2023 on Oct 13, 2023
Last Activity

How to get rid of old thinking habits / ways of working? (corporate background)

on the job
Most recent answer on Jul 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 29, 2023) is from:
Pedro
Expert
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Pedro
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jul 29, 2023
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
I know where you are coming from. You basically entertain the idea of knowing everything about a topic before being able to formulate a strategy.  Whereas great consultants use a different approach, i.e., an “action-dri ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
242
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Jul 31, 2023 on Jul 31, 2023
Last Activity

Seeking advice: how to ramp up consulting skill and sector knowledge after joining?

on the job
Question edited on Oct 25, 2022
The best answer (on Oct 10, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 10, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  You're in a tough spot, but don't despair.  There are many things that you can do. Just make sure you don't try to do all of them at the same time.  In terms of leading juniors - leadership isn't only about h ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
631
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Oct 25, 2022 on Oct 25, 2022
Last Activity

How to 'align expectation' at work?

on the job
Most recent answer on Oct 24, 2022
The best answer (on Oct 09, 2022) 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 Oct 09, 2022
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
This is a common situation for new consultants. Communication with your manager helps you out here: Clarify as much upfront as possible - e.g. what slide template to use, what data sources to leverage, expected overall ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
647
Views
35
Total Upvotes
on Oct 24, 2022 on Oct 24, 2022
Last Activity

Difference between working at inhouse and strategy consultancy

consulting consulting industry inhouse consulting on the job strategy consulting
Most recent answer on Aug 19, 2022
The best answer (on Feb 02, 2017) is from:
Guennael
Expert
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
Guennael
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 02, 2017
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
In house strategy shops are typically lead and heavily staffed by former MBB consultants. The type of work will be fairly similar but specific to your own company obviously, and assignments may last a little longer (tha ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
16.2 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Aug 19, 2022 on Aug 19, 2022
Last Activity

How to learn fast (on the job)?

on the job
Recent activity on Aug 12, 2022
The best answer (on Aug 12, 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 Aug 12, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, MOST IMPORTANTLY: Know that no-one can perfectly prepare for the job and that's the point: You will mess up, you will learn, you will be trained and supported. That's OK! -------------------------------------- ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
559
Views
38
Total Upvotes
on Aug 12, 2022 on Aug 12, 2022
Last Activity

What sources of information do consultants use on the job to get insights on a certain sector/topic?

consulting on the job
Most recent answer on May 11, 2021
The best answer (on May 10, 2021) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 10, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, This is what I personally used while at BCG: Internal research document. You will have access to a lot of information created by the knowledge team. Internal experts. You will be able to talk with memb ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.2 k
Views
57
Total Upvotes
on May 11, 2021 on May 11, 2021
Last Activity

Colleagues in consulting

consulting MBB on the job
Most recent answer on Mar 27, 2021
The best answer (on Mar 26, 2021) is from:
Denis
Expert
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews
Denis
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 26, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews
I d say the number or rather share of long-term friends you make is no different than attending any other large institution (e.g. large undergrad or postgrad uni) or, for that matter, any huge accumulation of people. ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
2.7 k
Views
86
Total Upvotes
on Mar 27, 2021 on Mar 27, 2021
Last Activity

Career as a consultant - progress and learning

career consulting MBB on the job
Most recent answer on Mar 27, 2021
The best answer (on Mar 26, 2021) is from:
Gaurav
Expert
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter
Gaurav
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 26, 2021
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter
Hello there! It's definitely, 100% not true. People who say something like this believe that the progress in consultancy develops faster only because the work is intense. However, consulting is not the only sphere ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.7 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Mar 27, 2021 on Mar 27, 2021
Last Activity

Technical skills useful in consulting

consulting on the job Preparing for consulting work
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 26, 2018) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 26, 2018
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Hi, You'll work with 3 tools where you need to quickly develop proficiancy (know all the key function and work fast) - Excel : function to know vlookup(), index(match(..)), sumproduct(), sumif() . In addition you ma ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
14.2 k
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2020 on Sep 30, 2020
Last Activity

How to remain productive while putting long hours

Consultant Work Hours MBB on the job working hours
Most recent answer on Sep 13, 2020
The best answer (on Mar 16, 2018) is from:
Cam
Expert
Ex-McKinsey EM | 100+ interviews including final round | Cambridge Engineer | INSEAD MBA | London & Sydney Offices
Cam
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 16, 2018
Ex-McKinsey EM | 100+ interviews including final round | Cambridge Engineer | INSEAD MBA | London & Sydney Offices
This is a really common question a lot of people ask when moving into consulting. A few thoughts from my experiences: - You will simply NOT be productive if you are working 80+ hours a week for a sustained period. In ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
4.3 k
Views
14
Total Upvotes
on Sep 13, 2020 on Sep 13, 2020
Last Activity

Is 20 months on the job too early to leave consulting?

consulting exit on the job
Most recent answer on Sep 02, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Aug 30, 2018
Hi Anonymous, I definitely don't think 20 months is too early to leave the job. Generally at MBB there tends to be a pretty significant exodus at the ~2 year mark, either to industry, finance, or to work at / start th ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
5.5 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Sep 02, 2020 on Sep 02, 2020
Last Activity

What can you learn from being a consultant?

consulting learning on the job
Most recent answer on Jun 11, 2020
The best answer (on Dec 18, 2016) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Dec 18, 2016
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, here is a list of the main things you may learn as a consultant: Solve complex problems. You will learn how to find appropriate solutions for complex issues, even in areas you are not familiar with, ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
17.5 k
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Jun 11, 2020 on Jun 11, 2020
Last Activity

Got into MBB, have some time before start. Next steps?

Advice BCG beginner best practice career career progression consulting consulting analyst entry level Excel experience Junior Consultant learning MBB McKinsey networking offer on the job Personal Fit prep4success Preparing for consulting work skills start success drivers tips top tips training work life balance
Most recent answer on Jun 11, 2020
The best answer (on Jan 22, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 22, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, The most important thing you need to understand is that consulting is a client business and client is always first. Here is my subjective view of what's needed to succeed on different levels of hierarchy. Pls take ... (read entire answer)
28
Answers
32.9 k
Views
96
Total Upvotes
on Jun 11, 2020 on Jun 11, 2020
Last Activity

Got The Job; When to Start?

career consulting McKinsey on the job starting time
Most recent answer on Jun 05, 2020
The best answer (on Feb 22, 2017) is from:
Srihari
Expert
Former BCG consultant and teacher/adult trainer with experience in US, India, and Middle East
Srihari
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 22, 2017
Former BCG consultant and teacher/adult trainer with experience in US, India, and Middle East
So, everyone is different with their personal needs for down-time, but from my (BCG) perspective, it's better to start earlier in the year - why? Because consulting billing slows considerably closer to December because ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
4.7 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Jun 05, 2020 on Jun 05, 2020
Last Activity

What things do I need for starting my entry level consulting job?

Career start entry level MBB on the job preparation
Most recent answer on Jun 05, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Feb 04, 2018
BCG will provide you with anything you need to do your jobwithin reason: -laptop -wifi hotspot -multiple chargers -3M privacy screen -phone -secured USB stick -pen, paper,etc -etc what you might want t ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
9.9 k
Views
24
Total Upvotes
on Jun 05, 2020 on Jun 05, 2020
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 30 results
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