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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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Getting staffed as a post-MBA Associate

Post-MBA staffing
Most recent answer on Apr 15, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 15, 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 Apr 15, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi Lionila, it sounds like you know the area you want to work in. So the best you can do is to try to get as much exposure to that area as you can. Raise your hand and let the people in your company know what you are pa ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
68
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Apr 15, 2024 on Apr 15, 2024
Last Activity

How to get myself staffed on a project?

networking staffing
Most recent answer on Mar 07, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 06, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 06, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Auch. I struggled with this a lot during my first year.  Right off the bat, you might find this article helpful: Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant Then, specifically on how to network to get staffed, ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
175
Views
51
Total Upvotes
on Mar 07, 2024 on Mar 07, 2024
Last Activity

How do I network with APs to get staffed?

McKinsey staffing
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 13, 2024) is from:
Adrien
Expert
Ex-McKinsey interviewer & Senior Consultant | Harvard MBA
Adrien
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 13, 2024
Ex-McKinsey interviewer & Senior Consultant | Harvard MBA
Hi, Congrats for getting the job! A couple of advice, based on personal experience: 1) Ask Assistants for 15mn chats with APs. They are busy, but many of them would happily speak with you 2) During the call, introduce y ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
251
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Working for client that has family member

consulting family staffing
Most recent answer on Jan 16, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 16, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 16, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Discretionary.  It depends on how critical that family member is to the project and also how involved you are in that project.  The only thing that you need to do is to discuss it with your case team, i.e., reach out to ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
156
Views
54
Total Upvotes
on Jan 16, 2024 on Jan 16, 2024
Last Activity

How to navigate staffing conversation?

staffing
Most recent answer on Oct 25, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 24, 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 Oct 24, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
As a generalist, it is absolutely appropriate to express your preferences and interests during your staffing conversation. However, it's important to strike a balance between demonstrating your flexibility and expressin ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
402
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on Oct 25, 2023 on Oct 25, 2023
Last Activity

How to get staffed on a project?

staffing
Most recent answer on Jul 31, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 06, 2021) 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 06, 2021
#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 that you do not feel well about your professional situation! This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provid ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
2.2 k
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on Jul 31, 2023 on Jul 31, 2023
Last Activity

Staffing model

staffing staffing model
Most recent answer on Jul 11, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 08, 2023) is from:
Emily
Expert
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
Emily
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jul 08, 2023
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
Great question! There are indeed some inherent disadvantages to firms that are more bottom heavy, with a higher number of associates and fewer partners/principals. Let's explore a few key implications: Experience Gap: A ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
341
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Jul 11, 2023 on Jul 11, 2023
Last Activity

Bain (DACH) staffing

Bain Bain & Company local staffing Travel
Most recent answer on Jun 27, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 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 Jun 22, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Congrats on the Bain (and other) offers! So, here's the honest answer: Don't worry about it. You've already decided you want Bain. Now you're doing the classic “it's great, but”. There will always be downsides ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
580
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Jun 27, 2023 on Jun 27, 2023
Last Activity

Project expenses

BCG Bain McKinsey MBB & Big 4 Offer Letter project managent staffing
Most recent answer on May 02, 2023
The best answer (on May 02, 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 02, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Couple of general points already have been made by other coaches (i.e. if its within policy, you shouldn't worry). I'd add a few more points based on my 8 years in consulting which includes projects in both developi ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
659
Views
81
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2023 on May 02, 2023
Last Activity

How to network with MDP to land on a case

associate full-time functional areas networking partner projectleader staffing
Most recent answer on Feb 28, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 21, 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 Feb 21, 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 your situation! I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: While this is very much dependent on the company, region, country, and office, I would highly advise you to r ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
596
Views
53
Total Upvotes
on Feb 28, 2023 on Feb 28, 2023
Last Activity

How to network with MDP to land on a case

associate full-time functional areas networking partner projectleader staffing
Most recent answer on Feb 21, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 21, 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 Feb 21, 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 your situation! I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: While this is very much dependent on the company, region, country, and office, I would highly advise you to r ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
381
Views
34
Total Upvotes
on Feb 21, 2023 on Feb 21, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey staffing

international projects McKinsey McKinsey & Company projects staffing Travel
Most recent answer on Jan 04, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 04, 2023) 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 Jan 04, 2023
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! The staffing question is totally dependent on geography. In Madrid, for instance, we had almost zero lever over it, particularly at BA/junior A level. However, in the US, candidates have a huge say.  Hope it help ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.4 k
Views
38
Total Upvotes
on Jan 04, 2023 on Jan 04, 2023
Last Activity

Career Advice - No Progression & On the bench

big four Career Advising career move career progression Deals Strategy staffing
Most recent answer on Nov 13, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 13, 2022) is from:
Mario
Expert
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor
Mario
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 13, 2022
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor
Hi there,   Sorry to hear you're not having a great experience so far. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 1- Be vocal about your concerns As you go through this phase, be vocal about this feedback to your direct manage ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
1.1 k
Views
19
Total Upvotes
on Nov 13, 2022 on Nov 13, 2022
Last Activity

On staffing by company

staffing staffing model
Most recent answer on Jul 23, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 23, 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 Jul 23, 2022
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching
Hello, I agree with some of the other experts here that there are regional differences. I think the difference is smaller in reality than it may seem - McKinsey does also have staffers that help match consultants to pro ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
823
Views
44
Total Upvotes
on Jul 23, 2022 on Jul 23, 2022
Last Activity

Newbie consultant: How to approach internal networking more effectively?

networking newbie reaching out for coffee chat with senior people staffing
Most recent answer on Jul 19, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 19, 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 Jul 19, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Welcome to consulting! So there are surface level networking and real networking. Surface Level: Short-term Generally used for recruiting “last-minute” Transactional Effective in sprints/short doses Real Netwo ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.4 k
Views
40
Total Upvotes
on Jul 19, 2022 on Jul 19, 2022
Last Activity

How to conduct "staffing communication"?

staffing
Most recent answer on Jul 07, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 07, 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 07, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! I think it´s fundamental that you are thinking strategically about this, coz it´s super important to handle the staffing correctly.  Taking a step back, because this is paramount, which is your geography? This to ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
540
Views
18
Total Upvotes
on Jul 07, 2022 on Jul 07, 2022
Last Activity

How do consultants pick their cases/assignments to work on?

staffing
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2022
The best answer (on Apr 30, 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 30, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there, here my thoughts. 1. How to consultants pick? Ability to pick really depends on your tenure. If you're fairly new to the firm, the staffing team will select for you and you won't have much say (while they will ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
3.5 k
Views
44
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2022 on Apr 30, 2022
Last Activity

Specialist/Expert role in MBB

expert staffing
Question edited on Dec 26, 2021
The best answer (on Dec 26, 2021) is from:
Lucie
Expert
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader
Lucie
Expert
 gave the best answer on Dec 26, 2021
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader
Hello,  I am myself on an Expert career track and can share my experience: usually as an Expert, you will stay working on cases where your specialized expertise is needed. Occasionally you can work on a strategic case b ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.4 k
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Dec 26, 2021 on Dec 26, 2021
Last Activity

Offered two projects at the same time, how can I decide?

staffing
Most recent answer on Nov 02, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 02, 2021) 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 Nov 02, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Hi there, I do understand that you want to try other teams and clients. But you will have several opportunities to do that during your career at consulting. Right now you have a team that wants you and in which performe ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
822
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on Nov 02, 2021 on Nov 02, 2021
Last Activity

Oliver Wyman: Can a CCG at Chicago office choose projects from the NYC office?

different office Oliver Wyman projects staffing
Most recent answer on Jul 29, 2021
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jul 29, 2021
Yes -- Oliver Wyman staffs fairly nationally. When I was CCG in the Boston office, I was staffed almost entirely on projects with Chicago partners. New York is a little more difficult because there's more local consulta ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
1.2 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Jul 29, 2021 on Jul 29, 2021
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 27 results
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