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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Taking annual leave during a strategy consulting internship (UK)

internship strategyconsulting tier2
Most recent answer 31 minutes ago
The best answer (16 hours ago) is from:
Pedro
Expert
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | 30% off in March 2024
Pedro
Expert
gave the best answer 16 hours ago
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | 30% off in March 2024
Let me be quite blunt. You have to consider what your priority is and how you are going to be perceived.  If you are in the middle of a project and ask to be out for a few days to go into a competition, you are signalin ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
51
Views
10
Total Upvotes
31 min ago 31 minutes ago
Last Activity

T2 Consulting or Big4 Strategy Specialization Unit

consulting tier2
Most recent answer on Mar 13, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 10, 2024) 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 Mar 10, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Congratulations on the offers! In terms of your question: Q: Should I defy the brand and start at a Big4 consultancy and pursue my passion? Or start with Big4 Strategy and switch later for the "brand"? It depe ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
117
Views
80
Total Upvotes
on Mar 13, 2024 on Mar 13, 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

I was asked to leave 2 times

leaving MBB tier2
Most recent answer on Feb 27, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 27, 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 Feb 27, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi there, I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like you are very good at passing the recruiting processes of the various consulting firms but something is missing when it comes to the actual day-to-day consulting work.   I ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
119
Views
98
Total Upvotes
on Feb 27, 2024 on Feb 27, 2024
Last Activity

London Tier 2 vs Milan MBB (for PE later on)

London MBB Milan OC&C Oliver Wyman Private Equity strategy& tier2
Most recent answer on Feb 26, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 17, 2024) is from:
Yuval
Expert
free 30 min consultation call | 1st try offer from BCG and McK | BCG Associate | 100+ hours of coaching sessions
Yuval
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 17, 2024
free 30 min consultation call | 1st try offer from BCG and McK | BCG Associate | 100+ hours of coaching sessions
First of all, congrats on getting your first offer, this seems like a great opportunity! In my opinion, your decision should obviously be driven by multiple criteria other than just the PE goal but leaving that aside I ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
315
Views
126
Total Upvotes
on Feb 26, 2024 on Feb 26, 2024
Last Activity

What exit opps are there after 1 year tenure?

consulting exit Corporate exit exit options quitting startup tier2
Most recent answer on Jan 21, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 19, 2024) is from:
Edoardo
Expert
Bain & Co | PE & VC | I helped 50+ professionals to break into consulting and reason on their next career steps!
Edoardo
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 19, 2024
Bain & Co | PE & VC | I helped 50+ professionals to break into consulting and reason on their next career steps!
Hi! So let's start by first principle thinking - if you feel like you are in serious burnout and you are not feeling somehow ok with staying there, simply take a break and possibly leave. Your career is going to be 40+ ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
222
Views
51
Total Upvotes
on Jan 21, 2024 on Jan 21, 2024
Last Activity

PE/DD projects in the ME

Due Diligence MBB Middle East Private Equity tier2
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 10, 2023) is from:
Nicolas
Expert
40% off 1st coaching Promo | #1 MBB Coach Canada & MENA | 8y+ Coaching & recruiting | BCG + Senior Exec | INSEAD MBA
Nicolas
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 10, 2023
40% off 1st coaching Promo | #1 MBB Coach Canada & MENA | 8y+ Coaching & recruiting | BCG + Senior Exec | INSEAD MBA
Hello,  I cannot answer the How Many side as there are a LOT going on at all times, so you can assume there are sufficient deal flow to get staffed on these projects. Typically PE companies tend to spread their DD acros ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
256
Views
56
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2023 on Dec 31, 2023
Last Activity

Inquiry about Profile Relevance for Consulting with Regional Governments

Bain & Company BCG Client and MBB consulting MBB McKinsey & Company tier2
Most recent answer on Dec 01, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 01, 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 Dec 01, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Agreed with the other coaches - I think you have a great profile! (From what I can see)
7
Answers
327
Views
16
Total Upvotes
on Dec 01, 2023 on Dec 01, 2023
Last Activity

For the consultants in the middle east, do you find time to excersise and maintain a somehow healthy lifestyle?

MBB Middle East tier2
Most recent answer on Nov 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 12, 2020) 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 Nov 12, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Careful with the alure of PTO! If tends to end up being "My personal KPI this week is to be able to tuck in my kids 2 nights...but of course I'll sign on to work after". How do you maintain a better workli ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.5 k
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Nov 30, 2023 on Nov 30, 2023
Last Activity

Referrals for UK office and interview prep

ATKearney London MBB Oliver Wyman Roland Berger tier2 UK
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 19, 2020) 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 19, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, No coaches should be offering referrals as part of their services. Referrals come from contacts you've made who think you'd be a good fit for the company! they're not products to be sold. That being said ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.3 k
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

How do I go about referrals and applying?

MBB tier2
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Apr 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 Apr 19, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Referrals are only helpful if you get them before you apply. Please don't go around getting referrals after you apply - this literally defeats the purpose! 1. How helpful is the internal referral for the firm ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.6 k
Views
33
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

MBB Southeast Asia or Tier 2 US consulting

Australia level London MBB Middle East South east asia Summer Internship tier1 tier2
Most recent answer on Oct 11, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 22, 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 Mar 22, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there, Congrats also from my end! Indeed a nice problem to have! Like the other coaches, I'd also argue going with the MBB offer might be a better choice Brand: MBB brand is just significantly stronger and all these ... (read entire answer)
29
Answers
5.1 k
Views
212
Total Upvotes
on Oct 11, 2023 on Oct 11, 2023
Last Activity

How to Answer "Why Consulting?" in Interviews

AT Kearney Bain BCG consulting consulting job FIT fit interview management consulting MBB McKinsey motivation PEI PrepLounge: Personal Fit reasons strategy consulting The Boston Consulting Group tier2 why why consulting why mbb
Most recent answer on Oct 10, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Oct 04, 2017
I would recommend spending about 1 - 2 minutes on each question. You have a lot to get to in the interview. Less than a minute will make you seem rehearsed and shallow and more than 2 minutes for each will take up too m ... (read entire answer)
155
Answers
146.3 k
Views
469
Total Upvotes
on Oct 10, 2023 on Oct 10, 2023
Last Activity

Top tier/tier2/tier3 consulting firms??

consulting consulting firms consulting industry germany MBB order tier1 tier2 tier3 Top tier
Most recent answer on Oct 08, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 21, 2021) is from:
Christine
Admin
PrepLounge Community & Marketing Manager
Christine
Admin
gave the best answer on Oct 21, 2021
PrepLounge Community & Marketing Manager
Hi there,  Thank you for this question! It's not stupid at all. Everyone starts somewhere and I believe the answers by our case coaches have helped a lot of candidates to get a feeling of the industry. If you have alrea ... (read entire answer)
26
Answers
216.3 k
Views
136
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 2023
Last Activity

Tier 2 Middle East

MBB Middle East tier2
Most recent answer on Oct 08, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 22, 2023) is from:
Pedro
Expert
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | 30% off in March 2024
Pedro
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 22, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | 30% off in March 2024
Consulting firms almost always get back to the candidates with an answer. Also waiting for a month before next step is not that uncommon (particularly in times where recruiting is slow, which is the case right not).
7
Answers
296
Views
54
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 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
326
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 2023
Last Activity

Office relocation within the Middle East and relocation costs

dubai Middle East office preferences relocation riyadh salary negotiation tier2
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
Congratulations on receiving the offer! Addressing your preferences and concerns with the firm is a reasonable step to take. Here's how you can approach both matters: 1. Inquiring About Placement in the Dubai Office: Ti ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
506
Views
58
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 2023
Last Activity

Switching from Tier 1 to Tier 2 firm

tier2
Question edited on Oct 06, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 14, 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 Sep 14, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, If we take a step back, the key potential concern a recruiter would have is whether you are leaving because you are a poor performer.  I always believe it is best to be authentic, which comes from being honest (smar ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
353
Views
38
Total Upvotes
on Oct 06, 2023 on Oct 06, 2023
Last Activity

Salary Penalty from previous employer. What can I do?

consulting Middle East tier2
Most recent answer on Oct 02, 2023
Anonymous A asked on Oct 01, 2023
I am about to sign a contract with a tier 2 consulting firm in the Middle East. However, I recently discovered that if I leave my current job before completing two years under the contract, I will be required to pay a p ... (read entire question)
6
Answers
356
Views
0
Total Upvotes
on Oct 02, 2023 on Oct 02, 2023
Last Activity

Pursue MBB while just starting at T2

MBB tier2
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 25, 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 25, 2023
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
Making the decision to apply to MBB (McKinsey, Bain, and BCG) just two weeks into your new job at a T2 consulting firm is a significant choice, and it's important to carefully consider the implications and your long-ter ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
603
Views
86
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity
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