Hi everyone, I have a partner interview at EY Parthenon for a senior role in their growth strategy team, and I am sure I will get this question, i am looking for a structured way but compelling way to answer this question, without sounding like a robot.
Should I start by highlight the trends and breakdown the rationale or vice-versa? or any other strategy
your help will be muchappreciated including creative examples.
Hi Hugo,
This is an incredibly broad question!
I'd actually be surprised if this specific question is asked.
Rather, the partner will like either ask a) What are your views on x trend's impact on the sector or b) what are the largest/most impactful trends?
The other problem is TMT is a huge grouping. We don't really think this way anymore (it's just convenient to have this grouping). You're talking telecommunications (phone companies), media (shows, movies, streaming services), AND tech (google, facebook, apple). You've got to seperate these out when talking about them (and, again, I can't see a Partner just grouping these 3 together in a question)
The obvious trends are:
Technology
Telecommunications
Media
This is just off the top of my head. You need to 1) Extensively read BCG/Mckinsey insights as well as the publications of the company at which you're interviewing, and 2) Hire a coach to really talk through these topics.
Good luck!
Hi Hugo,
Please read Accenture's or Deloitte TMT reports. Search for them online.
You wont be expected to come across as an expert but just share your view of whats happening in this industry.
Well, luckily for you there are few sectors on which there is such a plethora of trend reports. E.g. this one: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/insights/articles/US93838_TMT_Predictions_2021/DI_2021-TMT-predictions.pdf
In terms of the communication structure, I would suggest to use the pyramid principle, just like you would give a case summary: First the main answer (i.e. the trends) then rationale for why you picked the 2-3 trends that you introduced in the answer.
Thanks Henning, so you confidently share the trends first and then the rationale, how do you know these trends are relevant to him/business?
(edited)
I’m not sure I understand the question. Keep in mind he won’t ask the question because he’s hoping to learn something new, but to test if your answer makes sense and shows good reasoning. If your supporting arguments make sense, you’ve passed the test.
Another thing as I’m reading other responses: no you don’t need to hire a coach to think through these topics unless they got asked you to prepare for this one question.
(edited)
I would actually (respectfully) disagree! At the higher levels this sort of brainstorming is super common and super hard...I can't tell you how many candidate don't do a good job with brainstorming questions and get eliminated as a result...just like a case or personal story, talking about "unstructured" topics is most certainly an interviewing skillset that has to be trained/honed!
In the words of Aristotle: "For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing"...
Hello!
Many consulting companies have TMT and other industry reports available free online.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Thanks Ian, what would be your approach to answer this question, would you share the trends you like first and then rationale?
And how would you approach if he asks for a specific trend for a specific industry?
Hi Hugo, too many scenarios here (which I think you're overthinking). Happy to have a session to actually talk through how to 1) Just literally think about these industries/trends and 2) How to respond/react dynamically to ANY question he asks. Pretty impossible to type everything here!