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Anonymous A
on Sep 18, 2019
Global

Where do you see yourself in five years?

How would you answer this question in your Personal Fit interview? Receive feedback on your answer and browse through the Q&As to review the approaches of other applicants and experts.

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Top answer
Raj
Coach
on Mar 30, 2020
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

I think this is quite an unoriginal question and also rather outdated, but apparently, some consultants keep asking it (not really reflective of the times either).

I generally believe honesty is the best policy, and for someone at the start of their career whilst you may have a view of where you want to get to in 5 years, it is unrealistic to expect either

a) you know specifically what exactly you will be doing in 5 years

b) that you won't change your perspective along the way 

Having interviewed 50+ candidates both in and outside consulting, I would be skeptical of anyone who gave an answer that was too specific or tailored for consulting as being either ungrounded or disingenious e.g. saying they want to be a partner (yes I've heard this before!), principal or thought leader.

At the same time, you don't want to be too broad or unclear e.g. saying you have no idea, as that wouldn't send a great signal either.

A good middle ground might look like something like:

  • You don't really know what the world will look like in 5 years so couldn't say specifically (good, signals honesty and realistic)
  • But you want to work in consulting to apply your current skills (tailor this), develop new skills and also figure out what sectors / types of work you are good at and enjoy (good, signals you are giving and also taking)
  • That said, you have had an ambition to be a business leader or thinker... (tailor this)

Increasingly, firms are more open to an honest exchange to maintain the appeal of consulting vs. big tech to grads. MBBs highlighting the alumni network, exposure/training for 2/3 yers, the exit opps into tech/politics/industry etc.). 

The best answers I heard when interviewing Associate Consultants at Strategy& balanced a humbleness (wanting to deliver / learn / work hard), honesty (consulting being a great first career) and ambition.

Deniz
Coach
on Oct 05, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

This is a tricky question. The safe response is that you say that you see yourself working as a project leader/principal at the office of your application. If you already have a specific interest, you can elaborate on which functional topics and industries you plan to specialize in the future.

Surely, in order to be honest with the interviewers, you can also say that you see their company as a platform to better understand how you want to shape your career. However, I would refrain from saying things such as "I see myself in working in the industry after working at your company for 2-3 years". With this question, they want to test your commitment, thus you need to further elaborate on that.

Best,

Deniz 

Anonymous
on Jul 31, 2020

Dear A,

With this question employers are likely looking for a few key pieces of information:

  • Do your expectations align with what the employer can provide?
    Employers want to know that your goals fit with the job they’re offering.

    Employers may also use this question to gauge whether you are over- or under-qualified for the position.

  • Do you see yourself at the company in five years? The length of time people with the same company varies based on age and industry.  They will listen closely for clues that you could potentially see yourself here for several years.
  • Do you have a sense of ambition or drive? Employers will also be listening for your sense of ambition during your answer. While it can be difficult to know or even plan for what you will be doing in five years, employers want to hire candidates who have a clear sense of how they want to grow and progress.
  • What are your interests? Finally, employers might simply be curious about your interests. This could include nearly anything, from seeking to be an industry expert in a certain topic, taking on leadership and management roles or incorporating some other areas of interest into your role. Understanding your passions and interests can be helpful for employers to see where you might fit in the team both short and long term.

Hope it helps you,

Best,

André

21
Andrea
Coach
on Sep 18, 2019
OW | HEC Paris | Helped 20+ people entering BCG, OW, ATK etc.

I think there is no right or wrong here; my personal answer at the time was:

For sure in consulting, giving that in each career step you learn a completely different skillset I would like to at least get to engagement manager. 

on Oct 24, 2019

i see myself in a thoughtleadership position, devising strategies where the business, department or institute should be going forward. this could be either in consulting roles or in a business. in those five years, i would like to have developed leadership skills, gaining experience managing teams and working abroad.

11
Anonymous
on Mar 30, 2020

Hi

Some interviewers keep asking this question which is actually not interesting at all on my opinion. Consulting is a fast moving world, where nobody knows exactly how the next years will look like!

However, in case you have to answer this question, I suggest to tell that in 5 years you expect to have developed yourself on following areas:

- Ability to manage a project on your own

- Increase of sectorial or functional expertise (financial services, agile or whatever you like)

- Capacity to interact with C-level stakeholders 

- Strong track record of projects with tangible value added delivered

Best,

David

10
Clara
Coach
on May 01, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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on Mar 02, 2021

Considering I am a bit later in my career and applying to consultancies without up-or-out and where you stay on a level for a while, I would probably use something around the following:

I see company X as a platform for a long-term commitment in consulting. I have seen a number of businesses in my time and want to choose the next one on the basis of personal fit to establish a strong foundation and specialise in [capability]. Within the next years, I also would want to find an area for myself, leveraging my experience and capabilities, to build out and become the go-to-person within the business.

8
Anonymous C3
on Sep 24, 2022

Supporting multiple clients Simulaniously bridging the gap between the real and digital worlds.

Inspiring teams to leverage our accessible resources towards that.

Closer support in setting the tone and the story around our new offerings.

Working further on my spike: Strategy and Innovation.

8
on Jan 18, 2020

I see myself a leading partner at the firm, Helping Our client's adopt disrupting technologies and digital transformations.

6
on Sep 19, 2019

Managerial position in the consulting firm, owing my own small business on side.

5
on Jan 15, 2020

In 5 years time, I aspire to be in a higher role with more responsibilities having proven my ability at the firm.

5
on Feb 22, 2020

I tried to start a crowdfunding platform in the second year of my graduation, but soon I got to know that I need a lot of things before I am prepared to run a business and only motivation won't do.

So I decided, at the age of 27, i.e. 5 years from now, I will open a business. Although I am not so sure about the future, but for now, I only think of learning as much as I can for my entrepreneurial adventure.

5
Anonymous V
on Apr 23, 2020

I see myself working as a principal of the firm, not just leading a group of projects on an specific geography but also selling new projects to the clients along with the firms' partners. I plan to reach this point by exceeding the goals as a consultant and gaining significant experience leading teams as an engagement manager.

5
Anonymous Y
on Jun 16, 2020

I want to take over more and more management tasks and in five years I wand to be Senior Consultant in your company.

5
Anonymous A
on Jul 27, 2020

Working in a inspiring Team and still being able to say I am excited to go to work everyday. 

5
Robert
Coach
on Oct 08, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

One fundamental flaw about most answers here is that they completely neglect the customer-focused/customer-centric idea of consulting.

You will be in a service business. And itt's not primarily about you. It's about making other people successful. They will be in the spotlight and enjoy their big bonus for which you was working hard. You need a passion for that, and you need to accept that you have your small nice little paycheck compared to the big guys out there succeeding with your help.

So a strong answer will take this into consideration and focus on what you can do and achieve for your clients in that future. And you need to clearly connect this trait to your experience and background, otherwise it's generic and I won't really believe your story.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Anonymous V2
on Jul 03, 2021
While everyone appreciates your input and perspective, it’d be great if you could stop asking people to upvote your answer. If they found it helpful, they automatically would. It sounds a little desperate and slightly diminishes credibility as a coach when you keep asking this at the end. Not trying to offend you or anything, just wanted to be honest. But keep up the great work otherwise :)
on Jan 21, 2021

In five years, I'd like to continue to be challenged.  I see myself leading teams on complex projects that delivery tangible, high-impact results.  My hope is that in five years, I have continually expanded on my knowledge base and used my solid foundational principles of humility and open-mindedness to become a good leader.

5
Anonymous R2
on Apr 25, 2021

I see myself in Private Equity developing financially inclusive products

5
on May 06, 2021

i see myself within a great team in a joung and dynamik company, whitch contributes to be a better working world.

5
Anonymous Z2
on Nov 09, 2021

Manager di Bain

 

5
Anonymous D
on Oct 13, 2019

i hope to stay at the firm and nailing good and higher positions where i will be an added value for them 

4
on Nov 06, 2019

I dont have a specific plan but I do have a couple options. I want to be able to choose what I want to do by then. 

Either I want to be a senior at accenture to get fullfilled with responsibilities and more complex tasks. 

Or, since I have so many business ideas, I want to start my own business. Using the knowledge I gained at accenture. 

4
Anonymous G
on Nov 07, 2019

Honestly, whatever I have had in mind till now did not really happen, so there's no way i can predict where I will be in the next 5 years. But one thing is for sure, I do not see a single reason why I will leave your company if I get Hired. I want to work as hard as possible for the next years and learn as much as possible and your company is the best platform for the same.

4
Anonymous K
on Jan 10, 2020

Well, right now for me is trully difficult to predict where I will be in five years but I hope I have an stable job where I can enjoy most of the time and above all a job where I have learnt a lot, I also hope I have lived another international experience by living in other countrie and having the possibility of having new experiences in different cultures and from the personal point of view I hope I till can play football (joke)

4
Anonymous U
on May 21, 2020

In five years, I would become sure a professional in my working field, namely in consulting. and improve my grade.  And, to improve my skillsets participate to trainings and become my best version. I would say that McKInsey is the best place to pursue in carrier and to achieve these objectives. For now, I would focus on my work and the missions that would be given to me. And do my best to deliver the best ratoin of quality/time.  

4
Anonymous W
on May 31, 2020

In the next 5 years, I see myself progressing through the ranks to occupy a leadership position where I am able to influence business outcomes and mentor the junior staff because my most rewarding experiences have been ones where I have had good mentors. I want to have found my niche and be able to meaningfully apply my skills and entrepreneurial spirit to create meaningful impact.

4
Anonymous B2
on Aug 05, 2020

Managing a larger portfolio of clients globally making an impact in their decision making

4
Anonymous I2
on Nov 17, 2020

in einer Führungsebene mit Team und Budget Verantwortung 

4
Anonymous M2
on Feb 02, 2021

My future goal is to head a insitution or organisations working to make impact on the regions or areas it works. i would be interested to work with youth, women or social/entrepreneurs in africa and its diaspora. And in term of industry,  i am particularly attracted by ICT, education, innovation, climate mitigation solutions, human right

4
Gaurav
Coach
on Feb 03, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Another great question to show the interviewers how your values align with those of the company, whether you are a good fit and whether you have a plan for your career. In addition to all the great suggestions the others wrote here, I'd like to say: if you're applying to this company, there must be at least good reason. Think about it and about the future that this company / position can possibly give youand structure your answer in a clear and honest way :) 

Anonymous P2
on Mar 26, 2021

In five years I will be done with my master studies and entered consulting. I will be happy with my decision and be hard working 

4
Anonymous Q2
on Mar 31, 2021

I five years I see myself having created my own company and using all the expertise I acquired through my different professionnal experiences in order to make my business thrive. 

4
on Apr 02, 2021

Experienced strategy manager

4
Anonymous X2
on Oct 05, 2021

In 5 years I see me as an experienced consultant who left this consultancy to found my own start-up, which creates an IT-product for a more sustainable world and if the dream with the start-up is not going to be real I see me in the corporate strategy of a company.

4
Anonymous Y2
on Oct 07, 2021

I want to be in a more leadership role, supporting junior staaff in their personal development and teaching them what I have learned in my 5 years as consultant

4
Anonymous B3
on Jul 15, 2022

Over the last five years, I have seen things evolve so much about me, I was initially planning to work in mathematics then I discovered economics and decided to make a switch, therefore I am not 100% sure of where I will be : 

I like innovation, I am passionate about the healthcare sector and I always wanted to deeply research a subject so I might start my company in biotech, but again, not sure what tomorrow is made of and which sectors I could discover.

4
on Oct 01, 2019

Managing my own team, traveling frequently and meeting regularly with clients with whom I have developed rapport along the years.

3
Anonymous C
on Oct 06, 2019

Senior consultant looking for opportunities to gain responsibility

3
Anonymous I
on Nov 25, 2019

Preferably working at this company, promoted to a new function and having done a project abroad

3
on Jan 02, 2020

Der finanziellen Freiheit näher gekommen. In einem Unternehmen, welches mir Führungsqualitäten vermittelt

3
Anonymous J
on Jan 02, 2020

Working as a consultant still and helping companies navigate the changing landscapes of the economy.

3
Anonymous L
on Jan 17, 2020

As a part of an exciting management consulting team with a lot of daily challenges and learning.

3
on Feb 03, 2020

I see myself as a senior consultant or a principal and can visit to various clients for business meetings

3
on Feb 12, 2020

In the next fife years I see myself as part of the fundament of BCG. I want me to be seen as an institution. 

3
Thomas
Coach
on Apr 14, 2020
150+ interviews | 6+ years experience | Bain, Kearney & Accenture | Exited startup| London Business School

Great questions to which the answer is indeed tricky. I personally don't believe that one can plan ahead five years, which has clearly been on my track record too (whether it relates to studies, countries, or firms). So I tend to answer this question taking that in mind and then sharing what my vision is.  A vision can be generic of a firm, but is powerful and unique at the same time. 

Anonymous Q
on Apr 19, 2020

Coming back from an MBA and starting another chapter of my consulting career 

3
Anonymous X
on Jun 15, 2020

In a private equity fund.

3
Anonymous Z
on Jun 17, 2020

I see myself as a future empathatic team lead that has gather through diverse consulting projects a profound expertise and is willing to share his knowledge with his team in order to further push the company to new innovative ideas and thus, projects

3
Anonymous E2
on Oct 19, 2020

In five years I see myself in mentally and physically stable position. Enjoying life and work, with people around me I obtain happiness from.

3
Anonymous F2
on Oct 20, 2020
Anonymous H2
on Oct 25, 2020

Bei McK

3
on Jan 11, 2021

C-level eines Start ups mit Personal und Monetärer Verantwortung 

3
Anonymous S2
on Jun 08, 2021

i think i'll be more developed and may have my own business

3
Anonymous T2
on Jun 12, 2021

would like to joing MBB and explore various cases on different streams to upskill myself to take up senior management roles

3
Anonymous U2
on Jun 16, 2021

I'm not really sure, but what I know is that in 5 years I will be working in a consulting firm where there's a steap learning curve and the challenges keep me going. My ambition in 5 years is being a business leader in the field of healthcare. I would see myself climbing the leadership ladder in this consulting firm   

3
Anonymous W2
on Jul 22, 2021

I'm targeted to the Assisiate Partner position at McKinsey in five years meaning that in 2 years I would get the senior Implementation Manager position.

3
on Jan 22, 2022

working at everywhere

3
Anonymous A2
on Feb 03, 2022

As a consultant working in this office.

3
Anonymous B
on Sep 19, 2019

in 5 years, i see myself in the process of starting an IoT software (and eventually hardware) company that is dedicated to capturing a portion of the multi-trillion dollar spend on climate-change mitigation through providing easy-to-use solutions that can be combined to create systems that increase operational efficiency and resource consumption across any industry

2
on Sep 24, 2019

In five years I want to see myself as a leading consultant, one who understands business dynamics, helping organisations and their clients dealing with ethical dilemmas and come up with a possible win-win solution for both.

2
Anonymous E
on Oct 30, 2019

A subject Matter Expert. I aspire to become the person consultants and clients turn to when faced with a new challenge that requires special expertise in this subject.

2
on Jan 18, 2020

Strategic management manager and owner of a company

2
Anonymous N
on Feb 16, 2020

In 5 year I see myself in a leadig position in consulting. 

My objective is to shape organizations to become successfull in the future. Moreover, I am able to motivate and instruct people in a supportive manner.

To analyze challenging economic and organizational problems is what makes this occupation so interesting for me.

2
Anonymous O
on Feb 18, 2020

In a progressively responsible profile, where I can contribute to the firm by not only delivering engagement outcomes, but also as a mentor to those within the engagement team

2
on Feb 20, 2020

Führung eines Sektorteams in Ihrem Unternehmen 

2
Anonymous P
on Feb 25, 2020

I want to become a subject matter expert in the clean energy re projects that helps organizations get through the critical regulatory bottlenecks as well as produce the most advanced and economically viable products

2
on Mar 17, 2020

I see myself in a more elevated position at a respected firm, where my inputs will be heard and respected, and my problem-solving skills will be put to best use. Additionally, I will have gained a broad background in business, and refined my skillset to be even better at leadership, management, and business strategy.

2
on Mar 28, 2020

As my passion is in sustainability (anything from financial inclusion to environmental measures), I would love that in 5 years I am transitioned to a functional practice in this area. Currently I don't have an interest in a particular sector, so I would also love to become an expert by inching in on the intersection of sustainability and a sector of choice. I would love to be one of the go-to people in the company for projects related to sustainability and my sector of choice.

2
Anonymous R
on Apr 23, 2020

Learn a lot in the short term, building a strong career in the long term

2
Anonymous G2
on Oct 24, 2020

having completed my degree, working towards being a senior concultant with a consulting qualification

2
Anonymous J2
on Nov 23, 2020

In 5 years I see myself still in a consulting firm but with a lot of experience. I will be a senior manager after working very hard for 5 years. I will able to make decisions, manage a team, conduct a team project, and sign contracts. 

2
on Jan 10, 2021

Advising top clients on key startegies, all while working remotely and having the time to pursue my hobbies (opening a boxing gym)

2
Anonymous L2
on Jan 25, 2021

I would see myself in consulting as I like to work on complex projects shaping the future of the society. 

Actually this is the reason why I am currently applying in a position at McKinsey. 

2
on Jul 02, 2021

Verschillende carrière hypotheses:

- Consultancy: goed in relatiemanagement (c-level communication), team ontwikkelen (Randstad) & business sense (verberpotentieel)

- Corporate: klant gevoel meer impact & leercurve te kunnen maken. 

- Politiek: Net zoals Silvio Erkens. Intrinsieke motivatie om samenleving te verbeteren. Hoop dat bij BCG te doen, maar kan ook

2
Anonymous F
on Nov 05, 2019

Hopefully not at the dressing room dying my white hair! I can actually see myself doing a lot of things, however, probabily my most prefered future is to see myself travelling around, working for consulting and having a masters from a renown university. 

1
on Nov 07, 2019

I see myself highly qualified in the sector 

1
Anonymous H
on Nov 24, 2019

Me veo trabajando en Creara, si consigo realizar esta entrevista bien. Me veo en un proyecto sobre energías que me interese, trabjando en Madrid. Me gustaría también tener algun titulo más de idiomas, he tocado muchos a lo largo de mi vida, y me gustaría darle otro empujón al francés o al italiano. Es cierto que aunque me apetecería verme en Madrid trabajando, igual porque llevo ya mucho tiempo fuera viviendo, tampoco me importaría estar en otra ciudad de aquí a 5 años.Me encantaría también haber crecido profesionalmente en la empresa, ganando responsabilidades y aprendiendo de mis compañeros. Me veo habiendo hecho algun proyecto que haya tenido un impacto positivo en el medio ambiente, que es una de mis aspiraciones, trabajar para una empresa en la que mi trabajo sirva para crear un mundo mejor. 

1
on Dec 03, 2019
on Dec 08, 2019
on Dec 24, 2019

associate

1
Anonymous M
on Jan 30, 2020

in a plane for business trip to visit client.

1
on Apr 06, 2020

Consultant

1
Anonymous S
on May 06, 2020

Outside my country doing a MBA

1
Anonymous T
on May 13, 2020

Ideally in a decision position in the public sector

1
on Aug 06, 2020

Helped at least two companies come from a crisis and perfectly leading one of them

1
on Sep 30, 2020

A senior consult, pursuing MBA

1
Anonymous C2
on Oct 05, 2020

google

1
Anonymous D2
on Oct 07, 2020

see answer

1
on Oct 08, 2020

Company owner who running various industry 

1
on Dec 30, 2020

senior consultant

1
Anonymous K2
on Jan 06, 2021

donkt know

1
Anonymous N2
on Feb 25, 2021

Professionally, I'd like to make it to principal/engagement manger in the firm. Personally, I want to continue to work on my fitness and run multiple full-marathons.

1
Anonymous O2
on Mar 10, 2021

founder and CEO of a small consulting firm

1
on Mar 11, 2021

I want to work in a strategic context.

1
on Apr 27, 2021
on May 20, 2021

i see myself working in as a consultant with a much greated knowledge in various industries to take my one step closer in fulfulling my dream of starting a new business

1
on May 26, 2021

I see myself as the product lead or product head of a really amzoing company

1
Anonymous D3
on Apr 08, 2023

i hope to be an expert in my field at that point in time. One of my big goals with job xy is to further narrow down the topics and industries i am interested in and develop accordingly.

1
Anonymous E3
on May 30, 2023

It's important to strike a balance between ambition and realism.

1. Show alignment with the company: Express your desire to grow within the company and contribute to its success. Emphasize your enthusiasm for the industry and how you see yourself making a meaningful impact in your role.

2. Demonstrate a growth mindset: Highlight your eagerness to learn and develop new skills. Discuss your interest in taking on additional responsibilities or tackling more complex projects as you progress in your career.

3. Be specific and focused: While it's difficult to predict exactly where you'll be in 5 years, provide a general direction or goal you aim to achieve. This could include reaching a specific position, taking on leadership roles, or becoming an expert in a particular area.

4. Showcase your commitment: Express your long-term commitment to personal and professional growth. Mention your willingness to invest in continuous learning, whether through training programs, certifications, or further education.

5. Maintain flexibility: Acknowledge that plans can change and that you're open to exploring new opportunities that may arise. Demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to take on challenges outside of your initial expectations.

Remember to tailor your response to the specific company and role you're interviewing for. Research the organization's culture, values, and career progression opportunities to align your answer accordingly.

This article offers insights and advice on answering the question "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" during interviews. It can be a useful reference for understanding different approaches and preparing your own response.

1
Anonymous F3
on Jul 02, 2023

Being a project manager. I will learn through actual job positions, by going through different projects, challenging tasks, and working with a team learning from each other.

1
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