Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 452,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
What would you like to ask or discuss?

How to use my time properly for case prep?

beginner Casebooks casecoach consulting craftingcases PrivateEquity
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on May 01, 2024) 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 01, 2024
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi MorningStar47, By and large, most (or probably all) casebooks, YouTube videos, etc. on the market (mostly created by authors who have been still very junior when they left Consulting or did not even work in Consultin ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
106
Views
67
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Probably bombed my 1st interview for 1st round - asking opinion

BCG First Round industry specific Interview
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on May 01, 2024) is from:
Oliver
Expert
Former BCG interviewer (75+ interviews for associates, consultants and MBA hires) | I will make your practice perfect
Oliver
Expert
gave the best answer on May 01, 2024
Former BCG interviewer (75+ interviews for associates, consultants and MBA hires) | I will make your practice perfect
Hi, Congratulations on interviewing with BCG. Given your work experience and your MBA, I assume you are interviewing for the role of consultant. Regarding your recent interview, I understand that you may feel uncertain ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
90
Views
77
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Second layer of framework

case interview preparation
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on May 01, 2024) 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 01, 2024
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous A, I want to emphasize one BIG misconception that I unfortunately see with many many candidates:    Structure DOES NOT equal frameworks!   The different frameworks that you can find in pertinent case litera ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
86
Views
80
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

MBA sponsorship

MBA MBB
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on May 01, 2024) is from:
Sina
Expert
Ex-McKinsey and Big 4 Consultant | MIT MBA | 50% off sessions until June | Claim 1 of 3 free sessions today
Sina
Expert
gave the best answer on May 01, 2024
Ex-McKinsey and Big 4 Consultant | MIT MBA | 50% off sessions until June | Claim 1 of 3 free sessions today
Hi there,  This question is dependent on the firm policy. But from my experience, yes, MBA sponsorship is available to Engagement Managers (AKA project leaders). One thing you may want to consider is also specific geogr ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
65
Views
59
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey Imbellus Question

Imbellus Imbellustestresult MBB McKinsey McKinsey & Company
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on May 02, 2024) 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 May 02, 2024
#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 the rejection from McKinsey! I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation: First of all, a partner referral will certainly help you in the screening phase of t ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
78
Views
39
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Can I apply for internships in consulting even after graduation?

career career advice Career Advising consulting internship
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on May 01, 2024) is from:
Pedro
Expert
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Pedro
Expert
gave the best answer on May 01, 2024
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
I am afraid you are working under some false (and even dangerous) assumptions. You are assuming that in your situation it will be easier to get the internship than the full time job. This is not true. You are also assum ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
57
Views
63
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

2 invites for Solve Game (different email)

inteview
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 29, 2024) is from:
Sina
Expert
Ex-McKinsey and Big 4 Consultant | MIT MBA | 50% off sessions until June | Claim 1 of 3 free sessions today
Sina
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 29, 2024
Ex-McKinsey and Big 4 Consultant | MIT MBA | 50% off sessions until June | Claim 1 of 3 free sessions today
Hi there,  I would suggest letting the recruiter know about having taken the test before. It is likely that it would come up later in the interview process, which may lead to your application being rejected if you have ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
84
Views
63
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Employment Gap on Resume and How to talk about it during Interview

employment gap Interview MBB
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 29, 2024) is from:
Ariadna
Expert
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
Ariadna
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 29, 2024
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
Hi there! Let me take your questions one by one: 1. Do I have to list the second job on my resume even though it was extremely short? (< 3 months) No, you do not have to. If you think this role is not supporting your ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
134
Views
89
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Market Sizing Answer is off but structure and thought process is fine

Case Interview Prep Market sizing
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 29, 2024) is from:
Ariadna
Expert
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
Ariadna
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 29, 2024
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
Yes! Approach is fine, even if number is a little bit off.  A few extra tips to make sure things actually work out well during the case interview (after you have laid out the structure and go into the numbers):  Ask the ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
92
Views
63
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Reapplying for Junior Associate position

Interview
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 30, 2024) is from:
Udayan
Expert
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience
Udayan
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 30, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience
1 year is the minimum and 2 is recommended. Hiring for MBB is global so all offices will know the outcome of your application. In general it is only recommended to apply once you have clear career progression to speak o ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
94
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey Passing Game Score

McKinsey McKinsey problem solving game McKinseyproblemsolvinggame
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 30, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 30, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
There is no exact cut-off point.  And the reality is that even if there was, it wouldn't be public knowledge.  You can think of a funnel. These firms receive lots of applications (CV + CL + referral), then they ask the ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
105
Views
46
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Bain case interview format ACI (DACH) 2024

Bain
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 30, 2024) 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 Apr 30, 2024
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi!  Well, for some reason, people always obsess about candidate-led vs. interviewer-led, but there is no such thing as a pure "candidate-led structure" or "interviewer-led structure". It simply does not exist! Firstly, ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
91
Views
73
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Fit Interview Answer Structure

Fit Interview Stories McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 30, 2024) is from:
Oliver
Expert
Former BCG interviewer (75+ interviews for associates, consultants and MBA hires) | I will make your practice perfect
Oliver
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 30, 2024
Former BCG interviewer (75+ interviews for associates, consultants and MBA hires) | I will make your practice perfect
Hi there, Thanks for your questions! Let's dive into them: Personal Fit Interview Strategy: When approaching personal fit questions, it's crucial to maintain clarity and structure. I recommend using the STAR framework ( ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
102
Views
111
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Expected Salary for Corporate Strategy role - Senior Associate in Dubai (UAE)

Corporate corporate development Corporate Strategy M&A salary salary negotiation strategy strategy consulting UAE
Most recent answer on May 02, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 24, 2024) is from:
Pedro
Expert
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Pedro
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 24, 2024
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Glassdoor is a good datapoint for that type of salary questions. Not 100% reliable, but directionally right (as long as they have a relevant number of datapoints).
5
Answers
92
Views
42
Total Upvotes
on May 02, 2024 on May 02, 2024
Last Activity

Preparation for McKinsey style interviewer led cases

Experienced Hire Interviewer-Led vs Candidate-Led cases McKinsey
Most recent answer on May 01, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 30, 2024) 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 Apr 30, 2024
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi!  It seems like people always obsess about candidate-led vs. interviewer-led, but there is no such thing as a pure "candidate-led structure" or "interviewer-led structure". It simply does not exist! Firstly, firms wi ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
121
Views
88
Total Upvotes
on May 01, 2024 on May 01, 2024
Last Activity

BCG Online Case

BCG BCG Case Interview BCG online case
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 04, 2024) is from:
Nick
Expert
Bain London PE practice / ex-Interviewer and recruiting lead at Bain / I will coach you to rock those interviews
Nick
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 04, 2024
Bain London PE practice / ex-Interviewer and recruiting lead at Bain / I will coach you to rock those interviews
Sorry to hear the experience didn't go as well as you would have hoped. Best to check with the recruiting team, but typically once you are in the BCG online case, you are already considered past the CV and cover letter ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
440
Views
90
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2024 on Apr 30, 2024
Last Activity

What are the key points to note before taking the HR screening interview?

pre-screening interview
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 04, 2024) is from:
Nick
Expert
Bain London PE practice / ex-Interviewer and recruiting lead at Bain / I will coach you to rock those interviews
Nick
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 04, 2024
Bain London PE practice / ex-Interviewer and recruiting lead at Bain / I will coach you to rock those interviews
This interview is for HR team to scan for any obvious red flags and avoid further investing resources if there are eligibility issues. Often the questions will be verifying their understanding of your candidacy based on ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
433
Views
80
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2024 on Apr 30, 2024
Last Activity

Initial assessment preparation for Bain & Co

Bain & Company Good resources Online Assessment
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 04, 2024) 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 Mar 04, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Lucky for you the McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so you really can leverage the practice tests for all of them in order to prepare: The best way is to really find online tests ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
219
Views
54
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2024 on Apr 30, 2024
Last Activity

Coaches per PE Case Studies?

coach coaching Private Equity
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 30, 2024) 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 Apr 30, 2024
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi Francesco, If you would like to get specific coaching for private equity case studies, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Being the most experienced coach in terms of consulting, recruiting, and coaching c ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
186
Views
46
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2024 on Apr 30, 2024
Last Activity

T2 Consulting or Big4 Strategy Specialization Unit

consulting tier2
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 10, 2024) 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 Mar 10, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 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
223
Views
81
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2024 on Apr 30, 2024
Last Activity
21 - 40 of 15258 results

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.