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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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Is there a difference between applying to 'Digital' Mckinsey and Mckinsey?

associate Australia business analyst Case Interview Digital
Most recent answer on Oct 01, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 14, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 14, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, McKinsey Digital roles are not that much different from McKinsey Generalist. The major difference is a separate staffing. You will have a different staffing coordinator who has to approve all your projects. In gen ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
32.0 k
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Oct 01, 2023 on Oct 01, 2023
Last Activity

Commercial due diligence

CDD
Most recent answer on Oct 01, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 05, 2022) is from:
Ian
Expert
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep
Ian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Sep 05, 2022
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep
Hi there, Be careful… While becoming a member could represent great growth opportunities, it's going to be a nightmare. DD is hard. And having leadership that hasn't done it before and in an un-established practice is a ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
599
Views
16
Total Upvotes
on Oct 01, 2023 on Oct 01, 2023
Last Activity

Miner's case structure

mining oil & gas
Most recent answer on Oct 01, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 01, 2023) is from:
Frederic
Expert
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey|Senior Interviewer|Harvard MBA Recommender|Performance Coach & Mentor|10+ Years Experience
Frederic
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 01, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey|Senior Interviewer|Harvard MBA Recommender|Performance Coach & Mentor|10+ Years Experience
Your approach is on the right track, but let's refine the framework for this case, where you need to choose between two options: 1) Understanding the Client's Situation:  - Assess the client's past experience in manufac ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
48
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Oct 01, 2023 on Oct 01, 2023
Last Activity

How to conduct "daily reading" to accumulate business knowledge?

reading
Most recent answer on Oct 01, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 16, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 16, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience
Hi, This is a common question, and one I faced myself when I was preparing for consulting interviews. I studied History in college, and had zero exposure to business.  A couple of key pointers I can share (assuming you ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
113
Views
9
Total Upvotes
on Oct 01, 2023 on Oct 01, 2023
Last Activity

Ban after screening rejection

CV screening
Most recent answer on Oct 01, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 24, 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 Sep 24, 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 the rejection from BCG! I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation: First of all, it's unlikely you'll be able to reapply immediately within the same month a ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
87
Views
42
Total Upvotes
on Oct 01, 2023 on Oct 01, 2023
Last Activity

Through which channel do MBBs inform you about the outcome of your interview?

interview feedback MBB
Most recent answer on Oct 01, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 26, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 McKinsey Coach by rating & recommendation rate
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Sep 26, 2023
#1 McKinsey Coach by rating & recommendation rate
Hi there! They almost always call.  It's usually one of the two interviewers you had in the round you just did.  Sometimes, they also let you know over email, but that's rare.  Just call them back if you missed their ca ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
95
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Oct 01, 2023 on Oct 01, 2023
Last Activity
Question on the case: Baby Formula

Revenue increases calculated at $25 per can vs recommended price of $20 per can

Baby formula
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
Anonymous A asked on Sep 29, 2023
In this question, we are asked to calculate the total new revenues for the WIP program.  We are told that the cost of cans under the WIP program are set fo $20.  However, in the calculations, we take the non-WIP can sal ... (read entire question)
1
Answer
35
Views
0
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Customer satisfaction

customer retention
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 15, 2023) 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 Aug 15, 2023
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi!   First of all: please do NOT use a framework at all! Frameworks are for those who don't know how to solve problems in a rigorous and repeatable way. Instead, learn the principles of rigorous problem solving :) One ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
129
Views
14
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Just received an email from McKinsey for an additional Interview

Digital McKinsey
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 15, 2023) 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 Aug 15, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Aleeya, Q: I also don’t know what this interview is now about. Can someone help me out? Is this normal for McKinsey? What should I expect? From what they shared, it seems like a fit interview without cases. It is not ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
198
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Best CV fonts - Times New Roman or Verdana?

Resume
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 15, 2023) 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 Aug 15, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: What is the best CV font that you would recommend? Is Times New Roman better, or Verdana? Both could work so it is more a personal preference. Personally, I always used Times New Roman. I agree with Benjami ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
135
Views
20
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Passing probation as MBA hire

Probation
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 15, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 15, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience
Hi, Sharing my POV having managed new consultants and hires as a Principal 1. Based on your experience, what is the rate to pass probation at MBB? This is really office dependent and specific If you ask me, really no po ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
111
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Chemistry Graduate interested in consulting

consulting dubai entry level MENA
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 19, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 19, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience
Hi, I'll share a couple of pointers on question #2-4 based on my own experience - I too came from a non-traditional background (I studied History). 2. How do I refine my casing skills, what books do I have to learn, ana ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
133
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

What is your opinion on entering Big Four firms as a consultant?

Bain BCG big four consulting industry Deloitte EY KPMG MBB McKinsey PwC
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 16, 2018) 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 Feb 16, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, Big 4 and MBB have a different focus in terms of projects. Specifically, Big 4 work more on implementation projects rather than strategy. However, many of the Big 4 have now also a strategy branch, thank ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
36.4 k
Views
58
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

What Questions to Ask in Partner Interview

Final Round Interview
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 13, 2019) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 13, 2019
McKinsey | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi, questions about interviewer experience are always great, showing your curiosity in her motivation and expertise. If you have the chance to know before the name of the interviewer (you can ask it to HR the day before ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
37.1 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

How good/relevant is the Case-in-Point book for case prep?

Case in Point Case structure and frameworks Good resources Victor Cheng
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jul 11, 2018
Dear Anonymous A, This is a great question! I hope others can benefit from this debate. I will answer your question bluntly: Marc Consentino’s Case-in-Point book has become outdated and is no longer a good resourc ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
37.5 k
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Accenture vs Big 4

Accenture BCG Big4 mbb big4 McKinsey
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Dec 24, 2022
Accenture may be more helpful if you are looking to focus on IT and Digital, as this is a growing area you can use as a specialism to enter into MBB with some experience.  However, you will still need a strong referal t ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
48.6 k
Views
13
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

I was asked "what was your role in the project?" How should I answer

behavioral
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 18, 2021) is from:
Christine
Admin
PrepLounge Community & Marketing Manager
Christine
Admin
 gave the best answer on Oct 18, 2021
PrepLounge Community & Marketing Manager
Hi there, This is a great question and our coaches have already given great insights. Nonetheless, I wanted to recommend having a look at some resources that might be helpful with FIT questions just like the one you wer ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
48.7 k
Views
62
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

What are the typical work day hours at a major consulting firm?

Bain & Company BCG MBB McKinsey working conditions working hours
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 18, 2017) 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 Dec 18, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Frank as mentioned by Bill, working hours depend on the geography. In Dubai, Singapore and Southern Europe hours are usually longer (my experience in Italy was 9am-11pm Mon-Thu, 9am-8pm Fri and 70-80% of weekends w ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
54.2 k
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

What is the difference between McK, BCG and Bain – so called “MBB” firms?

Bain Bain & Company BCG company culture corporate culture MBB Mck McKinsey office culture RolandBerger working culture
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on May 24, 2016
For perspective, I worked 5.5 years at BCG in Germany and Japan, and did projects all over the globe. I have multiple friends at both McK and Bain. The following are my personal views, and your statement "from different ... (read entire answer)
31
Answers
112.6 k
Views
181
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 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 Sep 30, 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)
25
Answers
203.4 k
Views
126
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity
21 - 40 of 14118 results
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