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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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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
147.7 k
Views
469
Total Upvotes
on Oct 10, 2023 on Oct 10, 2023
Last Activity

Switching from hospitality? Is it possible?

Boston Consulting Group career move Career start Change Career consulting job Deloitte Consulting entry level graduate graduate program Jobs in consulting compnay
Most recent answer on Aug 10, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 09, 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 Aug 09, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Short answer: Yes One of the best consultants in the Sydney BCG office was a professional violinist at the Sydney Opera house prior to starting. The Partner on my first project was a former professional flautist. I work ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
436
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Aug 10, 2023 on Aug 10, 2023
Last Activity

Question before scheduled interview

consulting job Job interview Job offer
Most recent answer on Jun 27, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 23, 2023) 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 Jun 23, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: Can I send an Email asking if it will be a technical or behavioral meeting? Yes, it is totally fine to ask if they did not provide additional information already.  For the fit part, you can review some comm ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
360
Views
53
Total Upvotes
on Jun 27, 2023 on Jun 27, 2023
Last Activity

Seeking advice: passed probation but underperform at current role

consulting job
Most recent answer on Mar 02, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 02, 2023) is from:
Victoria Christine
Expert
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG
Victoria Christine
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 02, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG
Hi there, I am so sorry to hear that you've been struggling recently. I know it can be super stressful. Here are some tips and advice that may help: Seek specific feedback (regularly): Ask your managers for specific fee ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
482
Views
43
Total Upvotes
on Mar 02, 2023 on Mar 02, 2023
Last Activity

How to manage professional image?

consulting job
Most recent answer on Jan 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 15, 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 Jan 15, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: Managing your professional image at work can be challenging, especially when you are t ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
533
Views
69
Total Upvotes
on Jan 31, 2023 on Jan 31, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey Middle East - switching from Doha to UAE office?

consulting job Job offer McKinsey McKinsey Dubai Mckinsey middle east McKinseyDubai Middle East officetransfer transfer UAE
Most recent answer on Dec 10, 2022
The best answer (on Dec 06, 2022) 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 Dec 06, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Congratulations on the McKinsey offer! In terms of your question: Q: Any suggestions on how to negotiate an office transfer to either Dubai or Abu Dhabi would be appreciated I recently coached a candidate who ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.4 k
Views
36
Total Upvotes
on Dec 10, 2022 on Dec 10, 2022
Last Activity

Tier 2 advisory firms - Associate/Senior Associate application requirements

consulting job
Most recent answer on Dec 24, 2021
The best answer (on Dec 15, 2021) 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 15, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, If you noticed it, then it's true :) But yes, a lot of roles do require existing experience. Some roles require fewer years or don't specify the company tier, however, MBB experience opens up the most doors. Y ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
792
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Dec 24, 2021 on Dec 24, 2021
Last Activity

Consulting CV services recommendation

consulting job CV
Most recent answer on Sep 16, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 15, 2021) 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 Sep 15, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Dhanashri, Most coaches offer CV review services - my recommendation is to go with the coach you think would be most knowledgeable/committed. In the end, “worth it” is a calculation on your end. Any professional help ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
714
Views
46
Total Upvotes
on Sep 16, 2021 on Sep 16, 2021
Last Activity

How to decline projects or works not preferred?

consulting job
Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2021
The best answer (on Aug 10, 2021) is from:
Sofia
Expert
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching
Sofia
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 10, 2021
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching
Hello! I am sorry to hear that you are getting staffed on projects that you are not enjoying. Here are some of my tips for getting more work than you prefer: 1. Network with senior consultants who are doing the sort of ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.1 k
Views
58
Total Upvotes
on Aug 31, 2021 on Aug 31, 2021
Last Activity

Working Hours Tier 2 vs. Big4

associate Big4 consulting job Finance Job offer strategy consulting tier2 working conditions working hours
Most recent answer on Apr 03, 2021
The best answer (on Apr 01, 2021) is from:
Adi
Expert
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
Adi
Expert
 gave the best answer on Apr 01, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
Germany and Consulting= generally bad work life balance regardless of the consulting company :). Dont base your decision on this factor and its going to be hard initially. Balance will improve over time but even then it ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
2.9 k
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on Apr 03, 2021 on Apr 03, 2021
Last Activity

Other work before start date

consulting job job
Most recent answer on Mar 06, 2021
The best answer (on Mar 04, 2021) is from:
Ken
Expert
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
Ken
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 04, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
I would be more worried about your interim role at a competitor that would legally compromise your ability to take on your full-time role in August. I would make sure you fully understand the legal constraints that your ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
846
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Mar 06, 2021 on Mar 06, 2021
Last Activity

Is this a more of a corporate strategy, strategic planning or consulting role?

consulting job Corporate Strategy growth strategy strategic plan
Most recent answer on Dec 11, 2020
The best answer (on Oct 06, 2020) is from:
Robert
Expert
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author
Robert
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 06, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author
Hi Anonymous, For the same actual role many job titles are used across different companies - so don't worry too much about the specific role title as long as it's not completely misleading. It's more important what ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
984
Views
20
Total Upvotes
on Dec 11, 2020 on Dec 11, 2020
Last Activity

Unable to even get an interview call. How to get one?

consulting job entry level hiring
Most recent answer on Nov 26, 2020
The best answer (on May 19, 2020) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 19, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! Do you want to send over the CV? A priori, the only issue I would see is the language. Cheers, Clara
6
Answers
1.3 k
Views
21
Total Upvotes
on Nov 26, 2020 on Nov 26, 2020
Last Activity

I received a PhD from a top UK uni 2.5 years ago and have become self-employed since then, is it worth trying to apply?

Application consulting job phd
Recent activity on Feb 20, 2019
The best answer (on Feb 20, 2019) is from:
Guennael
Expert
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
Guennael
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 20, 2019
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
Short answer is of course "only way to know is to try". Longer answer: PhDs are in high demand, since you've learned how to build a hypothesis and rigorously prove it + use logic & math in the process. Indeed, I o ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.9 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Feb 20, 2019 on Feb 20, 2019
Last Activity

Advice required for future consulting

consulting job Study university
Recent activity on May 31, 2018
Anonymous gave the best answer on May 31, 2018
My gut feeling based on your description says go with UVA, but you should validate this. Really, it depends on a number of criteria. Firstly, I would also challenge that "grades are of the utmost importance" for cons ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
2.6 k
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on May 31, 2018 on May 31, 2018
Last Activity

What is currently the market (country/city) with the highest growing demand in terms of management and strategy consulting?

consulting firms consulting job demand
Recent activity on Apr 06, 2018
The best answer (on Apr 05, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Apr 05, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, The fastest growing ranking is: Australia (Sydney, Perth, Melbourne) - the fastest growing now. it's literally booming in retail and heavy industries Dubai - Mostly government projects + projects in the regi ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
3.4 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Apr 06, 2018 on Apr 06, 2018
Last Activity

Physicians/Medical Graduate in Consulting.

advanced Advice BCG Career Advising Change Career consulting job Healthcare MBB McKinsey Medicine phd Roland Berger
Recent activity on Feb 25, 2018
Anonymous gave the best answer on Feb 22, 2018
Hey Matt, I've already answered you privately to this question, but would like to leave my answer here because it might benefit other people in similar situations: As Juan Pablo already refferred, getting into MBB ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
9.9 k
Views
21
Total Upvotes
on Feb 25, 2018 on Feb 25, 2018
Last Activity

(Best) Consulting Firms for Digitalization

consulting consulting firms consulting industry consulting job digitalization interest projects
Recent activity on Mar 21, 2017
The best answer (on Mar 19, 2017) is from:
Ignacio
Expert
MIT MBA | Bain & Co | Ex-Google | 4+ year coaching experience
Ignacio
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 19, 2017
MIT MBA | Bain & Co | Ex-Google | 4+ year coaching experience
Hello! I don't fully understand what you mean by front-end digitisation. In the IT world, it's development of the interface/design/customer journey of a tool and/or product. Having said that, I believe that all con ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
6.8 k
Views
16
Total Upvotes
on Mar 21, 2017 on Mar 21, 2017
Last Activity

Should a doctorate in natural sciences join the consulting industry – who gave it a try?

business situation Case Interview consultation consulting consulting job enter consulting internship MBB natural sciences phd recruiting
Recent activity on Jan 31, 2017
The best answer (on May 23, 2017) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 23, 2017
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, Focus on the most common industries in the following priority (sorted by probability of geting a case): 1-retail and CPG; 2-airlines; 3-Telecom; 4-banking; 5-natural resources; 6-tech There are several sources o ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
14.5 k
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Jan 31, 2017 on Jan 31, 2017
Last Activity
19 results
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