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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help me with my masters decision

dubai investment banking MBB & Big 4 Mckinsey middle east Middle east; BCG; Bain; Kearney strategy& dubai
Most recent answer on Nov 26, 2023
The best answer (on May 01, 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 May 01, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: Which program do you think I should go for? The masters in business law at bocconi or the masters in finance at bologna business school? The Bocconi brand is significantly better than the Bologna Business S ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
774
Views
66
Total Upvotes
on Nov 26, 2023 on Nov 26, 2023
Last Activity

Equity Research for Sales and Trading in an Investment Banking Interview

investment banking Market research Technical Experience Interview technical skill trading
Most recent answer on Aug 08, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 06, 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 06, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Agree with the others. Other platforms would be better suited :)
6
Answers
387
Views
36
Total Upvotes
on Aug 08, 2023 on Aug 08, 2023
Last Activity

Investment Banking Interview

behavoural fit interview fit interview investment banking
Most recent answer on Aug 05, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 04, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 04, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, I would not overthink the response to this question. Heres a couple of tips and pointers based on a chat I had with a friend who was former GS M&A: Give a reasonable and honest answer In addition, you could also ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
370
Views
37
Total Upvotes
on Aug 05, 2023 on Aug 05, 2023
Last Activity

Consulting or IB?

consulting investment banking
Most recent answer on Aug 15, 2022
The best answer (on Aug 12, 2022) 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 12, 2022
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching
Hello, Congratulations on your job offers! There's no objective answer to what a better/preferred career track is - it depends on your personal tastes and preferences. Where are the jobs located? What is the office cult ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.4 k
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Aug 15, 2022 on Aug 15, 2022
Last Activity

(Includes TLDR) MBA Vs Non-Business Masters For My Situation (Consulting, IBD, Software Engineering)

business school investment banking software strategy consulting
Most recent answer on Jul 09, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 09, 2022) 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 Jul 09, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi SB, Q: Can do a MiF/MiM and still apply for Associate Strat Consulting or IBD because of my experience?  The quick answer is that the MBA will increase your chances substantially compared to a Master and open more do ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
552
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Jul 09, 2022 on Jul 09, 2022
Last Activity

From consulting to IB (M&A)

investment banking Private Equity
Most recent answer on Jan 25, 2022
The best answer (on Jan 25, 2022) 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 Jan 25, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, I'll be honest and say it's not great but please don't hear that as impossible. I've honestly seen pretty much everything happen at this point. If you work hard, plan things out, be deliberate in your actions, ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.5 k
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Jan 25, 2022 on Jan 25, 2022
Last Activity

Case question for banking (Citi)

Case Interview investment banking McKinsey
Most recent answer on Oct 25, 2021
The best answer (on Oct 24, 2021) 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 Oct 24, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! Yes indeed, the process is similar.  The good thing is that you can perfectly apply the skills that you have developed (for casing, the math, structuring and top-down communication. For FIT, the prep it´s almost ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.9 k
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Oct 25, 2021 on Oct 25, 2021
Last Activity

McKinsey vs Boutique investment banking

Banking consulting investment banking McKinsey
Most recent answer on Oct 20, 2021
The best answer (on Oct 20, 2021) is from:
Agrim
Expert
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
Agrim
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 20, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
Some differences according to me - personal opinion: Career progression is faster and easier in consulting. The tenures are fixed, the career path is fixed, and its also easy - you just keep improving your areas of deve ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
3.0 k
Views
41
Total Upvotes
on Oct 20, 2021 on Oct 20, 2021
Last Activity

Offer Consideration: Kearney Dubai

A.T. Kearney business analyst consulting industry entry level investment banking Kearney dubai Private Equity
Most recent answer on Sep 09, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 09, 2021) is from:
Agrim
Expert
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
Agrim
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 09, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
Your question and situation is complex to answer over this forum. Please write to me - I have recently had 2 coachees for Kearney Dubai and several more for Dubai in-general. Having worked in Dubai, I can also answer yo ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
1.7 k
Views
13
Total Upvotes
on Sep 09, 2021 on Sep 09, 2021
Last Activity

Is there a dedicated book about management consulting career for people aspiring to break into the job?

financial analysis investment banking management consulting recruiting
Most recent answer on Feb 26, 2021
The best answer (on Dec 22, 2020) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 22, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi, Try with the following ones: - Million Dollar Consulting, by Alan Weiss. - Getting Started in Consulting, by Alan Weiss. - The McKinsey Mind, by Ethan Rasiel. - The McKinsey Way, by Ethan Rasiel. - 90 Da ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.2 k
Views
83
Total Upvotes
on Feb 26, 2021 on Feb 26, 2021
Last Activity

Investment banking Analyst to consulting

IBD investment banking
Most recent answer on Feb 22, 2021
The best answer (on Feb 21, 2021) is from:
Sadik
Expert
Ex M&A banker and Consultant at JP Morgan and Oliver Wyman
Sadik
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 21, 2021
Ex M&A banker and Consultant at JP Morgan and Oliver Wyman
Hey! I have personally made the step from Analyst II to Consultancy. My reasoning was exactly the same to taste a bit more strategic and operational work rather than purely financed on modelling/valuation. Ultimate ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
8.7 k
Views
149
Total Upvotes
on Feb 22, 2021 on Feb 22, 2021
Last Activity

Internship at a bank to get a consulting full time job?

Banking investment banking
Most recent answer on Aug 25, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jul 13, 2018
Having a top-tier Bulge bracket name will definitely help your application. In my experience, a strong banking internship is actually better than a second-tier consulting internship to break into MBB. To the people th ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
3.3 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Aug 25, 2020 on Aug 25, 2020
Last Activity

How will you reduce the operational cost for a credit card company?

bank Banking credit card investment banking
Most recent answer on Nov 09, 2019
The best answer (on Nov 09, 2019) is from:
Jamie
Former Tier 2, now MBB in Dubai. Here to chill :)
Jamie gave the best answer on Nov 09, 2019
Former Tier 2, now MBB in Dubai. Here to chill :)
Hi there, Interesting question. I will address this more like a real project, which you can convert in an interview case. 1. Clarify the problem. "How will you reduce the operational cost for a credit card company ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
2.0 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Nov 09, 2019 on Nov 09, 2019
Last Activity

Type of cases in a somewhat hybrid role - preparation tips

consulting Corporate Finance Finance Financial risk management investment banking Private Equity Quantitative risk management Risk Management
Recent activity on Feb 28, 2019
The best answer (on Feb 28, 2019) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 28, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, I would prepare for the following: Due-diligence of the target company Synergies calculation of two merging companies 1. For DD you can use the following structure: Market Size Growth rates Prof ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
1.9 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Feb 28, 2019 on Feb 28, 2019
Last Activity

Investment Banking Cover letters?

Citi Cover letter investment banking
Recent activity on Feb 22, 2019
Anonymous gave the best answer on Feb 22, 2019
Hi Rsan, Take a look at wall street Oasis, they gave great resources for investment banking. Here is a specific link for cover letters: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/a-cover-letter-template-for-investment-ba ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
3.6 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Feb 22, 2019 on Feb 22, 2019
Last Activity

Would BCG defer an offer for a year or more?

associate BCG defer investment banking offer
Recent activity on Oct 13, 2018
The best answer (on Oct 13, 2018) 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 Oct 13, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
BCG 'may' agree to an extension, though that's not guaranteed. Note that they did feel comfortable asking me to defer my acceptance by a year a while back, so part of me would like it if you turned the table on them, ha ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
6.0 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Oct 13, 2018 on Oct 13, 2018
Last Activity

Case recommendations for consulting in investment banking ?

investment banking Practice cases
Recent activity on Jul 03, 2018
The best answer (on Jul 03, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 03, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, M&A interviews are different from consulting and are usually much more technical and detailed in financial part. Usually, they give you much more time to prepare and do the valuation on paper. Depending on the ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
2.8 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Jul 03, 2018 on Jul 03, 2018
Last Activity

From consulting to ibanking?

Banking career consulting consulting industry Finance investment banking M&A switch
Recent activity on May 29, 2018
Anonymous gave the best answer on May 29, 2018
From speaking to many Investment Bankers at recruiting events at Cambridge trying to convince people that IBD>Consulting: the reason they almost all gave is that in IBD, you actually do, whereas in consulting you jus ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
3.0 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on May 29, 2018 on May 29, 2018
Last Activity

From J.P. Morgan Chase CIB to consulting ?

BANE Banking BCG investment banking MBB McKinsey
Recent activity on Feb 07, 2018
Anonymous gave the best answer on Feb 07, 2018
Doable. Lots of stigma because is really hard to justify switch from one to the other for someone's own volition. Hours are slightly better but not life changing and travel can nullify that benefit, in US compensation - ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
3.3 k
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Feb 07, 2018 on Feb 07, 2018
Last Activity

Is it similar to prepare for IB as consulting?

consulting investment banking
Recent activity on Aug 19, 2017
The best answer (on Aug 19, 2017) is from:
Yixu
Current BCG Consultant; interviewed with McKinsey, BCG and Bain
Yixu gave the best answer on Aug 19, 2017
Current BCG Consultant; interviewed with McKinsey, BCG and Bain
Hi there, I did. I did UBS training and was interviewed by Morgan Stanley, Citi, etc. But I gradually found more interest in management consulting. Interviewed with McKinsey, BCG and Bain (New York and Shanghai Office). ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
3.5 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Aug 19, 2017 on Aug 19, 2017
Last Activity
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