Training · CO-1 · Lesson 02 of 06
The major firms
The rule
The MBB firms set the recruiting template; the strategy boutiques and the big implementation shops hire for different reasons. Recruiters screen for the same shape across firms, so the preparation transfers even when the offer does not.
The top strategy firms
McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group and Bain are the most selective strategy firms, often grouped as MBB. Each has a distinct culture: McKinsey is known for scale and structured problem-solving, BCG for frameworks and intellectual breadth, Bain for results orientation and private equity work.
Other leading firms
Oliver Wyman, Kearney, Roland Berger, LEK, Strategy& and others have strong reputations in particular sectors or regions. Big Four firms — Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG — run large consulting practices with implementation strength.
- ·Oliver Wyman: financial services strength.
- ·LEK: due diligence, life sciences.
- ·Roland Berger: European industrials.
- ·Accenture: technology implementation scale.
Differences that matter in interviews
Case formats differ. Some firms run interviewer-led cases with specific questions; others candidate-led where you drive. Some use written or group cases. Knowing the format of each target firm shapes how you practise.
- Interviewer-led
- Structured questions, charts
- Candidate-led
- You drive the analysis
- Written case
- Slides from data pack
- Online assessment
- Game or problem-solving test
Choosing among offers
Consider office, industry and function strengths, staffing model, training, culture and exit networks. The people you would work with matter more than the brand difference between top firms.
Researching a firm
Read recent publications, know the office's main clients and sectors, and speak with consultants there. A clear 'why this firm' answer requires specifics from real conversations.
Hold onto this
- ·McKinsey, Bain and BCG dominate general strategy recruiting.
- ·Boutiques such as Roland Berger, Oliver Wyman, L.E.K. and Centerview go deeper on one thing.
- ·Implementation and technology arms hire for delivery skills over case polish.
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Education, not financial advice. Figures may be simplified for illustration.