The consulting application process is highly competitive, especially for positions at top-tier firms, requiring meticulous preparation and strategy. Only 1% of top-tier consulting applicants make it through the MBB application funnel, 75% of which are already rejected at the screening stage. Getting into McKinsey, BCG, and Bain is not an easy task. The same applies…
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Navigating the strengths and weaknesses questions in top-tier consulting interviews like those at McKinsey, BCG, and Bain is crucial for leaving a lasting impression. These questions, often featured in the fit interview segment, provide a platform to showcase your self-awareness, relevance to the consulting role, and alignment with the firm’s culture. This article aims to…
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The biggest competitors for McKinsey, BCG, and Bain when it comes to hiring are not tier-2 consulting firms but top-tier investment banks such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley (besides big tech companies). Many applicants I work with consider going into top-tier consulting or investment banking. In this article, I want to break…
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The global pandemic has made virtual communication more important than ever before and consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain have adapted by conducting case interviews via video conferencing platforms like Zoom. While the pandemic has ended, virtual interviewing has stayed for most firms, roles, and offices. If you are preparing for an online case…
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Updated May 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant Bain & Company has six career levels: Associate Consultant, Consultant, Manager, Associate Partner, Partner, and Senior Partner. A first-year Associate Consultant in the US earns roughly $140,000 total compensation in 2026, climbing to $230,000 as a post-MBA Consultant, $360,000 as an Associate Partner, and…
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Florian spent five years at McKinsey as a Senior Consultant and is a highly experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach. Having conducted interviews with hundreds of candidates, he understands exactly what top-tier firms look for in successful applicants.
He founded StrategyCase.com to make top consulting careers more accessible by providing tailored, up-to-date insights into the recruiting process. Recognized as the most successful case and fit interview coach, Florian has helped his clients secure 700+ offers at MBB, Tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms over the past four years.
He is the author of “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview,” “The 1%: Case Interview Workbook,” and “Consulting Career Secrets”, all available on Amazon.
