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From Interview Rooms To Reality: Lessons From Bain, EY, KPMG, & Deloitte
Let’s set the record straight: Getting into a top consulting firm isn’t just about where you studied.
I know this because I’ve walked into interviews at Bain, EY, KPMG, and Deloitte– and not once was I asked, “What’s the rank of your college?”
Sure, a Tier 1 degree might catch attention, but what holds it?
👉 Your skills. Your thinking. The way you carry a conversation.
This blog isn’t a list of recycled tips. It’s a reflection of what I genuinely picked up along the way– and what I wish someone had told me before I stepped into my first interview room.
1. A Good College Might Get You Noticed, But Your Skills Make You Memorable
One of the biggest myths out there is that without a top-tier brand on your resume, you are automatically at a disadvantage. In reality, once you are in that interview seat, it becomes a level playing field.
In my EY and KPMG interviews, there wasn’t even a hint of concern about where I studied.
What mattered far more was:
- How I broke down business problems
- How I thought through client scenarios
- How I showed I could hit the ground running
They weren’t hiring my degree–they were hiring my mindset and how I applied that thinking. If you are aiming for consulting, focus on what actually counts:
- Breaking down complex issues clearly
- Being fluent in Excel, PowerPoint, and numbers
- Telling a business story with structure and clarity
2. Your Resume Should Tell The Story Of Real Impact
We all begin by supporting teams. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But when you describe your experience, don’t stop at the task – show the outcome (the impact).
Instead of writing:
"Prepared client reports and presentations"
Frame it like:
"Supported a client proposal that helped secure a $5 million engagement in the ABC sector."
It’s still collaborative – but now it highlights real contributions you’ve made. Consulting resumes don’t need fluff. They need clarity, confidence, and outcomes. So, write like you’re proud of what you helped accomplish.
3. Every Firm Has Its Personality – Know It, Feel It
Each of my interviews had a completely different tone, and that taught me one key lesson: Prepare for the firm, not just the interview.
- Deloitte:
Natural, free-flowing conversation. We discussed macroeconomics, digital trends, and how industries are evolving. It felt like a peer discussion, not an interrogation. - Bain:
My interview was deeply introspective. They asked questions like "Why Bain?", more specifically "Why do you want to be a Bainie?" They wanted to understand if I genuinely identified with their values and working style. - EY and KPMG:
These interviews were highly skill-driven. The focus was on navigating ambiguity, making structured decisions, and translating ideas into real client outcomes. It was less about textbook theory and more about real-world thinking.
👉 Takeaway: Do your homework on each firm. Their culture shapes their questions, and your preparation should reflect that.
4. You Don’t Have To Solve The Case. You Have To Solve It Well
When it comes to case interviews, many candidates are obsessed with getting the “right” answer. However, firms are more interested in how you approach the problem. I learned to:
- Pause to breathe
- Structure my thoughts clearly
- Break problems into manageable parts (e.g., market opportunity, customer segments, competitive landscape, operational costs) instead of jumping to conclusions.
That clarity in thinking helped the interviewer follow my logic and gave me room to adjust if needed.
Pro Tip: Always verbalize your thought process. It turns the interview into a collaborative conversation and shows how you reason through uncertainty.
5. What Actually Left An Impression (Hint: Not My Academic Scores)
One of the best pieces of feedback I ever received after an interview was:
"You didn’t pretend to have all the answers. You were thoughtful and asked the right questions."
That stayed with me.
Top consulting firms aren’t just looking for high performers. They’re looking for people who:
- Grow fast
- Take ownership
- Collaborate effectively
You do not need to know everything. You just need to show that you are open, structured, and serious about solving problems.
Final Thought: You Don't Need A Tier-1 College To Become A Consultant
Too many candidates give up before they start because they believe their college brand isn’t good enough. I’ve been through that self-doubt. What I learned is this:
Firms like Bain, EY, Deloitte, and KPMG are filled with people from diverse educational backgrounds. What unites them is:
- How they think
- How they communicate
- How they solve real-world challenges
You don’t need to be from a Tier 1 college to become a consultant. You just need to think like one.
Want to learn directly from the mind behind this article? Connect with Mayank Kapoor on Unstop for personalized 1:1 mentorship, expert guidance, and more!
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