Consulting To IB: Interview Q

Hey Guys, Rising senior here. I have a consulting inteview coming up with a decently known firm.

However, my CV SCREAMS IB & finance. I have had 2 IB Internships, 1 PE Internship, 1 VC Internship and 1 Wealth Management internship.

How do I answer the "Why consulting" and "Why Consulting over IB" question, when these eventually come up.

My personal opinion is: Liked VC & PE. But to get to a decent fund, will need IB/ consult. However, found IB a tad bit boring and less intellectually challenging.

Networked & read alot about consulting. Felt it would be a good fit for my skills and nature.

What more points do I add? How do I rephrase it, if needed?

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Hey, I just had a similar experience, I’ll share my points.

You want to speak on the skills and work in IB that consulting emulates - the critical thinking and problem solving. Then highlight how Consulting provides a more holistic view as opposed to analyzing purely the financial aspects of The company to the depth that IB does. Finally, speak on how you want to explore different industries and the breadth of experiences at Consulting is appealing.

Just my take on it.

 

Thanks. This is really helpful.

My problem isn't the question "Why consulting after so many finance/IB/VC / PE Internship s?". I know I will be able to construct an answer for it (including the points you mentioned).

My problem is the follow up question, which the interviewer may ask, "If you realised that IB wasn't giving you the requisite experience, after being a few months in, what makes you think the same thing won't happen with consulting?"

How did you approach this thought process?

Appreciate your help.

 

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