Top Consulting Firms – Best Consulting Firms to Work For 2025
For many graduates, consulting is an exciting way to start a career. If you are looking for a steep learning curve, strong development opportunities and competitive salaries, consulting can offer you a wide range of paths to grow professionally.
But which firm is the right fit for you? You might know the feeling of being curious and unsure at the same time. Where should you start? What truly sets these firms apart? And which opportunities open up depending on the direction you choose? This is exactly where PrepLounge is here to help.
In this section, you get a clear overview of international markets and offices, learn what makes MBB unique, how the Big Four differ from one another and which exciting opportunities Top-Tier and boutique firms offer. The better you understand the consulting landscape, the easier it becomes to decide whether you prefer global players or more specialized firms.
This section brings together articles on topics such as:
how different countries and regions in consulting operate
what defines MBB and how the three firms differ
the role the Big Four play in the consulting market
which alternatives Top-Tier and boutique firms offer
You do not need to choose your path right away. This section gives you orientation, helps you compare firms and supports you in discovering where your strengths and interests fit best.
Top consulting firms help companies, public institutions and organizations make important decisions and solve complex problems. They analyze markets, structures and processes, develop clear strategies and outline how a business can become more successful and future-proof. Whether it is growth, digital transformation, new business models or operational efficiency, consultants are brought in when the stakes are high and fast, well-founded solutions are needed.
What sets top firms apart is not only their broad service offering. It is their strong reputation, deep experience and the high level of trust they have built with clients. Many work with global companies and government institutions and operate across almost every major industry. A defining characteristic is their emphasis on confidentiality; clients handling sensitive topics know their information is protected. This trust makes their work highly impactful and also gives consultants a significant level of responsibility.
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The consulting industry looks very different from one region to another, which is why it is so valuable to understand the key markets in more detail. Each region has its own set of leading firms, shaped by local economic conditions, industry landscapes and cultural differences. In Germany, for example, the automotive sector plays a major role, while in Southeast Asia, technology and high-growth industries are more dominant. Factors such as local demand, specialization, reputation, regulation and cultural expectations all influence which firms are most relevant in a given market.
Some of the main factors that explain regional differences include:
Local market demand and economic conditions
Industry specialization
Cultural differences
Reputation and market presence
Regulatory requirements
If you are considering applying internationally or comparing locations, it helps to understand these regional “hotspots” from the USA and the UK to Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Southeast Asia. The leading firms in each region are those that understand the local environment best and can meet the specific needs of their clients.
In this section, you will find articles that introduce these consulting hotspots and show which firms are especially relevant in each market.
What Should You Consider if You Want to Work Abroad?
If you want to work abroad, it is important to start preparing early. Make sure you understand the requirements for work permits, tax obligations, health and social insurance and whether your language skills and expectations fit the local work culture. Many of these aspects vary significantly from country to country, so it helps to check official government resources or talk to people who already live and work there. If you want to transfer to another country within your current company, your employer can often support you, so make sure to reach out to the right internal contacts.
What Are the Best Consulting Firms to Work For?
Consulting firms differ widely in their focus areas, specialties and business models. In general, the industry can be grouped into:
Before choosing a firm, it is important to understand its culture, values and way of working to make sure it aligns with your career goals. To support you in finding the right match, PrepLounge has created a tool that helps you identify your ideal consulting firm in just a few clicks. Give it a try with Match Your Career.
MBB: The Leading Edge of Management Consulting
MBB stands for McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Bain & Company – the three most prestigious and influential consulting firms worldwide. They are known for their exceptional problem-solving skills, advanced tools and deep industry expertise. Their work with global clients has made them some of the most sought-after employers in the consulting world.
For many graduates, the Big Three are the top choice, offering excellent starting salaries, international project opportunities, structured development programs and strong mentorship. At the same time, McKinsey, BCG and Bain differ more than most people expect, especially when it comes to culture, working style and career paths.
If you want to understand which of the three firms might be the best fit for you, you can explore our articles that take a closer look at each MBB firm.
McKinsey & Company is globally recognized as one of the most prestigious organizations in the consulting industry. As one of the most influential consulting firms, the company boasts a multifaceted corporate culture and achieves record revenues in the industry.
Annual Revenue
McKinsey's global revenue in 2023 exceeded $14.8 billion.
Prestige
McKinsey & Company is renowned worldwide as the most prestigious firm in the consulting industry. This status is solidified by its long history, global influence, and reputation for industry-leading expertise. Founded by James Oscar McKinsey in 1926, the consultancy rapidly grew under the vision of imparting expertise to businesses without limitation.
Culture
McKinsey places great emphasis on fostering strong client relationships to develop innovative strategies and effective solutions. Consequently, high expectations are often placed on consultants, and priority is given to ensuring that the client always comes first. According to Glassdoor, McKinsey employees particularly value their colleagues and the supportive work environment that enables them to excel.
The high expectations placed on consultants correspond to a demanding workload, which can affect work-life balance accordingly. Additionally, consulting at McKinsey often involves extensive travel due to international project planning. However, McKinsey consultants benefit from flexible working arrangements to meet individual needs and career goals, such as the Take-Time program offering up to three months of leave per year and hybrid working arrangements. Moreover, internal career advancement opportunities and special support for families are available, alongside additional benefits like full catering.
Diversity
McKinsey has implemented significant initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. Notably, employees from 140 different nationalities are represented. Moreover, the global network Equal provides LGBTQ+ company members and allies with peer support and advises McKinsey on LGBTQ+ policies and benefits. Additionally, there is a global women's network.
It is worth noting that the firm pays specific attention to diverse backgrounds and does not solely hire candidates with conventional backgrounds or degrees from renowned universities. However, recruiting focus varies significantly across different markets worldwide.
Career Development
Within McKinsey, there are numerous opportunities to advance your career. Employees typically start as (Junior) Fellows or Business Analysts and work their way up to Senior Partners. It is common to spend about 1-3 years in each role.
The Boston Consulting Group also ranks among the most prestigious companies worldwide, offering top-notch consulting services. BCG is a leader in strategic consulting for growth, efficiency, and adaptability in the ever-evolving business world. Founded in 1963 by Bruce Henderson, the consultancy set new standards not only in the consulting industry but also in marketing its services through content marketing.
Annual Revenue
In 2023, the Boston Consulting Group generated $12.3 billion in revenue worldwide.
Prestige
BCG is equally a highly prestigious firm. It has a reputation for excellence in strategy consulting and offers attractive career opportunities. Many top talents aspire to a career at BCG, increasing competition for positions at the firm and further enhancing its prestige.
Culture
The corporate culture of the consultancy encourages creative and innovative thinking. Both clients and employees are encouraged to actively contribute, leading to strong collaboration. BCG is known for fostering a particularly positive work environment, even though employees are expected to work long hours.
The corporate culture of the Boston Consulting Group is based on five principles: "Bringing insights to light," "Overcoming complexity," "Achieving inspired impact," "Leading with integrity," and "Growing through the growth of others."
Work-Life Balance
Similar to the other two MBB firms, there is criticism of work-life balance at the Boston Consulting Group. Long working hours and extensive travel commitments are often cited as impairments to the balance between work and personal life.
Diversity
BCG places great emphasis on diversity and inclusion, seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds, academic disciplines, and unique perspectives. The company's exceptional diversity policy is also noteworthy.
Career Growth
The Boston Consulting Group is described in many employee reviews as an excellent place for career entry, with plenty of opportunities for promotion, career changers, and other advancement prospects. BCG also offers numerous opportunities for career development, with training integrated into daily activities.
Bain & Company ranks among the most prestigious strategy consulting firms in the market. Founded in 1973 by former Boston Consulting Group employee Bill Bain, the top consultancy has become a significant global player in the consulting world.
Annual Revenue
According to Forbes, the company generated $4.1 billion in revenue in 2021. In 2022, revenue amounted to $4.3 billion.
Prestige
Bain has built an excellent reputation—both among its employees and clients—through its collaborative approach. With over 12,000 employees worldwide, Bain operates across the globe.
Culture
Bain is known for its vibrant and diverse culture. Employees here have more autonomy compared to other prestigious companies. Performance is recognized and rewarded with regular salary increases of up to 50%. Executives are praised for doing their job well and being proactive. Employees report feeling valued by management at all levels. The supportive culture and commitment to professional development make this firm an excellent starting point for your consulting career.
Applicants should expect to be challenged during the hiring process. The company prefers young graduates, so potential candidates should prepare for an analytical test, a case interview, and several personal fit interviews.
Work-Life Balance
Work hours at Bain can be very long, and frequent travel is part of the reality of working as a consultant. Some employees say that the workload at Bain is lower than at competitors, and flexible working hours are a definite plus.
The benefits offered by Bain & Company are extensive and a significant plus for some employees. Employee assistance programs, gym memberships, paid volunteer leave, bereavement leave, and stock options are among the benefits Bain & Company offers to its employees.
Diversity
Bain supports the employment of LGBTQI+ individuals and has been recognized as one of the best employers for LGBTQI+ members. Additionally, there are various programsand initiatives promoting social justice.
Career Development
Career growth opportunities at Bain are immense, and employees report regular salary increases. Within 6-8 years after graduation, you can become a partner at Bain.
The Big Four – Global Leaders in Audit and Consulting
The Big Four – Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG – are among the most influential audit and consulting firms worldwide. They offer a broad range of services, from audit and tax to consulting and risk management. For graduates, they are especially attractive thanks to structured entry programs, strong development opportunities and competitive compensation.
In consulting, the Big Four stand out for their diverse projects and international reach. At the same time, each firm has its own culture, focus areas and ways of working, and understanding these differences can help you find the environment that suits you best.
Here you can explore articles that compare the Big Four and help you choose the right starting point for your consulting career.
The consulting division of Deloitte offers strategy consulting, risk consulting, and other consulting services. Deloitte operates in many industries, including life sciences, healthcare, energy, and more.
Annual Revenue
In the fiscal year 2022/23, Deloitte achieved a global revenue of $64.9 billion.
Prestige
As part of the Big Four audit firms, Deloitte is recognized as a leading consulting firm. By 2023, Deloitte had over 457,000 employees. Consulting is one of the main services for which this brand is known, alongside auditing.
Culture
Deloitte is known for having a modern and open corporate culture compared to other companies. Collaboration is actively encouraged, and flexible working arrangements are available. Employees often cite the opportunity to work with smart and motivated talents and collaboration with others as the key benefits of Deloitte's culture. Communication and feedback within the organization are direct.
Work-Life Balance
Former and current Deloitte employees frequently mention long working hours and extensive travel commitments as the main drawbacks of the job. Overtime is expected depending on the project. However, Deloitte is working on innovative measures to improve work-life balance within the organization. There are numerous part-time options (80% of positions offer part-time options) and the option for mobile office. In some countries, employees have the opportunity to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave and acquire additional leave.
Additionally, employees usually have access to a free comprehensive fitness program, mental health initiatives like "Headspace," and free webinars on topics such as thought patterns and well-being.
Diversity
Deloitte offers numerous opportunities for equal employment opportunities and is known for being a particularly inclusive workplace for women and parents. Deloitte provides many opportunities for its employees to engage in various groups, such as advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
Career Development
You can expect to spend an average of 2-3 years in each position. From Junior Consultant to Partner, you will go through a total of six career stages. Career development progresses quite linearly.
KPMG is a renowned consulting firm as one of the 'Big 4' audit firms, collaborating with major clients.
Annual Revenue
In the fiscal year 2023, KPMG recorded a global revenue of $36 billion.
Prestige
KPMG enjoys a high reputation in the financial industry and employs over 273,000 employees. Operating in over 146 countries, the consulting firm is considered one of the top providers of risk management services. KPMG has worked with prestigious clients such as Coca-Cola Enterprises, Monarch Airlines, the Dutch government, and others. The consulting firm is known in the industry for attracting top-tier clients.
Culture
The culture at KPMG is centered on inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration. Many employees appreciate the diverse learning opportunities, feel valued by KPMG, and value the inclusive work environment. Competition is encouraged, and employees can receive bonuses and other benefits for good performance.
Work-Life Balance
KPMG offers flexible working arrangements, but long working hours can be commonplace. Workloads can be significant to meet client demands. Depending on the location, KPMG provides benefits such as financial support and study leave assistance, flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, and career breaks.
Diversity
KPMG follows integrative hiring practices and ensures internal equality and inclusion across all levels.
Career Development
KPMG offers numerous opportunities for career development for entry-level professionals from various backgrounds. Mentoring programs, an open feedback culture, and attractive learning formats contribute to career development.
one of the four largest auditing firms in the world. EY operates in the areas of audit, tax advisory, transaction advisory, and risk and financial advisory, and is also a global management consulting firm.
Annual Revenue
In the fiscal year 2022/2023, EY achieved a worldwide revenue of $40 billion.
Prestige
With over 395,000 employees worldwide, EY enjoys global recognition. Through its wide range of services from tax advisory to technology consulting, EY has built a global reputation.
Culture
The culture at EY is based on diversity and inclusivity. Among its core values of respect, teamwork, and enthusiasm, employees particularly appreciate the inclusive work environment and especially the colleagues from whom they can constantly learn new things.
Work-Life Balance
EY values a healthy work-life balance and aims to ensure this for its employees through flexible work practices. However, several reviews on Glassdoor indicate that there is still room for improvement.
Diversity
EY aims to live inclusivity and create a work environment where all people feel comfortable and valued with their differences. The goal is to leverage differences to achieve the best possible results for the company.
Career Development
Career development is a top priority at EY, starting with interns and young professionals. The company is nearly unanimously considered an excellent place to start a career in Glassdoor reviews, as it offers the opportunity to work with many people and network with them.
This supportive environment extends through all career levels. Therefore, EY is recommended overall as a company for a career in management consulting.
PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is a globally operating service company. PwC's main areas of service are auditing, tax consulting, as well as traditional corporate and management consulting. Additionally, PwC is active in transaction advisory and corporate finance.
Annual Revenue
In the fiscal year 2022/23, PwC achieved a total revenue of €53 billion.
Prestige
As part of the Big Four, PwC has solidified its position as a leading auditing and consulting firm in the international market with 295,000 employees worldwide.
Culture
PwC promotes agile work methods as well as the use and development of new technologies and methods to drive cultural change processes in the long term. Special emphasis is placed on individual ideas, and each employee is given a basic level of trust, for example, in organizing their own working hours. This approach has been well received by employees, with PwC being voted the most popular employer in the industry for eight consecutive years.
Work-Life Balance
Internally, PwC refers more to "Work-Life Choice". This means that everyone can determine for themselves what the optimal work-life balance is. According to employees, this flexible approach is lived and expected within the company. However, a high level of commitment and flexibility is a basic requirement.
Diversity
PwC is committed to diversity and consistently lives the idea of inclusivity. This is also reflected in some of the figures published by the company. As of 2021, the average age is 36.3 years, 44% of employees and 13% of partners are women. Additionally, people from 84 different nationalities work at PwC.
Career Development
According to company reviews on Glassdoor, PwC offers particularly good entry opportunities into careers, for example, for students or graduates. These young professionals receive promising prospects if they show the necessary initiative and ambition. However, many leave the company after 1-2 years to further develop themselves.
Tier-2 Consulting Firms – Global Reach and Strong Expertise
Beyond the big names, the consulting world offers a wide range of exciting career paths. This includes international Tier-2 consulting firms, highly specialized boutique consultancies and inhouse consulting teams within large corporations.
Tier-2 firms operate globally, work on demanding projects and provide steep learning curves. They are known for their strong subject-matter expertise and high-quality client work.
If you are looking for alternatives to MBB and the Big Four, you will find many promising options here that match different profiles and career goals. In this section, we introduce these types of consulting firms and show you the opportunities they offer.
Kearney, formerly known as A.T. Kearney, accompanies clients in the field of strategy and operations. The company advises both in the public sector and with global players and non-profit organizations.
Annual Revenue
In 2022, Kearney recorded a global annual revenue of $1.7 billion.
Prestige
Kearney serves approximately 75% of the Fortune 500 companies in over 40 countries. With over 5,300 employees worldwide, the consultancy has a strong workforce while maintaining its flexibility.
Culture
Kearney describes itself as a collaborative and solution-oriented employer that supports its employees' leisure and social engagement. The company values include solidarity and passion, among others.
Work-Life Balance
Consultants at Kearney are accustomed to working across multiple time zones, which, along with time-consuming projects, are reasons for overtime. Many travels and high performance pressure are additional factors.
Diversity
Kearney aims to encourage its employees to be themselves and has established many diversity and inclusion projects to support this.
Career Development
As part of career development, Kearney emphasizes high client exposure even for young consultants, which quickly advances their development and skills. Additionally, Kearney offers various promotions and MBA programs.
Since the merger of Mercer Oliver Wyman, Mercer Management Consulting, and Mercer Delta Mercer Oliver Wyman in 2007, Oliver Wyman has emerged as one of the top consulting firms.
Annual Revenue
In 2022, Oliver Wyman recorded an annual revenue of $2.8 billion.
Prestige
Oliver Wyman is a strong strategy and management consulting firm, known for its industry-leading expertise, high quality, long-term partnerships, and value creation. This makes the consultancy a prestigious employer in the consulting industry.
Number of Employees
Oliver Wyman is an internationally leading management consulting firm with over 6,000 employees worldwide.
Culture
The corporate culture at Oliver Wyman is based on diversity and collaborative partnership. The company is known for an open culture where feedback is encouraged, and employees collaborate to support each other. The organization promotes individuality and freedom of expression.
Work-Life Balance
The work environment can be intense as the company grows rapidly and collaborates closely with the financial sector. On average, employees at Oliver Wyman work approximately 50-70 hours per week.
Diversity
Oliver Wyman strives to be an inclusive employer. Numerous employee engagement activities and network groups are offered to enhance diversity.
Career Development
Within Oliver Wyman's growth model, factors such as past and current performance are strongly considered over time, regardless of the time spent in a particular position. Growth is rapid, and a master's degree is not required for entry or leadership positions.
As a renowned and long-established management consultancy, Roland Berger has established itself worldwide since its founding in 1967. Roland Berger stands for new ideas, taking responsibility, and promoting meaningful change.
Prestige
With over 3,000 employees in more than 50 international offices, Roland Berger is one of the few European consultancies with a global presence.
Annual Revenue
In 2022, Roland Berger generated a total revenue of approximately $870 million.
Culture
Roland Berger emphasizes that each office worldwide embodies a unique culture, influenced by the respective national culture and the international team spirit.
Work-Life Balance
Overtime and travel are inevitable even at Roland Berger. However, the consultancy stands out for its numerous part-time options and sabbatical opportunities.
Diversity
The linguistic and cultural diversity of Roland Berger contributes to its great success internationally, as various perspectives are included and considered. Roland Berger advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and is a champion of diversity.
Career Development
With six stages from Junior Consultant to Partnership, Roland Berger follows a standard model in the industry and does not differ significantly from similar consultancies. Consultants benefit from a close relationship with clients, allowing them to quickly develop their own skills and establish themselves.
As part of PwC, Strategy& represents innovation and is known for high-quality consulting services. The strategy consulting firm guides clients through various projects.
Annual Revenue
As part of PwC, Strategy& does not disclose separate annual revenue figures. PwC reported a revenue of around $53 billion for the fiscal year 2022/2023.
Prestige
PwC network. Over 3,000 individuals work at Strategy& worldwide.
Culture
Strategy& is characterized as innovative, entrepreneurial, and open-minded. This atmosphere aims to enable employees to fully utilize their potential. Collaboration is marked by teamwork and cohesion.
Work-Life Balance
In addition to numerous travels and long working hours, Strategy& implements various measures to improve work-life balance. These include flexible working models.
Diversity
At Strategy&, employees can become part of specific groups where they advocate for their core values, such as the LGBTQ+ community or social projects. This commitment extends to collaboration with third parties.
Career Development
Graduates can start as Associates and specialize throughout their careers at Strategy&. Further career stages include Senior Associate, Manager, Principal, and Partnership.
Boutique Consulting Firms – Specialized and Flexible
Boutique consulting firms, also known as independent consultancies, are consulting companies that offer specialized and tailored consulting services to a variety of clients. These firms often focus on a specific industry or functional area and are known for their focused expertise and individualized consulting approach. They typically operate within a specific market segment.
Examples of boutique consulting firms worldwide include:
Accenture is one of the world’s leading and most prestigious management consulting firms, founded in the 1950s. With over 733,000 employees in more than 200 cities and annual revenue of USD 64.1 billion (2023), Accenture is recognized as a global leader in strategy, technology, and management consulting.
Culture & Values The culture is innovation-driven, diverse, and team-oriented. Flexible work models, remote work, parental leave programs, as well as initiatives for equality, inclusion, and mental health promote a balanced work-life experience and an inclusive environment.
Career Development Accenture offers a clear, multi-stage career path with targeted support for young talent and a wide range of development opportunities.
BCG Platinion
BCG Platinion is the technology arm of the Boston Consulting Group, founded in 2000. With around 1,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of about USD 750 million (2025), the company specializes in digital transformation, IT services, and cybersecurity.
Culture & Values The culture is defined by flat hierarchies, a spirit of innovation, and close collaboration. Diversity and inclusion are actively promoted through global BCG programs, while flexible work models support a good work-life balance.
Career Development The career path is well structured: entry as a consultant with specialization in technology fields, combined with targeted development toward leadership roles.
BearingPoint is a European management and technology consultancy headquartered in Amsterdam. The firm employs around 6,200 people across 24 countries and generated EUR 1.07 billion in revenue in 2024.
Culture & Values The culture is partnership-based and innovation-oriented, supported by the unique partnership structure. In 2024, the firm executed over 2,000 projects in more than 30 countries, won 300+ new clients, and hired over 1,200 new colleagues – all while strengthening internal sustainability initiatives.
Career Development New talents benefit from structured programs such as the BearingPoint School, advancing through specialization in management and technology consulting, supported by long-term growth strategies and innovation-focused development.
Capgemini Invent is the business unit of the Capgemini Group, bringing together strategy, design, technology, data science, and engineering under one roof. The team comprises more than 12,500 experts across over 60 offices worldwide.
Culture & Values The culture at Capgemini Invent is creative, collaborative, and strongly technology-driven. Diversity and inclusion are fostered through global networks such as OUTfront or NeuroAbility. Flexible work models like “Everyday Empowerment” and “Flex Abroad” (up to 45 working days abroad per year) further enhance work-life balance and international collaboration.
Career Development The career path is clearly structured and supported by tailored programs – for example, the Consulting Skills Workshop or Invent Director Excellence. These initiatives guide young talents and leaders through continuous training and project-driven development.
EY-Parthenon
EY-Parthenon is the global strategy and transactions brand of EY, one of the Big Four consulting firms. The unit operates in over 120 countries with around 25,000 employees. EY itself generated about USD 51.2 billion in revenue in 2024.
Culture & Values EY-Parthenon combines deep strategic expertise with the resources of the entire EY network. The culture is collegial and entrepreneurial, characterized by diversity, mentoring, global mobility, and social responsibility. The aim is to merge innovative strategy consulting with an inclusive employer model.
Career Development Careers at EY-Parthenon are performance-driven and often progress faster than average, supported by EY-wide training opportunities, global project work, and mentoring. Promotion tracks and international rotations are integral to professional development.
FTI-Andersch is a consultancy specialized in restructuring and turnaround, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. Since 2019, it has been part of FTI Consulting, supporting both large corporations and mid-sized companies with financial and operational challenges. The team includes about 120 employees in Germany.
Culture & Values The culture is shaped by entrepreneurial thinking, team spirit, and a strong results orientation. Flat hierarchies, transparency, and a hands-on mentality are central. Employees benefit from a family-like atmosphere combined with the international reach of FTI Consulting.
Career Development FTI-Andersch provides a clear career path with early responsibility. Development opportunities are available through both internal programs and the wider FTI global network, including international assignments.
Horváth is an international management consultancy headquartered in Stuttgart, founded in 1981. With around 1,300 employees working in over 20 countries, the firm focuses on performance management, transformation, and controlling.
Culture & Values The culture combines precision with international openness. Key values include team spirit, accountability, and innovation. Initiatives around diversity, hybrid working models, and sustainability shape the firm’s identity.
Career Development Young talents go through structured programs such as the Horváth Academy. International project assignments and specialization in industry or functional areas are central to professional growth.
Inverto, a subsidiary of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), specializes in procurement, supply chain management, and operations. Founded in 2000, the firm employs about 500 people across Europe and Asia. Its clients include international corporations and leading mid-sized companies focusing on strategic and operational excellence in procurement.
Culture & Values The culture is practical, international, and entrepreneurial. Flat hierarchies, teamwork, and flexible work models foster autonomy and work-life balance. At the same time, employees benefit from being part of the global BCG network, gaining access to knowledge sharing and state-of-the-art tools.
Career Development Inverto offers clear career paths with early client exposure and individual support via the BCG network. Training, international projects, and a strong focus on learning by doing support professional growth.
L.E.K. Consulting is an international strategy consultancy, founded in 1983 in London. With over 2,000 employees, it supports clients in growth strategies, M&A, and market entry. The firm has particular strengths in life sciences, private equity, and industrial goods.
Culture & Values The culture is both analytical and performance-driven, while being collaborative and supportive. Initiatives around diversity, flexible working models, and work-life balance are well established. With its global footprint, L.E.K. fosters a highly dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment.
Career Development Career paths are meritocratic, with early project responsibility, structured training, and international rotations accelerating growth. Mentoring programs and internal knowledge platforms help consultants build strong profiles quickly.
Forvis Mazars is an international audit and consulting firm headquartered in Paris. Active in over 100 countries, it employs more than 40,000 people worldwide. Beyond audit and tax, Mazars provides consulting and financial advisory services, particularly strong in risk and transformation management.
Culture & Values The culture combines entrepreneurial spirit with a partnership mindset. Diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility are deeply embedded, reflected in initiatives such as “Mazars for Good”. Collegiality and global collaboration create an open working environment.
Career Development Employees benefit from structured development pathways and internal training. Thanks to the firm’s international presence, opportunities for overseas assignments are plentiful, while specialization in audit, advisory, or tax secures long-term career perspectives.
OC&C is an international strategy consultancy, founded in 1987 in London. Today, it has about 600 employees across Europe, Asia, and North America. The firm focuses on corporate strategy, M&A, and commercial due diligence, with strong expertise in retail, consumer goods, media, and technology.
Culture & Values The culture is entrepreneurial, analytical, and international. Flat hierarchies and a high degree of ownership foster an intense learning environment. Diversity and mutual respect are essential pillars of the firm’s culture.
Career Development OC&C offers a structured career path with early leadership responsibility. Training programs, project rotations, and opportunities for international assignments support fast and practice-oriented development.
Prokura is a Scandinavian supply chain and procurement consultancy, founded in 2008 in Copenhagen. Since 2021, it has been part of Kearney, giving it access to a global network. Prokura supports clients primarily in cost optimization, digitalization of supply chains, and sustainability.
Culture & Values The culture combines the entrepreneurial spirit of a boutique with the resources of a global consulting firm. Collaboration, pragmatism, and close client relationships are central values. Being embedded within Kearney further enables global exchange.
Career Development Employees benefit from early client exposure and can quickly specialize. Training paths and the opportunity to take on projects within the international Kearney network create attractive growth prospects.
RSM Ebner Stolz
RSM Ebner Stolz is one of the largest mid-sized audit and consulting firms in Germany, with around 2,100 employees across 14 locations. As part of the international RSM network, the firm supports clients in audit, tax, legal, and consulting.
Culture & Values The culture emphasizes entrepreneurial independence, short decision-making processes, and a partnership-based approach. Close client relationships, accountability, and long-term partnerships are at the core.
Career Development RSM Ebner Stolz offers diverse opportunities for professional growth – from specializations to interdisciplinary project work and international assignments. Career progression is transparent and oriented toward sustainable growth.
Simon-Kucher is a global leader in strategy and marketing consulting, founded in 1985 in Bonn. With over 2,000 employees in more than 30 countries, the firm is especially renowned for its expertise in pricing, sales, and growth strategies.
Culture & Values The culture is defined by analytical excellence, entrepreneurial drive, and an open, international environment. Diversity, flat hierarchies, and collegial collaboration are key pillars. Market-focused projects bring consultants close to the client’s business reality.
Career Development Career paths are characterized by early client responsibility and specialization opportunities in pricing, marketing, or strategy. Internal training, mentoring, and international project work accelerate advancement.
Stern Stewart & Co. is an independent strategy consultancy based in Munich, founded in 1999. With a deliberately small team of around 100 consultants, the firm focuses on corporate finance, transformation, and value creation.
Culture & Values The culture is entrepreneurial, focused, and marked by flat hierarchies. Clear opinions, sharp analysis, and close collaboration with decision-makers define the working style. Independence and individual responsibility are given particularly high value.
Career Development Consultants take on responsibility early and work in small teams directly with top executives. Career progression is strongly performance-based, supported by individual mentoring and the opportunity to engage closely with strategic top-level decisions.
Inhouse Consulting – Internal Expertise For Corporations
Inhouse consulting firms are organizations within a company that provide consulting services to internal clients, often other departments or subsidiaries. Some in-house consultancies are also engaged by external companies due to their specialized expertise in specific fields and industries.
Here are some examples of inhouse consulting firms worldwide:
Interviews at top consulting firms follow a similar basic structure worldwide. They are designed to assess whether you think analytically, communicate clearly and can handle complex problems under pressure. Almost all firms rely on case interviews, complemented by fit, behavioral or experience interviews that explore your motivation, teamwork and working style.
Despite these similarities, interview processes can differ significantly from firm to firm. Differences may appear in the type of cases, the interview structure, the focus on personal questions or the style of the interviewer. MBB, for example, tends to use a more hypothesis-driven approach, while some Big Four firms emphasize practical or industry-specific cases. Boutique and Tier-2 firms often bring their own interview formats and unique case styles.
To help you understand exactly what to expect at your target firm, we have created detailed interview guides for many of the leading consulting companies. They outline the full process, typical questions and key preparation tips so you can get ready with confidence.
How Do You Find the Right Consulting Firm for You?
To choose the consulting firm that truly fits you, it helps to understand your own goals and priorities. These factors can guide your decision:
Prestige: How is the firm perceived in the industry and how might that influence your long-term career?
Firm Size and Revenue: A useful indicator of stability, growth potential and overall job security.
Values, Culture and Work Environment: Do the firm’s leadership style, norms and team dynamics match how you like to work?
Work-Life Balance: How does the company handle working hours, flexibility and workload expectations?
Employee Satisfaction: Reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or Kununu and conversations with current employees can give valuable insight into the real work environment.
Diversity and Inclusion: What initiatives exist to support equity and inclusion, and how important are these topics to you personally?
Career Development: Look at mentoring, training opportunities, promotion speed and how actively the firm invests in developing its talent.
Project and Industry Focus: Does the firm offer projects and sectors that genuinely interest you and fit your strengths?
Compensation: Consider salary, bonuses and benefits, always in relation to the overall package and your other priorities.
Key Takeaways
Consulting offers far more than just MBB and the Big Four: From international Tier-2 firms to specialized boutiques and inhouse teams, there are many career paths that fit different strengths and profiles.
Regional differences shape your opportunities and experiences: Markets, industries and cultures vary around the world, which affects which firms lead in each region and what working styles you can expect.
Each type of consulting firm has its own strengths: Some stand out through prestige and global projects, while others offer deep expertise, a more personal culture or clear development pathways.
Your ideal fit depends on your priorities: Factors like culture, learning curve, working style, topics, location and compensation help you understand where you will thrive and grow long-term.
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