Deloitte Consultant-Strategy&Operations Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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Deloitte Consultant-Strategy&Operations Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Round (AMCAT):

    • Questions Asked: Topics included Permutations and Combinations, Percentages, Verbal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Work-Time problems, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, and Probability.
    • Your Approach: Prepared using standard aptitude resources and practiced previous AMCAT questions.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round (Face-to-Face):

    • Questions Asked: Unexpected statistics-based questions were posed, which were not anticipated as the earlier communication mentioned only a JAM round and HR round.
    • Your Approach: Since the focus was not on statistics, many candidates, including myself, were unprepared for this round.
    • Outcome: The round was challenging, and none of the 20 shortlisted candidates advanced to the next HR round.

Conclusion:
The experience was quite unexpected due to the last-minute change in the interview process. If I had known about the technical round earlier, I would have prepared differently or considered applying for the BTA role, where the selection process was more transparent. My advice for future candidates is to stay flexible and confirm the interview structure beforehand to avoid surprises.

3

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Application Process: The interview process was initiated through campus placements.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about your college life.
      2. Can you explain a basic C programming concept?
      3. What do you understand about the role of a Consultant in Strategy & Operations at Deloitte?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the college life question, I highlighted my extracurricular activities and academic achievements.
      • For the C programming question, I explained a simple concept like loops or arrays.
      • For the role-related question, I discussed my understanding of consulting and how my skills align with the job requirements.
    • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round and moved to the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic programming concepts, even if the role isn’t heavily technical.
  • Research the company and the specific role to articulate how you fit into it.
  • Practice speaking about your college experiences and achievements concisely.

Conclusion:
The overall interview experience was positive. I felt prepared for the questions, but I could have researched more about Deloitte’s recent projects to add depth to my answers. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clear communication and align your experiences with the role’s expectations.

4

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied via campus placement before December 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was crisp and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked: A supply chain-based case study to be solved during a 1-on-1 interview.
    • Your Approach: Focused on structuring the problem logically and providing actionable solutions.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked: Guesstimate questions and CV-based questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly for guesstimates and ensured I could justify every point on my CV.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final HR round.

  • Round 4 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Cultural fit questions (taken by the managing director for 10 minutes).
    • Your Approach: Stayed authentic and aligned my responses with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on case preparation and CV justification.
  • Practice guesstimates to improve problem-solving speed and accuracy.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was structured and challenging. Preparing well for case studies and guesstimates was crucial. I recommend future candidates to focus on these areas and ensure their CV is polished and justifiable.

5

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process at my university. The initial screening was followed by multiple interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Video Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The round consisted of 5 questions focusing on my life experiences, the industry, and the profession.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by reflecting on my past experiences and aligning them with the role’s requirements. I also researched the industry trends to answer the questions confidently.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Guesstimate Round:

    • Questions Asked: This round involved solving a guesstimate problem based on the discussion I initiated.
    • Your Approach: I started by breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable parts and used logical assumptions to arrive at a solution.
    • Outcome: My approach was well-received, and I cleared this round.

  • Round 3 - Case Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This was a detailed case interview requiring thorough preparation.
    • Your Approach: I practiced multiple case studies beforehand and focused on structuring my answers clearly. I also ensured I communicated my thought process effectively.
    • Outcome: My preparation paid off, and I successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This was an eliminative round where the HR discussed the role and rolled out the offer.
    • Your Approach: I remained professional and enthusiastic about the opportunity, ensuring I understood the role and company culture.
    • Outcome: I received the offer for the Consultant-Strategy&Operations role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies and guesstimate problems regularly.
  • Research the industry and company thoroughly to align your answers with their expectations.
  • Reflect on your experiences and be ready to articulate them clearly.

Conclusion:
The interview process was challenging but rewarding. I learned the importance of preparation and clear communication. My advice to future candidates is to practice consistently and stay confident throughout the process.

6

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via referral

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Why not investment banking?
      2. Tell me about yourself.
      3. Why consulting?
      4. Estimate the number of garbage trucks in Hyderabad.
    • Your Approach: For the guesstimate question, I started with the area of Hyderabad (~600 km²) and made assumptions about the coverage of a garbage truck. Later, I adjusted my approach by considering the number of households and other factors like concentration and distance to dumping grounds.
    • Outcome: The interviewer focused on my approach and ability to think dynamically about other influencing factors.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The case study revolved around estimating the number of garbage trucks in Hyderabad.
    • Your Approach: I refined my initial approach by considering the number of households and additional factors like festive seasons and corporate waste.
    • Outcome: The interviewer appreciated the dynamic thinking and adaptability in my approach.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on structuring your approach for guesstimate questions rather than fixating on exact numbers.
  • Be prepared to adjust your assumptions based on interviewer hints or feedback.
  • Practice thinking about multiple factors that could influence the outcome of a case study.

Conclusion:
The interview process was insightful, and the interviewer was more interested in my thought process than the final answer. I realized the importance of being flexible and open to adjusting my approach. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing case studies and guesstimates with a focus on methodology and adaptability.

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Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • An auto after-sales company is not performing well due to an ineffective supply chain. They are considering two redesign options. Should they change their supply chain or not?
    • Your Approach:
      • Took a couple of minutes to jot down factors to consider, such as existing supply chain details, cost breakdowns, and customer specifics.
      • Created three columns on paper to categorize and list factors.
      • Asked follow-up questions about cost details, distribution centers, and distances to dealers.
      • Analyzed the provided data to determine which supply chain option would yield the highest profits.
    • Outcome: Successfully structured the analysis and performed basic quantitative comparisons to recommend the best option.

Preparation Tips:

  1. Be Structured: How you organize your thoughts on paper matters. Recruiters evaluate your written approach.
  2. Communicate Clearly: Outline your big-picture plan before diving into details. Avoid asking all questions at once.
  3. Practice Basic Arithmetic: Expect some number crunching, though nothing too complex.
  4. Focus on Profits: The goal is to identify the most profitable supply chain option by comparing costs and revenues.

Conclusion:

The case study round was challenging but rewarding. Being methodical and clear in my approach helped me navigate the problem effectively. I’d advise future candidates to practice structuring their thoughts and brushing up on basic quantitative skills. The key is to stay calm and think logically under pressure.

8

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: Not specified

Application Process: I applied via a referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • A healthcare company has multiple geographies to pick from for expansion. Using data on market size, cost, revenue estimates, etc., make a recommendation.
    • Your Approach:
      • Started by identifying the key information needed to make a decision and justified why each piece of data was important.
      • Used both absolute and percentage-based profitability frameworks to analyze the data.
      • Double-checked calculations before making a recommendation.
      • Incorporated qualitative factors (e.g., market similarities between India and China) to refine the recommendation.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round by demonstrating a structured and thorough approach.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice the profitability framework (available in most case books).
  • Be prepared to analyze data using both absolute and percentage-based methods.
  • Mock case studies with peers can be extremely helpful, especially those similar to Deloitte’s case structures.
  • Stay calm and methodical during the interview—Deloitte cases are manageable with enough practice.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. What worked well was my structured approach and ability to adapt to the interviewer’s cues. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing as many cases as possible and focusing on both quantitative and qualitative aspects to stand out.

9

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant - Strategy & Operations

Location: Not specified

Application Process: I applied via a referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Which part of TS&A would you like to join? (IT Strategy, Cloud Advisory, etc.)
      2. Tell me about a new technology you are fascinated with and how it can be used by the Insurance Industry. (Insurance was my domain of expertise.)
      3. You are an Accenture person; why do you think you will be a good fit into the Deloitte culture?
      4. Why do you think you will be a great consultant?
      5. A big multinational computer hardware and software services company is planning to de-merge its business into two units—hardware business and software business. (Case study question.)
    • Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my in-depth knowledge of the Insurance domain and how new technologies like Hadoop could benefit the industry. I also highlighted my adaptability and alignment with Deloitte’s culture.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer presented a case study related to technology strategy for a firm. The focus was on identifying key issues and proposing a strategy without writing anything down.
    • Your Approach: I repeated and verified all details before diving into the problem. I used a structured approach, focusing on people, process, and technology frameworks.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Know Your Domain: Deep knowledge of your industry and its challenges is crucial. For me, understanding how Big Data solutions like Hadoop could impact the Insurance industry was key.
  • Case Study Prep: Focus on technology strategy cases. Deloitte’s website has sample cases that are very helpful.
  • Clarity and Expression: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly. The ability to handle difficult questions is tested.
  • Workshops and Sessions: Attend Deloitte’s case interview workshops and interact with their team during campus sessions.
  • Ace Up Your Sleeve: Be prepared to discuss a new technology in detail. It can turn into a great conversation with the interviewer.

Conclusion:
My experience taught me the importance of focusing on roles and companies that genuinely interest me. I applied selectively and prepared thoroughly, which paid off. The key was to play to my strengths and leverage my domain expertise. For future candidates, I’d advise not to overprepare for case interviews but to focus on structured thinking and clarity. Also, don’t miss out on interacting with Deloitte’s team during campus events—it can make a difference!

10

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied via referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Other Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me something about yourself in 5 minutes.
      • Questions about my Marwari background.
      • Internship experience.
    • Your Approach: Started informally, shared background details, and discussed internship experiences confidently.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • A Telecommunication giant has been mandated by the Indonesia government to provide internet services to all residents. How will you proceed as a Deloitte consultant?
      • Number of tennis balls in the room?
      • Number of medium-size industries in Mumbai?
    • Your Approach:
      • Structured the case under market penetration framework.
      • Focused on market size, competitors, legal issues, technology/infrastructure, and geographical contours.
      • Analyzed data sheets provided (geographical, consumer preference, cost sheets, etc.).
      • Divided regions into rural and urban based on income levels and population density.
      • Proposed satellite connections for volcanic-prone areas and 3G services for rural locations.
    • Outcome: Successfully navigated the case study with logical reasoning and calculations.

  • Round 3 - Group Activity:

    • Experience: Pitched the solution from the case round in a 5-minute presentation. Structured under Context/Problems/Solution.
    • Questions Asked: Interviewers played roles (CEO of the company and Deloitte CEO) and asked about the basis for solutions.
    • Your Approach: Stayed calm under pressure, answered confidently, and handled witty reactions from interviewers.
    • Outcome: Demonstrated confidence and problem-solving skills.

Preparation Tips:

  1. Be confident and maintain a calm mindset, especially under pressure.
  2. Use common sense and hypothetical thinking during case studies.
  3. Structure your thoughts clearly and ask for time if needed.
  4. Focus on different perspectives to arrive at solutions.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The case study round tested analytical and problem-solving skills, while the group activity assessed confidence and adaptability. Staying calm and structured in responses was key. For future candidates, practice case studies thoroughly and work on maintaining composure during high-pressure situations.

11

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant - Strategy & Operations

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Other Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk through your profile (including background, hobbies, and reasons for opting for MBA).
      • Discuss work experience (responsibilities, learnings, and reasons for switching roles).
      • Details about Autumns Project and foreign internship.
      • Approach to guesstimate and case preparation.
      • Discussion about a research paper on the Telecom industry.
    • Your Approach:
      • Highlighted non-resume details to make the conversation interesting.
      • Explained work experiences and transitions clearly.
      • Used the research paper as a differentiator to avoid a guesstimate.
      • Asked an intelligent question based on research.
    • Outcome: Successful progression to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Client is a U.S. Healthcare Insurance company with a stagnating market. What should they do?
      • Considerations for entering new markets.
      • Analysis of data sheets to choose a target country and entry mode.
    • Your Approach:
      • Used the Ansoff matrix implicitly to explore opportunities.
      • Focused on market development outside the U.S.
      • Evaluated country-specific factors like insurance sector, healthcare expenditure, and regulations.
      • Recommended brownfield acquisition in Australia based on data.
    • Outcome: Satisfactory performance, moved to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Presentation:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Present the case study findings (problem statement, scope, assumptions, and entry strategy).
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared slides on paper but presented without notes or whiteboard.
      • Stayed focused despite interruptions, steering discussions back to the case.
    • Outcome: Successful presentation.

Preparation Tips:

  1. Speaking Skills: Be articulate and confident.
  2. Resume Depth: Be thorough with every point on your resume (prepare for 5 levels of follow-up questions).
  3. Case/Guesstimate Prep: Form a consulting group (4-6 members) and practice extensively (30+ cases, 40+ guesstimates).
  4. Industry Study: Deep dive into an industry (e.g., Telecom) to stand out.
  5. Interviewer Research: Know your interviewer’s background to ask intelligent questions.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The key takeaways were:

  • Differentiators like the Telecom research paper helped stand out.
  • Practicing cases and guesstimates in a group was invaluable.
  • Staying calm and focused during interruptions is crucial.
    For future candidates, thorough preparation and confidence in your unique strengths are essential.
12

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant - Strategy & Operations

Application Process: I applied via a referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Other Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me something about yourself in 5 minutes.
      • Questions about my Marwari background and internship experience.
    • Your Approach: I kept my introduction concise and focused on my background and relevant experiences.
    • Outcome: The interview was informal and helped set a comfortable tone for the subsequent rounds.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • A Telecommunication giant has been mandated by the Indonesia government to provide internet services to all residents. As a Deloitte consultant, how would you proceed?
      • Number of tennis balls in the room?
      • Number of medium-size industries in Mumbai?
    • Your Approach:
      • I structured my thoughts under headings like Market Size, Competitors, Legal Issues, Technology/Infrastructure, and Geographical Contours.
      • Focused on the last two issues (Technology/Infrastructure and Geographical Contours) after the interviewer’s guidance.
      • Divided regions into rural and urban based on income levels and population density.
      • Proposed satellite connections for volcanic-prone areas and 3G services for rural locations, justifying the decision with cost analysis.
    • Outcome: The interviewers tested my ability to think critically and adapt under pressure.

  • Round 3 - Group Activity:

    • Experience:
      • Pitched the solution from the case round in a 5-minute presentation structured under Context, Problems, and Solution.
      • Interviewers played roles (CEO of the company and Deloitte CEO) and asked tough questions to test reactions under pressure.
    • Outcome: Demonstrated confidence and wit in handling challenging questions.

Preparation Tips:

  1. Be confident and maintain a calm mindset, especially under pressure.
  2. Use common sense and hypothetical thinking to approach case studies.
  3. Sometimes, the answer lies in perspectives not explicitly mentioned in the case.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but insightful. The case study round was particularly challenging, but staying calm and structured helped me navigate it. For future candidates, I’d advise practicing case studies and being prepared to think on your feet. Confidence and clarity in communication are key!

13

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Which part of TS&A would you like to join? (IT Strategy, Cloud Advisory, etc.)
      2. Tell me about a new technology you are fascinated with and how it can be used by the Insurance Industry.
      3. You are an Accenture person; why do you think you will be a good fit into the Deloitte culture?
      4. Why do you think you will be a great consultant?
      5. A big multinational computer hardware and software services company is planning to de-merge its business into two units. Discuss the implications.
    • Your Approach: Focused on in-depth knowledge of my domain (Insurance) and explained how Big Data Solution (Hadoop) could save costs and bring in more business for insurance clients.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A discussion about a problem related to technology strategy for a firm. The interviewer emphasized focusing on three key questions and not writing anything down.
    • Your Approach: Repeated and verified all details given by the interviewer before asking questions. Used a structured approach, focusing on people, process, and technology framework.
    • Outcome: Successfully navigated the case study.

Preparation Tips:

  • Know your work experience and domain in-depth.
  • Understand the business implications of new technologies (e.g., Hadoop for Insurance).
  • Clarity of thought and expression is crucial.
  • Practice a few management consulting cases, but focus on Deloitte’s sample cases from their website.
  • Attend Deloitte’s case interview workshops if available.
  • Have a deep understanding of a new technology to discuss confidently.
  • Use the people, process, and technology framework for case analysis.

Conclusion:
Focusing on roles and companies that genuinely interest you pays off. I applied selectively and prepared thoroughly, which helped me secure the offer. Over-preparation for case interviews can be counterproductive; instead, focus on structured thinking and clarity. Interacting with Deloitte representatives during campus sessions also provided valuable insights. Ultimately, one well-prepared shortlist is enough to land an offer.

14

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Personal Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk through your profile, including background, hobbies, and reasons for opting for an MBA.
      • Details about work experience, responsibilities, and learnings at each company.
      • Reasons for switching from Consulting to a PMO role.
      • Discussion about Autumns Project and foreign internship.
      • Approach to guesstimate and case preparation.
      • Discussion about a research paper on the Telecom industry.
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on highlighting unique aspects not mentioned in the resume.
      • Discussed in-depth knowledge of the Telecom industry to differentiate.
      • Asked an intelligent question to engage the interviewer.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Client is a U.S. Healthcare Insurance company with a 20% market share in a stagnating market. What should they do?
      • Considerations for entering a new market.
      • Analysis of data sheets to choose the best country for expansion.
      • Entry mode considerations (JV, Brownfield, Greenfield).
    • Your Approach:
      • Used the Ansoff matrix implicitly to explore opportunities.
      • Focused on market development outside the U.S.
      • Analyzed data sheets to recommend Australia as the target market.
      • Discussed post-integration challenges like culture and synergies.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Presentation:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Present the case study findings in a structured manner.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared slides on paper but presented without notes or whiteboard.
      • Stayed patient and focused despite interruptions.
      • Kept the discussion aligned with the entry strategy case.
    • Outcome: Successfully completed the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Form a consulting interest group (4-6 members) for case and guesstimate practice.
  • Practice 30+ cases and 40+ guesstimates over 2 months.
  • Study an industry in-depth (e.g., Telecom) to stand out.
  • Be thorough with every point on your CV, prepared for 5 levels of follow-up questions.
  • Ask well-researched, intelligent questions to the interviewer.
  • Develop good speaking skills, confidence, and articulation.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The key to success was thorough preparation, especially in case studies and guesstimates, and the ability to differentiate myself with in-depth industry knowledge. Staying calm and focused during the presentation round was crucial. Future candidates should focus on building a well-rounded CV and practicing extensively with a group.

15

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied via referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Personal Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk through your profile, including background, hobbies, and reasons for opting for an MBA.
      • Details about work experience, responsibilities, and learnings at each company.
      • Reasons for switching from Consulting to a PMO role.
      • Discussion about Autumns Project and foreign internship.
      • How you prepared for guesstimates and case studies.
      • Discussion about a research paper co-authored on the Telecom industry.
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on highlighting unique aspects not mentioned in the resume.
      • Used the opportunity to discuss the Telecom research paper as a differentiator.
      • Asked an intelligent question to engage the interviewer.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • A U.S. Healthcare Insurance company with a 20% market share in a stagnating market. What should they do?
      • Considerations for expanding outside the U.S.
      • Entry modes and their pros/cons.
    • Your Approach:
      • Used the Ansoff matrix (without explicitly naming it) to explore opportunities.
      • Focused on market development outside the U.S.
      • Analyzed country-specific factors like insurance sector, healthcare expenditure, and regulations.
      • Recommended brownfield acquisition in Australia based on data provided.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Presentation:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Present the case study findings in a structured manner.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared slides on paper but adapted to an impromptu presentation.
      • Stayed focused despite interruptions and brought discussions back to the case.
    • Outcome: Successfully completed the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Form a consulting interest group (4-6 members) for case and guesstimate practice.
  • Practice 30+ cases and ~40 guesstimates over 2 months.
  • Study an industry in-depth (e.g., Telecom) to stand out.
  • Be thorough with every point on your resume (prepare for 5 levels of follow-up questions).
  • Ask well-researched questions to interviewers.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The key to success was thorough preparation, especially in case studies and guesstimates, and leveraging unique experiences (like the Telecom research paper) to differentiate myself. Staying calm and focused during the presentation round was crucial. For future candidates, I recommend forming study groups, practicing extensively, and being prepared to think on your feet.

16

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant-Strategy&Operations

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied via referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Personal Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk through your profile (including background, hobbies, and reasons for opting for an MBA).
      • Details about work experience (responsibilities, learnings, and reasons for switching roles).
      • Discussion about Autumns Project and foreign internship.
      • How you prepared for guesstimates and case studies.
      • Discussion about a research paper co-authored on the Telecom industry.
    • Your Approach:
      • Highlighted non-resume aspects to make the conversation interesting.
      • Focused on learnings and transitions in work experience.
      • Used the research paper as a differentiator to steer the conversation away from a guesstimate.
      • Asked an intelligent question to engage the interviewer.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • A U.S. Healthcare Insurance company with a 20% market share in a stagnating market was the client. The task was to suggest strategies for growth.
      • Considerations for entering a new market and choosing an entry mode.
    • Your Approach:
      • Used the Ansoff matrix implicitly to explore growth strategies.
      • Focused on market development outside the U.S. due to saturation.
      • Analyzed country-specific factors (insurance sector, development metrics) for market entry.
      • Recommended brownfield acquisition in Australia based on data provided.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round after a comprehensive analysis.

  • Round 3 - Presentation:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Present the case study findings (problem statement, scope, assumptions, and logical steps for entry strategy).
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared slides but adapted to a verbal presentation when notes were disallowed.
      • Stayed patient and focused despite interruptions, steering discussions back to the main topic.
    • Outcome: Successfully presented and handled the panel’s interruptions.

Preparation Tips:

  1. Speaking Skills: Be articulate and confident.
  2. Resume Depth: Be thorough with every point on your resume, prepared for follow-up questions.
  3. Case/Guesstimate Prep: Form a study group (4-6 members) and practice extensively (30+ cases, 40+ guesstimates).
  4. Industry Study: Deep dive into an industry (e.g., Telecom) to stand out.
  5. Interviewer Research: Know your interviewer’s background to ask intelligent questions.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The key takeaways were:

  • Leveraging unique experiences (like the research paper) can differentiate you.
  • Adaptability (e.g., switching from slides to verbal presentation) is crucial.
  • Thorough preparation, especially in case studies and guesstimates, pays off.
  • Always stay calm and focused, even under pressure.

For future candidates, focus on being well-rounded, articulate, and prepared for anything!

17

Company Name: Deloitte

Position: Consultant - Strategy & Operations

Application Process: I applied via a referral.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Personal Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk through your profile, including background, hobbies, and reasons for opting for an MBA.
      • Discuss your work experience, responsibilities, and learnings at each company.
      • Explain why you switched from Consulting to a PMO role.
      • Talk about your Autumns Project and foreign internship.
      • How did you prepare for guesstimates and case studies?
    • Your Approach:
      • I focused on highlighting aspects not mentioned in my resume, such as my background and hobbies.
      • I emphasized my industry study (Telecom) and a research paper I co-authored, which differentiated me.
      • Asked an intelligent question about the interviewer’s background, which led to a revealing discussion.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • A U.S. Healthcare Insurance company with 20% market share in a stagnating market. What should they do?
      • Considerations for entering a new market.
      • Choosing a country and entry mode based on provided data.
    • Your Approach:
      • Used the Ansoff matrix implicitly to explore opportunities.
      • Focused on market development outside the U.S.
      • Analyzed country-specific factors like insurance sector maturity, healthcare expenditure, and regulations.
      • Recommended a brownfield acquisition in Australia based on data.
    • Outcome: Successfully solved the case and advanced.

  • Round 3 - Presentation:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Present the case study findings in a structured manner.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared slides on paper but presented without notes or a whiteboard.
      • Stayed focused despite interruptions, bringing discussions back to the entry strategy.
    • Outcome: Successfully delivered the presentation.

Preparation Tips:

  • Form a consulting interest group (4-6 members) for case and guesstimate practice.
  • Practice 30+ cases and 40+ guesstimates over 2 months.
  • Study an industry deeply (e.g., Telecom) to stand out.
  • Be thorough with every point on your CV, prepared for 5 levels of follow-up questions.
  • Ask well-researched questions to interviewers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but rewarding. My preparation, especially the industry study and case practice, paid off. Staying calm and focused during interruptions in the presentation round was key. For future candidates, I recommend thorough preparation, confidence, and the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.