At Talent Growth, we love sharing career insights from professionals who have successfully navigated the job market. In this special interview, our team had the chance to speak with Donny Falah, a Business Analyst at a Management Consulting Firm, to uncover his journey into consulting, the challenges he faced, and his top tips for landing a role in this competitive industry.
If you’re aspiring to break into a consulting firm, this is a must-read!
Why I Chose a Career in a Consulting Firm & The Recruitment Process
I have always wanted to create an impact in my surroundings, whether small or large. A career in a consulting firm allows me to share knowledge while continuously learning new things. This cycle of learning and sharing forms a positive feedback loop, enabling me to deliver value to stakeholders effectively.
The recruitment process I went through involved:
- HR Interview – General screening and motivation assessment.
- Case Study Interview – Evaluating analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Final Fit Interview – Assessing compatibility with the team and company culture.
Case study interviews are a major selection stage in consulting. I practiced extensively before graduation, which helped me feel more prepared to tackle case questions.
Challenges & How I Overcame Them
One of the biggest challenges was my lack of technical knowledge in IT-related case studies. My background is in finance, so I had to bridge the knowledge gap. To overcome this, I:
- Discussed with friends who had experience in tech consulting.
- Studied commonly used case frameworks in the field.
- Researched the role and responsibilities of a tech consultant.
Though my technical knowledge only improved slightly, my confidence grew significantly, allowing me to express my thoughts more clearly during interviews.
Key Skills for Succeeding in a Consulting Firm
Curiosity is a highly valued trait in this industry. While consulting firms provide learning resources, true growth depends on an individual’s eagerness to learn.
Beyond curiosity, essential skills include:
- Problem-solving & critical thinking
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
- English communication skills
Mastery isn’t required at the start, but candidates should demonstrate competency in these areas.
Tips to Ace a Consulting Firm Recruitment Process
Engage in activities that enhance critical thinking, teamwork, and analytical skills. Participating in competitions like NBCC can be a great way to develop these abilities.
“Never be afraid to make mistakes. It’s better to fail early and learn from it rather than never taking risks and missing opportunities for growth.”
Resource Person: Donny Falah, Business Analyst at a Management Consulting Firm
