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Everyone assumes AI is eating consulting alive β demand shrinking, firms pulling back. That's the narrative.
The data from our July Consulting Market Outlook says something else entirely.
In this episode of The Briefing, Japheth sits down with Namaan to unpack what's actually happening in the market right now.
Demand is up. The bottleneck isn't leads or RFPs β it's delivery. And that changes who's winning in the second half of 2026, for firms and for candidates.
We cover:
Why the firms stuck in the middle are getting squeezed outThe 3 things on the podium now that AI is just the entry feeWhat candidates should be asking firms that most aren'tResources:
Download the July Consulting Market Outlook Report free β the data behind everything Namaan breaks down in this episodeIf you represent a consulting firm and want your perspective shaping future MC research, rankings, or thought leadership, get on Namaan's calendarIf your profile still reads generalist in a market that's paying for sector depth, Black Belt helps you fix that before it costs you the offerConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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BCG's HireQuotient Online Assessment is the Online Case β same test, new platform.
Katie β MC's Black Belt Advisor and ex-BCG β breaks down what's on it, how it's scored, and the thing that fails candidates outright.
We walk through a live demo so you can see the mechanics before BCG sends you the real thing. Finish in time, prioritize fast, rule things out. And when you get to the final video rec β you get one shot. Whatever's recorded when the clock hits zero goes to BCG.
Resources:
If you want chatbot cases to practice before BCG sends you the real thing β plus a coach to build your full prep plan β Black Belt is for youNew to case prep? Case Foundations is free and gets you started on the right footNot sure if your BCG profile is competitive? 15 minutes with Katie will tell you exactly where you standConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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The consumer and retail consulting market is fragmenting. Specialists are winning deals that used to go to the big firms β and the clients driving that shift aren't going back.
2 partners from this year's Top Consumer & Retail Consulting Firms ranking break it down.
Keith Fogerty from Advancy and Shikha Jain from Simon-Kucher share what's actually happening in the market β revenue growth pressure, AI's real role, private equity's tightening standards, and why a pretty PowerPoint that collects dust is a failed engagement.
If you're building a career in consumer or retail consulting, or running a practice in this space, this is the market intelligence you can't get anywhere else.
Full speaker bios and firm profiles here.
Resources:
See this year's Top Consumer & Retail Consulting Firms rankingReady to break into a top consulting firm? Black Belt is where serious candidates get the coaching to do itExplore top firms hiring in Consumer and Retail on the Management Consulted Job BoardConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Bruno had every disadvantage on paper: international student, non-target school, three internships that didn't add up to one clear story.
He didn't let it hold him back, landing a full-time offer at BCG.
In this episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie β MC's Black Belt Advisor β breaks down what got Bruno there. Spoiler: it wasn't more cases. It was a plan he stuck to even when it felt too "boring" to work.
Turns out, unsexy habits get results.
We cover:
Why stacking cases with peers doesn't fix a weak strategyHow Bruno turned a shared home country into 3 real referralsThe unsexy habit Katie tells every candidate to copyResources:
If you're stacking cases and still not landing offers, Black Belt fixes the approach, not just the repsNot sure your profile is competitive for MBB? 15 minutes with Katie will tell you where you standYour free MC account unlocks Case Foundations and the same tools Bruno used to build his planConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Every McKinsey interviewee last year got at least 1 non-traditional case. Most candidates are still only prepping for standard business cases.
Namaan breaks down what's actually different about case interviews in 2026, and it's not just the case types.
McKinsey is piloting an AI-enabled interview round. Bain's also adding one this summer.
The bar on communication and presence just went up too, because AI raised the floor on sounding prepared β but sounding ready isn't the same as being ready anymore.
Resources:
If you've only drilled business cases, Case Foundations will get you ready for the case types firms are actually giving in 2026Want a coach who is up to date on 2026 cases? Black Belt builds your prep around what firms are testing for right now, not two years agoConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Energy consulting grew in line with the market for a decade. Flat. Unremarkable. Nobody paid attention.
That changed.
The market's now projected to grow 11% in 2026, and leverage for candidates with ops or technical backgrounds is higher than at any point in recent history.
In this episode of The Briefing, Japheth sits down with Namaan to break down what's driving the boom. Spoiler: it's not just the data center buildout you've been reading about.
Whether you're hunting for your next role or you're a firm trying to win the talent war, this one's for you.
Resources:
Go deeper on the data:
Want the full picture from the firms themselves? Watch our Energy & Utilities panel with the leaders driving this hiring waveCurious where energy consulting firms rank for 2026? Check out our Energy & Utilities rankingThat 11% growth number comes straight from Business Insider's reporting on AI's power demand surgeGo act on it:
If you're still leading with sustainability credentials, Black Belt helps you reframe your profile around the implementation experience firms wantReady to see who's hiring right now? Browse open energy consulting roles on our job boardConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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The reality of MBB recruiting: 100 candidates apply. 15 get an interview. 1 gets the offer.
Most of the 99 who don't get it aren't underqualified. They just had a bad plan.
Kabreya Ghaderi, who coached hundreds of candidates and spent time at McKinsey, PwC, and Bridgespan, sees strong candidates still miss because their prep plan has a hole in it they can't see from the inside.
In this episode, Kabreya walks through the 4 gaps that sink even candidates who are doing everything "right." What stood out:
Logging more cases can actually lock in the wrong habits, fasterOne candidate did 80 practice cases and was still nowhere near readyFeeling ready and being ready are two different things, and most people can't tell which one they areResources:
Get the personalized plan you need + expert coaching by joining Black BeltBook 15 minutes with Katie to get your questions answeredStart building case proficiency today with our free Case Foundations starter courseBook 1:1 coaching with KabreyaConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Ish Mawla ran a BCG case in front of a live audience. Real candidate, real pressure.
The case: a solar company in an emerging market watching its revenue fall while the broader market keeps growing. Aditya has to figure out why β and what to do about it.
Then Ish breaks down the whole thing β what Aditya did well and where he left points on the table.
Here's what stood out:
Why your framework can work against you β and the one thing most candidates build in that they shouldn'tHow to read an exhibit under time pressure without glossing over the math that's sitting right in front of youWhat it takes to brainstorm boldly when the ask is doubling revenue, not incremental growthCoaching:
Want this kind of feedback on your own cases? Start with a free 15-minute call with Katie β she'll tell you where you stand and whether Black Belt is the right fitBlack Belt is how you get a dedicated advisor, a personalized prep plan, and coaching from experts like Ish who know what MBB is looking forResources:
New to MC? Create a free account and get access to our Case Foundations course, market research, and job board β no credit card required.Connect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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5 people just landed offers at McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, and L.E.K. We got them all in one room and asked them the same question: what actually worked?
The real stuff β how many cases they did, how they networked, what they wish they'd done differently, and the misconceptions that almost cost them.
Aisha did 50 cases her first recruiting cycle and didn't get the offer. She did 25 the second time and got it. That contrast says more than any framework guide will.
You'll learn:
Why quality beats volume in case prep β and what "quality" actually looks likeHow each of these 5 built their firm lists and network from scratchThe misconception every candidate walked in with (and when they figured out it was wrong)Resources:
4 of the 5 panelists worked with an MC coach β learn more about Black Belt coachingNot sure if coaching is the right fit? Book a free 15-min call with Katie β she'll tell you where you standCreate a free MC account to start building your case prep foundationConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Mitali Jalan was told she couldn't break into consulting as a chartered accountant. She was told it was unlikely she'd land Bain as an international MBA student. She got the offers anyway.
She worked at Deloitte India and Bain London, then sat on the other side of the table as a Bain interviewer. She's coached over 350 candidates and knows where people lose the offer.
The thing she kept seeing? Candidates who spent weeks on case prep, walked in technically ready, and still didn't get it. The gap wasn't knowledge.
We cover:
How to recruit for a firm in a country that isn't yoursWhy "nice" is not a soft factor at Bain β and how to train for itWhat made Mitali stop reading a CV in secondsHow to track your prep so you're fixing the right things, not just logging casesResources:
Work with Mitali directlyReady to break into MBB? Black Belt is the case prep program for serious candidatesBook a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your pathConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Every week we hear the same question from candidates: Is AI going to gut consulting before I can break in?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: The model is changing fast, and you need to know what's shifting and what isn't.
Arda Ecevit spent over 13 years at Deloitte, Strategy&, and Bain before co-founding NexStrat AI. He sat down with Namaan to talk about what AI is doing to consulting β and the parts of the job it can't touch.
What AI is taking off the junior consultant's plateThe skills that still get you hired (and promoted) at MBBWhy MBB is still worth joining, even with AI doing more junior analyst workWhere partners and clients still need humans in the roomResources:
Try NexStrat AI free for 14 days, then 50% off your first month with code MC50OFF β click hereConnect with Arda on LinkedInLand your consulting offer β join Black Belt for 1:1 coaching from MBB advisorsBook a 15-min strategy call with KatieConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Walter applied to consulting out of undergrad and didn't get an offer. Went into investment banking, got another shot a year and a half later, and still wasn't ready β too busy, not focused enough, cramming at the last minute.
So he quit his job to recruit full time.
That's an extreme version of the lesson, but the lesson applies to anyone working full time while trying to break in: you have less time than you think.
Consulting firms aren't running a six-month hiring cycle. They've got a project to staff and they need someone now. You could apply today and interview next week.
In this episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff, ex-BCG and MC's Black Belt Advisor, breaks down what Walter did differently on attempt #3 β how he started from scratch, built a serious plan, and landed a full-time offer with L.E.K.
The June Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, June 9 (limited spots). Learn more and join.
Resources:
Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best pathJoin the June Black Belt cohort for structured coaching from application to offerExplore 2,000 consulting jobs for working professionals on the Management Consulted Job BoardConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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BCG interviews typically start 3β4 weeks after the application deadline β and deadlines are here.
Tauseef Charanya spent 10 years at BCG β half consulting, half building AI products globally. He's done 300+ interviews and has seen strong candidates miss offers for the same reasons, over and over.
In this episode, he breaks down the 3 mistakes that hurt otherwise solid BCG candidates, why doing more cases without feedback makes you worse, and the 4-step system that gets you BCG-ready.
You'll learn:
Why memorizing frameworks won't cut it β and what BCG interviewers are actually looking forHow BCG's candidate-led format differs from McKinsey and how to prep for itThe skill sequence that gets candidates offer-ready in 22 cases, not 100+Why the BCG internship deserves the same urgency as full-time recruitingResources:
Ready to close the gap before deadlines? Book a free 15-minute consult with KatieWant the structured system Tauseef describes? Explore Black BeltBook a 1:1 session with TauseefConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Most new consultants walk in with work style blind spots they can't see β and their managers notice before they do.
In this episode, Namaan β COO of Management Consulted β breaks down his framework for owning your first 90 days in consulting: how to identify your blind spots, read your manager, and carry yourself like someone who's been doing this for years.
You'll learn:
What your manager actually cares about (hint: it's not how hard you work)The 3 work styles that get consultants in trouble earlyHow to communicate answer-first and show executive presence from week 1Resources:
Build your Excel and PowerPoint skills before day 1 with MC's flagship courseIs your team moving decisions or just moving slides? MC Executive Presentation TrainingConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Energy consulting is growing 11% this year β the fastest-growing sector in consulting.
AI data centers are eating power faster than the grid can supply, the energy transition is still underway, and nobody has a clean answer for how to do both at once.
3 insiders from MC's 2026 energy ranking join the show: Sean Jump (dss+), Charlie Sorensen (BearingPoint), and Michael Einstein (Simon-Kucher).
You'll learn:
Why clients are asking for things now they weren't 2 years agoHow energy firms price outcome-based work and where they draw the lineWhat hyperscalers keep getting wrong about physical infrastructureThe advice every new energy consultant actually needs to hearFull speaker bios and firm profiles here.
Resources:
See who's hiring β see the 2026 Top 10 Energy Consulting Firms RankingIs your team moving decisions or just moving slides? MC Executive Presentation TrainingExplore top firms hiring in Energy on the Management Consulted Job BoardReady to land the offer? Black Belt is where to startConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Maile Dyer reviewed 400+ resumes as a Bain Manager. She was on the recruiting team, making the decisions on who got interviews.
And she kept seeing the same 3 mistakes: structure, content, and formatting. Most candidates miss at least one. A lot of them miss all 3 β and they never find out why they never heard back.
In this episode, Maile breaks down each mistake and tells you exactly how to fix it. Katie Neff joins to tie it back to your full recruiting strategy.
You'll learn:
The structure mistake that makes reviewers skip your strongest qualificationsWhy writing responsibilities instead of impact gets you screened out fastThe formatting signals that tell a consultant you lack attention to detailResources:
Have your resume rebuilt by ex-consultants who know what MBB is looking for β join Black BeltNot sure where to start? Book 15 minutes with KatieConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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BCG just updated its Consulting Career Assessment (CCA) and most candidates approach it the wrong way.
In this episode, Katie β ex-BCG, Black Belt Advisor at Management Consulted β breaks down the revamped CCA across each section, so you know what to expect.
What most candidates miss: this isn't just a math test. BCG is measuring who you are and whether you are consistent in your answers.
You'll learn:
Why consistency in the working style sections matters more than picking the "right" answerThe elimination strategy that helps you solve the math problems fasterWhat appearing neutral or inconsistent signals to BCG β and why it's a red flagResources:
Join Black Belt β includes 4 CCA practice versions + full interview prep coachingBook 15 minutes with Katie β talk through your support options and whether Black Belt is right for youConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Everyone wonders what comes after consulting, but the exits aren't talked about.
In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae (ex-Bain) breaks down the 5 most common exit paths β and why consulting opens more doors than almost any other career move.
Resources:
Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)Create a free MC account to access foundational resources and start building your consulting skill set todayBook a free 15-minute call with Katie to talk through your specific situationConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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Sebastian is a Purdue junior with Bain interviews coming up. He ran a full first-round Bain case live β and after every section, coach Mitali stopped and told him exactly what worked and what he missed.
Mitali spent 5 years in consulting, including as a senior consultant at Bain in London. She's coached 350+ people into MBB and used to interview candidates herself β so she knows what Bain is looking for.
You'll see:
Why "financial vs. non-financial" is too generic for Bain β and what to say insteadHow to read an exhibit the way Bain wants it doneThe math mistake Sebastian made live β and how he recoveredHow to give a final recommendation backed by the numbers, not your gutCoaching with Mitali:
Join the Black Belt case prep program for personalized coaching with Mitali and a prep strategy tailored to your goals and timelineConnect with Mitali on LinkedInResources:
Create a free account to access Case Interview Foundations β a 7-day case interview crash courseWatch more McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview demos on YouTubeConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more -
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He got McKinsey and Bain interviews and practiced 30 cases with friends β but didn't make it past round 1.
Overconfident Ollie is a target school student with every reason to be confident. He joined Black Belt, made a plan β then mostly went at it alone.
His KPI was cases completed and when MBB's first round came, his floor wasn't high enough.
Katie and Japheth break down what went wrong, what's at stake if the approach doesn't change, and the specific steps Ollie is taking to rebuild before the next round of deadlines.
Why casing volume without feedback builds false confidenceWhat peer casing can't tell you β and why a coach canThe "floor vs. ceiling" principle that defines where most candidates fall shortThe May Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, May 12 (limited spots). Learn more and join.
Resources:
Join the May Black Belt cohort (see coaches)Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best pathCreate a free MC account to get Case Foundations, a case prep crash courseConnect With Management Consulted
Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event β case interviews demos, expert panels, and more - Laat meer zien
