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Send us Fan Mail Bain told Jenny Rae on day 1 she'd be pushed out if she didn't perform. What they conveniently left out: almost everybody meets the bar. Up or out isn't the brutal filter most people fear. In the early years, it's a deliberate scare tactic. The real pressure comes later, when you have to cross from analytical work into managing. In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae breaks down why up or out culture exists, what it's actually protecting, and why she became one of its biggest advocates. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Kunal ran the numbers. Modern pizza wins on absolute profit and payback period. Then he flagged it: you're projecting nearly 200 pizzas a day for a restaurant that hasn't opened yet. That's the instinct that separates good from great. This is a full McKinsey case in the restaurant industry, led by Mark Di Giorgio (ex-McKinsey Toronto). Kunal works through a New York pizza market entry question – modern vs. traditional. After the case, Mark breaks it down section by section with tactical detail you can apply immediately: Why catching volume risk after solving the math gets interviewers to lean forwardThe 4-step case opening most candidates skipHow to read an exhibit before touching the mathThe brainstorming close that turns a good answer greatCoaching with Mark: Join the Black Belt case prep program for personalized coaching with Mark and a prep strategy tailored to your goals and timelineConnect with Mark on LinkedInResources: Create a free account to access Case Interview Foundations – a 7-day case interview crash courseWatch more McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview demos on YouTubeFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Jenny Rae joined Bain in 2005. At McKinsey that year, consultants were home 3 nights a week – Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. That was considered acceptable. Today, consulting looks different. But maybe not in the ways you'd assume. In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae breaks down the 4 real shifts she's tracked over 20 years inside and alongside the industry – and makes the case for what's barely changed at all. We cover: How a 10-week engagement today compares to a 20-week one from 2005Why firms are now pressure-testing your commitment to stay – and what to say when they doWhy 50+ firms are now legitimate career launchpads – not just MBBWhat's stayed the same despite 20 years of industry changeResources: 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 15-minute consult with Katie to figure out the right prep path for where you are right nowConnect 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Most people think consulting trains you in industries or analytics. That's not the real advantage. In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae breaks down the skill consultants master at the world's top firms – complex project management – and the 10 principles that separate average operators from the people who consistently deliver under pressure. You'll learn: Why scope clarity (and what you're not doing) matters more than the project plan itselfHow consultants align stakeholders, escalate issues, and build quality into every phaseThe mindset shift that makes project management a career accelerator in any industryResources: Bring consulting-level project management to your team with PM TrainingCreate 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 todayConnect 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Digital assessments are now the first filter at the top consulting firms – McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and more – and they're nothing you've seen before.  Coach Kabreya (ex-PwC, ex-Bridgespan, ex-McKinsey) breaks down exactly what each firm's test measures, where candidates go wrong, and how to prepare effectively. What McKinsey Solve, Bain Gorilla, and BCG CCA are actually testingWhy time management is the silent killerHow BCG's CCA filters for cultural fit and values alignment – not just analytical abilityThe 4 mistakes that tank otherwise strong candidatesBlack Belt members get access to simulated digital assessments for MBB and more – get started today. Resources: Get full simulations for Bain Gorilla, McKinsey Solve, BCG CCA & more in Black BeltBook a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on which MC program is the right fitFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Yang Yu spent 8 years in healthcare and life sciences before pursuing an evening MBA at Chicago Booth with his sights set on consulting.  His first recruiting attempt ended without the offer he wanted. His second? 3 top-tier offers, including McKinsey, Bain, and PwC Strategy&. In this episode, Yang breaks down exactly what changed – and how he stayed grounded when the pressure was highest, including a Halloween night offer call he'll never forget. We cover: Why doing more cases doesn't mean doing better casesHis 3-step reflection framework for identifying and fixing blind spotsHow he tailored his prep firm-by-firm – and when to bring in professional coachingWhat it's actually like to choose between multiple top consulting offersResources: Join Black Belt – Yang's go-to prep program throughout his recruiting journeyBook a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on which MC program is the right [email protected] – For consulting club leaders looking to bring MC support (resume edits, case coaching, and more) to their campusFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Not sure what to expect on the Bain Gorilla Test? You're not alone. Most candidates go in underprepared – and it costs them. In this bonus episode, Katie Neff walks through 4 example questions covering problem solving, time management, personality, and communication.  She breaks down the logic behind each answer, including a sneaky gotcha that often trips people up. Resources: Get full simulations for Gorilla, McKinsey Solve, BCG CCA & more inside Black BeltGrab a free Bain Gorilla practice testConnect 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail In this Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff and Japheth Mast break down "Procrastinator Annie" – an impressive sophomore at a target school who bought 24 coaching sessions, built a full prep plan… and then didn't start. In this episode, you'll learn: Why waiting until you "feel ready" is the most common trap high achievers fall intoWhat to do when you're behind on prep with only weeks to goThe daily minimum that keeps you moving forward (even when time is tight)Why your first coaching session is supposed to be uncomfortableWant help like Annie is getting? The April Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, April 7 (limited spots). Learn more and join. Resources: Join the April Black Belt cohortBook 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Financial services is entering a new era – shaped by M&A activity, AI adoption, regulatory pressure, and the rise of digital assets. In this fireside chat, leaders from PwC and L.E.K. Consulting break down the real strategic questions facing banks, asset managers, and investors today. You’ll hear how firms are thinking about growth, where AI is actually delivering value, and what the future of financial services consulting looks like. In this episode: The shift from scale → scope in M&A strategyHow firms are navigating uncertainty in capital marketsWhere AI is driving real impact (and where it’s overhyped)The truth about crypto and digital assets in financial servicesWhat top consulting firms look for when hiringWhether you're exploring consulting or already in the industry, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how top firms are thinking about one of the most dynamic sectors today. Click here to connect with each speaker and learn more about the firms. Resources: Break into consulting through Black Belt, an accelerated prep programExplore open roles at PwC and L.E.K.Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail If you want great mentors in consulting, don’t ask for mentorship. In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae breaks down the simple, repeatable approach she used at Bain to build powerful mentor relationships – and keep them for decades. You’ll learn: Why asking someone to be your “mentor” is the wrong moveThe low-pressure strategy that actually builds real relationshipsHow to turn strong performance into long-term mentorship and advocacyThis is the playbook for building a network of mentors who don’t just advise you – they invest in your success. Resources: Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)Get the free Case Prep Plan (step-by-step guide to win case interviews)Book a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on MC programsConnect 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail What does a real McKinsey interviewer-led case actually look like? In this episode, you’ll step into a live McKinsey-style case interview focused on a luxury hotel expansion in Dubai targeting high-net-worth “whale” customers. Led by former McKinsey consultant Aditya Ghosh, this walkthrough breaks down how top candidates approach interviewer-led cases – from asking the right clarifying questions to structuring, solving exhibits, and communicating under pressure. You’ll also see live feedback throughout the case, so you can understand not just what to do, but how interviewers evaluate your performance in real time. Work with Aditya: Join the Black Belt case prep program for personalized coaching with Aditya and a prep strategy tailored to your goals and timelineConnect with Aditya on LinkedInResources: Create a free account to access Case Interview Foundations – a crash course introduction to case interviewsWatch more McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview demos on YouTubeFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail This was the project that made me seriously question consulting. In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae shares the Bain project she liked the least — not because the work was bad, but because it sparked a realization that changed everything. You’ll learn: Why consulting can feel removed from real decision-makingThe moment Jenny Rae realized she wanted to be on the “owner” side, not the advisor sideHow one project can completely reshape your career directionThis is a must-listen for anyone wondering what consulting is really like — and whether it’s the right long-term path. Resources: Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)Get the free Case Prep Plan (step-by-step guide to win case interviews)Book a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on MC programsConnect 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Jacob Broadbent didn’t come from the typical consulting pipeline. He came from engineering – and still landed a PwC offer. In this episode, Jacob breaks down the exact moves that helped him make the pivot: how he positioned his technical background as a strength, got more comfortable networking, and built the case prep skills that actually moved the needle. In this episode: How Jacob turned an engineering background into an advantageThe networking approach that helped him stand out with firmsWhy case prep changed more than just his interview performanceThe mindset shifts that helped him navigate recruiting with confidenceIf you’re coming from engineering or any non-traditional background, this conversation is proof that you do not need the “perfect” consulting resume to win. Resources: Join the Black Belt program for engineers breaking into consultingSee upcoming consulting application deadlinesBooks Mentioned: Never Split the Difference – Chris VossThe 2-Hour Job Search – Steve DaltonThe 20-Minute Networking Meeting – Marcia Ballinger & Nathan PerezFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail Internship recruiting for consulting is 3 months earlier than ever. March 29 is the first deadline (McKinsey, Bain, Oliver Wyman). In this episode, former Bain consultant Maile Dyer breaks down the exact preparation strategy – from networking and resume positioning to digital assessments and case prep. Instead of guessing what to do next, learn how to sequence your preparation so you peak at the right time. You’ll learn: What to prioritize first in the MBB recruiting processHow to network strategically (and actually increase your interview chances)What digital assessments like McKinsey Solve and Bain TestGorilla are testingA structured plan for case interview prep alongside classesIf recruiting timelines feel fast and overwhelming, remember: you don’t need to do everything at once – just the right things in the right order. Resources: Review application deadlines so you don't miss your dateJoin Black Belt for an MBB-led accelerated coaching program personalized to your target firms, timelines, and goalsBook a call with Katie to get your questions answered about MC programsFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail In your first year in consulting, it’s easy to chase the projects that sound the most impressive. But the work that actually accelerates your career often looks very different. In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae shares the single best decision she made during her first year at Bain – why it felt counterintuitive at the time, and how it helped her develop faster than any “prestige” project could have. You’ll learn: Why the projects most consultants try to avoid can become your biggest growth opportunitiesHow saying “yes” early in your career builds credibility and accelerates responsibilityThe mindset shift that helps you optimize for learning – not just opticsIf you want to grow quickly in consulting (or any high-performance career), this is a lesson worth learning early. Resources: Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)Get the free Case Prep Plan (step-by-step guide to win case interviews)Get full prep support with Black BeltConnect 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 – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more