Strategy Consulting

How to get a job at Roland Berger

20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Roland Berger actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.

London, UK 2,400+ 3.9/5/5 Glassdoor
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Video Interview Practice

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Your question

Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

About Roland Berger

Company overview

Roland Berger is a leading independent management and technology consulting firm with particular strength in strategy, transformation, and digital innovation. Founded in 1981, the firm combines strategic depth with practical implementation expertise, helping ambitious clients navigate complex business challenges. Roland Berger works across diverse industries with a focus on delivering sustainable competitive advantage through innovation and operational excellence.

Inside the company

Culture & values at Roland Berger

Roland Berger's culture values intellectual independence, innovative thinking, and genuine partnership with clients. The firm encourages entrepreneurial approaches to problem-solving and values consultants who challenge conventional thinking. Roland Berger is committed to developing its people through mentoring, continuous learning, and clear career pathways. The firm celebrates diversity and inclusion as fundamental to its success.

Why people want to work here

At Roland Berger, you'll work on strategic challenges for leading global companies, developing expertise in strategy, transformation, and digital innovation. The firm's independence and entrepreneurial culture create space for creative thinking and innovative approaches. Roland Berger's focus on close client relationships and practical implementation means you'll see your work directly impact business results. The firm offers excellent development opportunities with strong mentoring and clear advancement paths.

What to expect

Working at Roland Berger

Most roles at Roland Berger are office-based or hybrid, with teams typically splitting time between their London, UK offices and remote working. The day usually starts with team stand-ups or check-ins, followed by focused project work. Collaboration is a significant part of the role — expect cross-functional meetings, client interactions, and working alongside colleagues from different departments throughout the day. The rhythm varies by team, but most people find a mix of heads-down work and collaborative sessions. Peak periods (month-end, quarter-end, project deadlines) can mean longer hours, but the day-to-day pace is generally manageable.

As a 2,400+-person organisation, Roland Berger sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.

The culture at Roland Berger shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving ability and Strategic business thinking and industry understanding. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Roland Berger recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.

The hiring journey

Roland Berger interview process

Roland Berger's recruiting process combines case interviews, business discussions, and behavioural assessments to identify analytically rigorous thinkers with strong business judgment.

1

Online application and CV screening

Varies

Online application and CV screening

2

First-round interviews: case interviews and business discussion

Varies

First-round interviews: case interviews and business discussion

3

Second-round interviews: complex case studies and strategic thinking assessment

Varies

Second-round interviews: complex case studies and strategic thinking assessment

4

Final round with Managing Partner or Principal on career aspirations and fit

Varies

Final round with Managing Partner or Principal on career aspirations and fit

5

Optional psychometric testing

Varies

Optional psychometric testing

6-10 weeks from application to offer

Insider tips

Develop strong case interview skills with focus on structured problem-solving and quantitative analysis. Research Roland Berger's recent work and transformation projects. Prepare examples demonstrating analytical thinking, leadership, and business impact. Show genuine interest in strategy and transformation, not just consulting as a career. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Your game plan

How to prepare for your Roland Berger interview

Roland Berger's interview process typically takes 6-10 weeks from application to offer. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.

4 weeks before

Research Roland Berger thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in consulting & advisory and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow Roland Berger on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 5 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at Roland Berger and reach out for an informal conversation.

3 weeks before

Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving ability, Strategic business thinking and industry understanding, Communication clarity and ability to influence. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Strategy Consultant or Management Consultant role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.

2 weeks before

Do a full mock interview covering Roland Berger's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to Roland Berger's strategy.

Final week

Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Roland Berger's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.

Stand out from the crowd

What Roland Berger looks for

Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving ability

Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving ability

Strategic business thinking and industry understanding

Strategic business thinking and industry understanding

Communication clarity and ability to influence

Communication clarity and ability to influence

Initiative and entrepreneurial mindset

Initiative and entrepreneurial mindset

Commitment to client impact and implementation

Commitment to client impact and implementation

Get through the door

How to apply to Roland Berger

Start by studying Roland Berger's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — consulting & advisory employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Strategy Consultant, Management Consultant, Business Analyst, research what each role involves at Roland Berger specifically, not just the job title in general.

If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Roland Berger's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether Roland Berger offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many strategy consulting employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.

Before submitting your application, research Roland Berger's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every strategy consulting employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Roland Berger on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.

As a smaller organisation, Roland Berger values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In strategy consulting specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.

Mistakes candidates make

  • 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Roland Berger or consulting & advisory-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
  • 2Failing to research Roland Berger's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
  • 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving ability and Strategic business thinking and industry understanding — Roland Berger uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
  • 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — Roland Berger's process typically takes 6-10 weeks from application to offer, and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
  • 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about Roland Berger and the specific role.
  • 6Applying to multiple roles at Roland Berger simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.

Real questions asked

Roland Berger interview questions

20 questions sourced from real Roland Berger candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.

  • 1Tell us about your background and why Roland Berger appeals to you.
  • 2Describe a project where you drove significant change.
  • 3Give an example of when you influenced others on a strategic decision.
  • 4How do you approach problems requiring creative solutions?
  • 5Tell us about a time you failed and how you recovered.
  • 6Walk us through a complex business challenge you've analysed.
  • 7What interests you most about transformation consulting?
  • 8How do you translate strategy into implementation?

Your career here

Growth & development at Roland Berger

Career progression at Roland Berger follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many strategy consulting organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.

Roland Berger invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.

For consulting & advisory professionals, Roland Berger offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving ability and Strategic business thinking and industry understanding — are transferable across the strategy consulting sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Roland Berger started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at Roland Berger

Consultant: £48,000–£60,000; Senior Consultant: £65,000–£80,000; Manager: £100,000–£130,000+

Notable benefits

Competitive salary with performance bonus (10-20% of base)
Private health insurance coverage
Pension scheme with employer contribution
Flexible working arrangements
Parental leave (18+ weeks)
Professional development budget
Gym and wellness benefits
Travel and relocation support
Life insurance and income protection
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Frequently asked questions

What is Roland Berger's approach to transformation consulting?

Roland Berger combines strategic analysis with practical implementation expertise to guide organisations through complex transformations. The firm focuses on understanding root causes of underperformance, designing future-state business models, and supporting execution. Roland Berger emphasises sustainability of change, working closely with clients to embed new ways of working and behaviours.

How independent is Roland Berger compared to larger firms?

Roland Berger is independently owned, which shapes its culture and approach. The firm emphasises entrepreneurial thinking and encourages consultants to challenge conventional approaches. This independence allows for distinctive strategies and more creative problem-solving compared to larger, more process-driven firms. The firm maintains strong client relationships built on trust and delivered value.

What kinds of projects do junior consultants lead?

As a Consultant, you'll lead workstreams on client engagements, typically involving research, data analysis, interviews, and solution development. You'll have direct client contact and opportunity to influence strategy. You'll support case managers in leading projects and build expertise across industries and functions. Roland Berger values entrepreneurial consultants who take initiative.

How does Roland Berger develop its consultants?

Roland Berger is committed to consultant development through mentoring, regular feedback, skill-building programmes, and clear career pathways. You'll have a dedicated mentor and manager supporting your growth. The firm provides training in consulting skills, industry knowledge, and leadership development. Roland Berger emphasises learning from client work and continuous professional development.

What is the career progression at Roland Berger?

The typical path is Consultant (2-3 years) → Senior Consultant (2-3 years) → Manager (3-4 years) → Principal (4-5 years) → Partner. Advancement depends on demonstrated client impact, leadership capability, and contribution to the firm. Roland Berger regularly evaluates consultants with clear feedback and expectations for advancement.

Do I need prior consulting experience to join Roland Berger?

No, Roland Berger recruits talented individuals from diverse backgrounds without requiring prior consulting experience. The firm values analytical ability, business acumen, and potential to develop into strong consultants. Roland Berger's training and mentoring programmes develop the specific skills you need to succeed as a consultant.

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