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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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.

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

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

How they hire

What it's like interviewing at Roland Berger

With 2,400+ employees, Roland Berger doesn't hire in massive volumes, which means each vacancy gets focused attention. You're less likely to be processed through an impersonal system — expect more direct interaction with hiring managers earlier in the process. The flip side is that roles may appear less frequently, so when a position opens, move quickly with a strong application.

Roland Berger's interview culture is formal and competency-driven. Expect structured questions against a scorecard, with interviewers trained to assess Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving ability and Strategic business thinking and industry understanding through specific examples. The atmosphere is professional but not hostile — they want to find the right candidate, not catch you out. Come prepared with evidence-based answers and you'll be in a strong position.

Life at the company

Work-life balance at Roland Berger

Roland Berger offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements for most roles. The specifics vary by team and function — some roles are predominantly remote, others require regular office presence — but the overall direction is towards flexibility. This isn't just policy on paper: employees generally report that managers support flexible working in practice, not just in the handbook. Notable extras include dedicated wellbeing and mental health support, generous annual leave.

Be realistic about pace: consulting & advisory is demanding, and Roland Berger is no exception. Peak periods — whether that's deal closings, audit season, or major project deadlines — can mean long hours and high pressure. Outside those peaks, the rhythm is more sustainable, and the organisation generally supports recovery time. The trade-off is clear: the work is demanding but the experience, compensation, and career progression reflect that.

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.

What is the work-life balance like at Roland Berger?

Work-life balance at Roland Berger varies by role and team. The strategy consulting sector is demanding, and peak periods can mean long hours. Outside those peaks, most employees report a manageable workload with increasing support for flexible and hybrid working.

Does Roland Berger sponsor work visas for UK roles?

Visa sponsorship at Roland Berger may be available for specialist roles. Check their careers page or contact their recruitment team directly to confirm whether the specific position you're interested in offers sponsorship. Immigration policy changes can affect eligibility, so verify current requirements with Roland Berger's HR team during the application process.

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