Top 10 Answers to the “Why Consulting?” Interview Question

Show your motivation, mindset, and fit like a top candidate

TL;DR

The “Why Consulting?” question is a core part of every consulting interview. Interviewers want to know:

1. Do you understand what consulting involves?
2. Are your motivations genuine and sustainable?
3. Can you communicate your story clearly and persuasively?

Strong candidates go beyond clichés like “I like problem-solving.” They connect consulting to their experiences, values, and future goals.

Below are 10 compelling, authentic answer templates. Each is designed to highlight a different type of motivation and skill set.

1. The Problem-Solver

“I’ve always enjoyed breaking down complex, ambiguous problems into structured solutions. Consulting allows me to apply that skill to real business challenges across different industries, while learning from people who think the same way.”

Why it works: Shows intellectual curiosity, analytical mindset, and understanding of consulting’s project-based nature.

2. The Learner

“I see consulting as the best learning environment possible. Every few months you’re exposed to a new industry, a new team, and a new challenge. That pace of growth really appeals to me early in my career.”

Why it works: Emphasizes growth and adaptability.

3. The Impact-Seeker

“What excites me about consulting is that you can see your work influence major business decisions. I find it rewarding to solve problems that help organizations transform and perform better.”

Why it works: Demonstrates purpose and client-centric thinking.

4. The Collaborator

“I’m motivated by working in high-performing teams where everyone brings different expertise. Consulting’s team-based culture and constant collaboration with clients fits how I do my best work.”

Why it works: Highlights people skills, useful for client-facing roles.

5. The Strategist

“I’m drawn to consulting because it sits at the intersection of business, data, and decision-making. I enjoy connecting the dots between strategy and execution, understanding not just what to do, but how to make it happen.”

Why it works: Shows commercial awareness and strategic thinking.

6. The Explorer

“I’m still early in my career and I’m curious about different industries. Consulting gives me a chance to explore them systematically while building a strong toolkit in analysis, communication, and project management.”

Why it works: A good fit for graduates or career changers; curious but purposeful.

7. The Communicator

“I enjoy taking complex ideas and explaining them clearly, whether in writing, visuals, or presentations. Consulting gives me a platform to use that skill to influence decisions and drive change.”

Why it works: Reflects communication strength.

8. The Builder

“Long term, I want to help organizations scale efficiently. Consulting will help me understand how high-performing companies structure their operations and execute transformation. These are lessons I can later apply as a founder or leader.”

Why it works: Signals ambition and long-term thinking, not just short-term interest.

9. The Change-Agent

“I’ve seen how hard it is for large organizations to change. Consulting interests me because it combines analytical problem solving with the human side of transformation — helping clients not just design solutions but implement them.”

Why it works: Balances technical and interpersonal awareness.

10. The Story-Driven Answer (Personal Hook)

“During my internship at a healthcare company, I worked on a small project to improve patient scheduling. The most exciting part was analyzing data, identifying bottlenecks, and persuading managers to try a new approach. That experience made me realize I love structured problem solving and client interaction. These both are core parts of consulting.”

Why it works: Uses a personal story to demonstrate “fit” rather than assert it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too generic: Everyone says they “like solving problems.” Add specifics.
• Sounding unsure: “I think consulting might be interesting…” doesn’t inspire confidence.
• Overemphasizing exit opportunities: Firms want people who want to stay and contribute, not leave immediately.
• Ignoring the human side: Mention teamwork, communication, and client relationships.

Bonus: How to Structure Your Own Answer

1. Start with motivation: What genuinely draws you to consulting?
2. Link to your background: What experiences make that motivation credible?
3. Show you understand the job: Reference teamwork, client interaction, or learning variety.
4. End with forward focus: How does consulting fit your long-term path?

Example structure:

“I’m drawn to consulting because [motivation]. Through [experience], I discovered that I enjoy [relevant skill]. I’m excited by the opportunity to apply that in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where I can keep learning and make a real impact.”

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

• To test whether you understand what consulting is actually like
• To assess your communication and self-awareness
• To see if you have the stamina and motivation for a demanding lifestyle
• To differentiate genuine passion from rehearsed answers

Practice This on PrepPartner

At PrepPartner.ai, you can practice your fit and motivation questions interactively with an AI interviewer that gives feedback on tone, clarity, and authenticity. It’s the fastest way to refine your “Why Consulting?” story until it sounds confident, natural, and personal.

Final Thoughts

Consulting firms don’t expect identical answers; they expect genuine ones. Whether your motivation is learning, teamwork, or impact, make it personal, specific, and connected to your story.

Use the templates above as starting points, then tailor them to your experience and practice saying them out loud until they sound like you.

Ready to prepare deeper? Explore PrepPartner’s lessons and drills designed for MBB-level interviews.