FTI Consulting Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping clients navigate complex challenges and capitalize on opportunities across various industries.

As a Business Analyst at FTI Consulting, you will play a pivotal role in supporting projects that address significant business challenges for clients, particularly in the Telecoms, Media, and Technology (TMT) sectors. Your responsibilities will include conducting thorough qualitative and quantitative analyses, interpreting data to derive insights, and presenting your findings to both internal teams and clients. A successful Business Analyst is expected to have strong problem-solving skills, a keen interest in the TMT industry, and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment. The role requires exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as proficiency in tools such as SQL and Python for data analysis. As you work alongside seasoned industry experts, you will gain invaluable experience while contributing to high-impact recommendations that drive client success.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing a clear understanding of the skills and experiences that FTI Consulting values in their Business Analysts, allowing you to effectively demonstrate your fit for the role.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at FTI Consulting is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the dynamic consulting environment. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step usually involves a phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation is designed to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to discuss your background and qualifications. Expect to answer questions about your resume, relevant experiences, and your motivation for pursuing a career in consulting.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates often participate in a technical interview. This may include live coding exercises, particularly in Python, as well as questions related to SQL and data analysis. You might be asked to solve problems or demonstrate your analytical skills through case studies or modeling exercises. This stage is crucial for evaluating your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates typically undergo one or more behavioral interviews, which focus on assessing your soft skills and cultural fit within the company. Expect questions that explore your teamwork, communication skills, and how you handle challenges. These interviews may be conducted by various team members, including potential colleagues and senior management, to provide a well-rounded view of your interpersonal skills.

4. Case Study or Group Exercise

In some instances, candidates may be required to complete a case study or participate in a group exercise. This step allows interviewers to observe your analytical thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills in a simulated work environment. You may be asked to analyze a business problem and present your findings to the interview panel.

5. Final Interviews

The final stage often consists of one or more interviews with senior leadership or team members. These discussions may delve deeper into your experiences, motivations, and how you can contribute to the firm's success. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and enthusiasm for the consulting industry.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at FTI Consulting.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at FTI Consulting typically consists of multiple rounds, including a recruiter call, technical assessments, and behavioral interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Expect a mix of technical questions, particularly around SQL and Python, as well as behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving skills and cultural fit. Knowing the flow of the interview will help you manage your time and responses effectively.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on SQL and analytical skills, ensure you are comfortable with SQL queries, data manipulation, and basic Python coding. Practice common SQL functions, such as joins, group by, and subqueries, as well as any relevant data analysis techniques. You may also encounter case studies or modeling exams, so be prepared to demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a structured manner.

Master Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are a significant part of the interview process. Prepare to discuss your past experiences, focusing on how you handled challenges, worked in teams, and contributed to projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively. Be ready to explain why you are interested in FTI Consulting and how your background aligns with their values and mission.

Showcase Your Interest in the TMT Sector

FTI Consulting operates within the Telecommunications, Media, and Technology (TMT) sectors. Demonstrating a genuine interest in these industries can set you apart. Stay updated on current trends and challenges in TMT, and be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to addressing these issues. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions but also show your enthusiasm for the role.

Emphasize Cultural Fit

FTI Consulting values diversity, collaboration, and a strong work ethic. During your interviews, convey your ability to work in diverse teams and your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Share examples of how you have successfully collaborated with others and contributed to a positive team dynamic. This will help interviewers see you as a good fit for their culture.

Engage with Your Interviewers

The interview process at FTI is described as friendly and conversational. Take this opportunity to engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences at FTI Consulting, the team dynamics, and the projects you might work on. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, send a personalized thank-you note to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific points from your conversation that resonated with you, which will help you stand out and leave a positive impression.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and demonstrate that you are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with the Business Analyst role at FTI Consulting. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at FTI Consulting. The interview process will likely assess a combination of technical skills, analytical thinking, and behavioral competencies. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the consulting industry.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain a machine learning project you have worked on?

This question aims to gauge your technical expertise and practical experience in machine learning, which is increasingly relevant in consulting roles.

How to Answer

Discuss the project’s objectives, your specific contributions, and the outcomes. Highlight any tools or methodologies you used.

Example

“I worked on a machine learning project aimed at predicting customer churn for a telecom client. I utilized Python and SQL to analyze historical data, built a predictive model using logistic regression, and presented the findings to the client, which helped them implement targeted retention strategies.”

2. What is your experience with SQL, and can you provide an example of how you've used it?

SQL skills are crucial for data analysis in consulting, and this question assesses your proficiency.

How to Answer

Describe your familiarity with SQL, including specific functions or queries you’ve used in past projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly in data extraction and manipulation. For instance, I used SQL to aggregate sales data from multiple sources, which allowed my team to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations for a marketing strategy.”

3. Describe a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.

How to Answer

Mention the dataset, the tools you used, and the insights you derived from your analysis.

Example

“I analyzed a large dataset of customer feedback using Python and Pandas. By cleaning and visualizing the data, I identified key areas for improvement in our service delivery, which led to a 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores.”

4. How do you approach problem-solving in a consulting context?

This question assesses your critical thinking and problem-solving methodology.

How to Answer

Outline your approach to breaking down complex problems and the steps you take to arrive at a solution.

Example

“I start by clearly defining the problem and gathering relevant data. Then, I analyze the data to identify patterns and root causes. I brainstorm potential solutions, evaluate their feasibility, and present my recommendations to the team for further discussion.”

5. Can you walk me through a business model you developed?

This question tests your understanding of business models and your ability to create them.

How to Answer

Describe the business model, its components, and the impact it had on the organization.

Example

“I developed a subscription-based business model for a startup in the health tech sector. I analyzed market trends and customer needs, which helped us project revenue streams and customer acquisition costs. This model was instrumental in securing funding from investors.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why do you want to work at FTI Consulting?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Discuss what attracts you to FTI Consulting and how your goals align with the company’s mission.

Example

“I am drawn to FTI Consulting because of its commitment to delivering impactful solutions in the TMT sector. I admire the collaborative culture and the opportunity to work alongside industry experts, which aligns perfectly with my career aspirations in consulting.”

2. Describe a time you faced a challenge while working in a team. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your teamwork and conflict resolution skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on your role in resolving the challenge and the outcome.

Example

“In a group project, we faced a disagreement on the direction of our analysis. I facilitated a meeting where each member could voice their concerns. By encouraging open communication, we reached a consensus that combined our ideas, ultimately leading to a successful presentation.”

3. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization strategy and how you ensure deadlines are met.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use project management tools to track deadlines and progress, and I regularly communicate with my team to adjust priorities as needed. This approach has helped me consistently meet project deadlines without compromising quality.”

4. Can you give an example of a time you had to present complex information to a non-technical audience?

This question tests your communication skills and ability to simplify complex concepts.

How to Answer

Describe the situation, your approach to simplifying the information, and the audience's response.

Example

“I presented a technical analysis of market trends to a group of stakeholders with limited technical backgrounds. I focused on key insights and used visual aids to illustrate my points, which helped them understand the implications for our strategy. The presentation was well-received, and it facilitated informed decision-making.”

5. Tell me about a time you had to learn a new skill quickly. How did you approach it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share the skill you learned, your approach to mastering it, and how it benefited your work.

Example

“When I needed to learn Tableau for a project, I dedicated time to online courses and practiced by creating dashboards with sample data. Within a week, I was able to present insights visually, which enhanced our reporting and impressed the client.”