Roland Berger: Consulting Firm Overview, Careers, and Interview Guide

Roland Berger is a leading European strategy consulting firm known for its global reach, entrepreneurial culture, and strong presence in industries like automotive, energy, and technology. Founded in Munich, the firm offers dynamic career paths for consultants eager to work on high-impact strategy projects. Whether you’re exploring Roland Berger careers or wondering what does Roland Berger do, this guide breaks down everything you need to know from its history and practice areas to interviews, salaries, and culture.

TL;DR – What You Need to Know

Roland Berger is a global strategy consulting firm that helps organizations achieve sustainable growth through data-driven insights, strategic transformation, and international client collaboration.

• Roland Berger was founded in 1967 in Munich and remains the only leading European-owned global consulting firm.
• The firm specializes in digital, operations, transformation, and marketing strategy across industries like automotive, energy, and healthcare.
• Roland Berger careers offer structured growth, global project exposure, and professional development for consultants at all levels.
• The interview process includes resume screening, reasoning tests, and multiple case interviews evaluating analytical and communication skills.
• Consultants at Roland Berger earn competitive salaries, with clear career progression and strong exit opportunities in corporate strategy and private equity.

What Is Roland Berger and What Does the Firm Do?

Roland Berger is a global strategy consulting firm headquartered in Munich, Germany. It advises leading companies, governments, and institutions on strategy, operations, and transformation. Known for its European roots and analytical rigor, Roland Berger helps clients navigate digital disruption, organizational change, and sustainable business growth across diverse industries.

Roland Berger is recognized as one of Europe’s most influential consulting firms, offering services that blend strategic insight with deep industry expertise. The firm’s consulting approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making and practical implementation, which allows clients to move from analysis to execution seamlessly.

The firm serves both private and public sector clients across the globe, helping organizations achieve long-term growth and operational excellence. Its consultants work closely with clients to address complex challenges, from digital transformation to organizational restructuring.

Roland Berger’s work typically includes:

• Developing corporate and business unit strategies for global enterprises
• Designing transformation and performance improvement programs
• Advising on mergers, acquisitions, and post-merger integration
• Supporting clients with innovation, digitalization, and sustainability strategies

With more than 50 offices in over 30 countries, Roland Berger has built a strong international network while maintaining its independent European identity. For candidates interested in consulting careers, the firm offers exposure to diverse industries and cross-border projects that combine analytical depth with entrepreneurial thinking.

The History and Global Growth of Roland Berger

Roland Berger was founded in 1967 in Munich by Roland Berger, a former BCG consultant. The firm began as a marketing consultancy before evolving into a global strategy powerhouse. Over five decades, it expanded across Europe, Asia, and North America, becoming the only leading European-owned global consulting firm.

Roland Berger’s story reflects both entrepreneurial ambition and European heritage. Starting with a handful of consultants, the firm grew by focusing on strategy, restructuring, and performance improvement projects for industrial clients. By the 1980s, it became the first European consulting firm accepted into the Association of Consulting Management Engineers in the United States.

In the following decades, Roland Berger expanded its international footprint, establishing offices in Japan and China during the 1990s and strengthening its reputation across Asia. The 2000s marked further globalization and diversification into digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation advisory.

Today, Roland Berger operates independently with more than 50 offices in 30+ countries. Its global presence allows consultants to work on cross-border projects while maintaining the firm’s strong European identity and values of integrity, excellence, and entrepreneurship.

Key milestones in Roland Berger’s growth include:

• 1967: Firm founded in Munich as Roland Berger International Marketing Consultants
• 1980s: Expansion beyond marketing into corporate strategy and operations
• 1990s: Entry into Asian markets, including Japan and China
• 2000s to Present: Focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and global reach

Inside Roland Berger Careers and Professional Development

Roland Berger careers offer consultants opportunities to work on global strategy projects across industries. The firm recruits undergraduates, MBAs, and experienced professionals, emphasizing analytical problem-solving, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking. Career progression is structured, supported by training programs, mentorship, and early client exposure to accelerate professional growth.

Roland Berger’s career framework is designed for individuals who thrive in dynamic, international environments. Whether you are just starting your consulting journey or transitioning from industry, the firm provides a clear path for advancement and skill development.

The typical consulting path includes eight levels:
  Analyst → Junior Consultant → Consultant → Senior Consultant → Project Manager → Director → Principal → Partner

Each step offers more responsibility, client engagement, and leadership opportunities. The promotion process is merit-based, with clear criteria for performance, impact, and client feedback.

Key features of Roland Berger careers include:

• Global staffing that exposes consultants to international clients and diverse industries
• Mentorship programs connecting junior consultants with senior leaders
• Ongoing learning through training workshops, e-learning modules, and leadership seminars
• Support for MBAs and PhDs to transition into consulting roles
• Opportunities to move between offices through global mobility initiatives

Beyond consulting roles, Roland Berger also hires professionals in finance, HR, IT, legal, and communications, making it accessible to a wide range of career backgrounds.

What Does Roland Berger Specialize In? Practice Areas and Industries

Roland Berger specializes in strategy consulting across four main practice areas: Digital, Operations, Restructuring and Transformation, and Marketing and Sales. The firm serves clients in industries such as automotive, energy, healthcare, financial services, and technology, helping organizations drive innovation, performance, and long-term growth.

Roland Berger’s expertise spans the full range of business challenges from strategic vision to operational execution. Its consultants collaborate with global corporations and public institutions to solve problems related to efficiency, growth, and change management.

Roland Berger’s four core practice areas include:

• Digital: Helping clients navigate digital disruption, analytics, and technology strategy
• Operations: Improving productivity, cost efficiency, and supply chain management
• Restructuring, Performance, Transformation & Transaction: Guiding companies through turnaround, M&A, and large-scale transformations
• Sales & Marketing: Strengthening market positioning, pricing, and customer strategy

Industries served by Roland Berger include:

• Automotive and Industrial Goods
• Energy and Utilities
• Financial Services
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Technology, Media, and Telecommunications
• Transportation and Infrastructure

This broad coverage allows consultants to gain cross-sector exposure while specializing in areas that align with their interests or backgrounds.

Roland Berger Office Locations and Global Presence

Roland Berger operates more than 50 offices across 30+ countries, with headquarters in Munich, Germany. The firm maintains a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and North America, enabling cross-border collaboration and global client engagement while preserving its independent European ownership.

The firm’s international footprint reflects its commitment to global reach and local insight. Consultants often work across offices, gaining exposure to diverse markets and industries. This global staffing model encourages collaboration between regions and fosters a unified culture.

Major Roland Berger office hubs include:

• Europe: Munich, London, Paris, Milan, and Madrid
• North America: Boston, Chicago, and Detroit
• Asia-Pacific: Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, and Mumbai
• Middle East: Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha

This international network positions Roland Berger as one of the most globally connected European consulting firms, capable of serving multinational clients with both strategic depth and regional expertise.

Roland Berger Internship and Gap Year Programs

Roland Berger offers internship and Gap Year programs that allow students to gain consulting experience before graduation. Interns work on real client projects alongside consultants, developing analytical and communication skills. The Gap Year program combines consulting work, a startup placement, and an international office rotation.

Internships at Roland Berger are designed to provide early exposure to strategy consulting and the firm’s culture. Participants often work on live cases, data analysis, and client presentations, supported by mentorship from consultants.

Key features of Roland Berger internships:

• Duration: Typically 10 to 12 weeks for summer programs
• Eligibility: Students pursuing master’s or undergraduate degrees in business, economics, or STEM fields
• Gap Year Program: Combines 3 months at a local office, 3 months at a startup, and 3 months abroad
• Conversion: High-performing interns often receive full-time job offers

These programs help students evaluate whether consulting fits their interests while building the professional foundation for a full-time Roland Berger career.

How Much Do Consultants Earn at Roland Berger?

Roland Berger consultants earn competitive salaries aligned with other top strategy firms. MBA and PhD hires typically start around $160,000 in the U.S., excluding performance and signing bonuses. Compensation increases significantly with each level, reflecting performance, seniority, and geographic market.

Salary structures vary by office location and role. In Europe, compensation is slightly lower than in the U.S. but balanced by strong benefits and work-life initiatives.

Approximate salary ranges by level:

• Analyst: $75,000 to $95,000
• Consultant: $110,000 to $160,000
• Project Manager: $190,000 to $230,000
• Principal/Partner: $300,000 to $600,000+

Additional perks include annual bonuses, relocation support, health benefits, and international project allowances. For many consultants, Roland Berger’s pay reflects its balance of prestige, learning, and lifestyle flexibility.

Understanding the Roland Berger Interview Process

The Roland Berger interview process includes three main stages: resume screening, an online reasoning test, and multiple rounds of case and behavioral interviews. Candidates are assessed for analytical ability, communication, and entrepreneurial mindset, with feedback provided after each stage.

The recruitment process varies slightly by region but follows a structured progression.

Typical stages include:

1. Resume and Cover Letter Screening: Highlight problem-solving skills, leadership, and measurable results.
2. Online Reasoning Test: A 60 to 90 minute assessment covering numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning.
3. Case and Behavioral Interviews: 2 to 3 rounds assessing structured thinking, client communication, and creativity.

Roland Berger interviewers value candidates who combine analytical rigor with initiative and curiosity. Emphasizing entrepreneurial drive often differentiates strong candidates from others.

Life and Culture at Roland Berger

Roland Berger’s culture emphasizes entrepreneurship, collaboration, and continuous learning. Consultants enjoy autonomy, global exposure, and a supportive environment that values initiative. Programs like EmpowHER and Just Be promote inclusion and belonging across the firm’s international offices.

Culture at Roland Berger varies slightly by region but remains anchored in European values of independence and innovation. The firm encourages consultants to take ownership early and shape their professional path.

Key cultural traits include:

• Entrepreneurial mindset and open communication
• Global teamwork and mentorship
• Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Continuous professional development through training and leadership programs

For many, Roland Berger offers the opportunity to combine strategic impact with a human, collaborative workplace.

Career Growth and Exit Opportunities After Roland Berger

Career growth at Roland Berger is structured and performance-based, with clear promotion milestones. Alumni often transition to leadership roles in corporate strategy, private equity, or entrepreneurship. The firm’s international exposure and reputation make it a strong launchpad for long-term career success.

Former Roland Berger consultants frequently move to senior positions in multinational corporations, startups, or public institutions. Many also pursue roles at top-tier consulting firms or launch their own ventures.

Common post-Roland Berger career paths include:

• Corporate strategy or transformation roles in Fortune 500 companies
• Investment and private equity positions
• Executive roles in startups and emerging industries
• Academia, think tanks, or international organizations

Roland Berger’s emphasis on analytical excellence and initiative ensures its alumni remain competitive and highly valued across sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Roland Berger famous for?
A: Roland Berger is famous for being a leading European strategy consulting firm known for its expertise in digital transformation, operations, and corporate restructuring across global industries.

Q: How prestigious is Roland Berger compared to other consulting firms?
A: Roland Berger is considered one of Europe’s most prestigious consulting firms, ranking just below McKinsey, BCG, and Bain but highly respected for its independent ownership and strategic impact.

Q: How much does Roland Berger pay MBA graduates?
A: Roland Berger pays MBA graduates an average base salary of around $160,000 in the U.S., excluding signing and performance bonuses, which align with other top consulting firms.

Q: What does Roland Berger specialize in?
A: Roland Berger specializes in strategy consulting focused on digital innovation, operations improvement, and large-scale business transformation for clients in sectors like automotive, energy, and healthcare.

Q: How to get a job at Roland Berger?
A: To get a job at Roland Berger, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, leadership experience, and an entrepreneurial mindset through a structured interview and case assessment process.