Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: March 19, 2026

 

Berkeley Research Group interviews involve two to three rounds of behavioral and technical questions, a case study, and sometimes an Excel test. The full process typically takes 2-8 weeks depending on the practice area and office you apply to.

 

Landing a role here requires a different kind of preparation than interviewing at McKinsey, BCG, or Bain. The cases are more technical, the behavioral rounds are heavier, and each practice area runs its own process.

 

In this article, I will walk you through exactly what to expect at every stage of the BRG interview, the most common questions asked, how to prepare for each practice area, and what salary you can expect if you land an offer.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms accept less than 1% of applicants every year. If you want to triple your chances of landing interviews and 8x your chances of passing them, watch my free 40-minute training.

 

What Is Berkeley Research Group?

 

Berkeley Research Group (BRG) is a global advisory and expert consulting firm founded in 2010. According to BRG's website, the firm serves Fortune 500 corporations, law firms, financial institutions, and government agencies across three core practice areas: disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and performance improvement.

 

As of 2024, BRG has more than 1,600 employees and over 40 offices spanning six continents. The firm is headquartered in Emeryville, California. BRG is known for combining economic rigor, financial expertise, and data analytics to solve complex client problems.

 

BRG competes with firms like FTI Consulting, AlixPartners, NERA Economic Consulting, Charles River Associates, and The Brattle Group. While BRG is not an MBB firm, it offers deep specialization in areas like restructuring, healthcare advisory, and economic consulting that attract candidates with strong quantitative backgrounds.

 

On Glassdoor, BRG holds a 3.9 out of 5 rating, with roughly 72% of employees saying they would recommend working there to a friend. The culture is described as entrepreneurial and collaborative, with early exposure to senior experts and hands-on client work.

 

What Does the Berkeley Research Group Interview Process Look Like?

 

The Berkeley Research Group interview process typically involves two to three rounds, though the exact structure varies by practice area and seniority level. Based on data from over 250 Glassdoor reviews, about 64% of candidates rate the experience as positive, with an average difficulty rating of 2.9 out of 5.

 

Here is what the typical BRG interview process looks like from start to finish.

 

Round	Format	Duration	Interviewers	Focus
Application Screen	Phone or video	15 to 30 min	Recruiter or HR	Resume fit, interest in BRG, role expectations
First Round	Video or in-person	Two 30-min interviews	Associates to Managing Consultants	Behavioral questions, basic technical fit
Superday	In-person	4 to 6 hours	Directors and Managing Directors	3 behavioral interviews, 1 case study, possible Excel test
Final Round (if applicable)	In-person or video	1 to 2 hours	2 Managing Directors	Senior leadership fit, strategic thinking

 

According to Indeed data, 35% of candidates receive an offer within about two weeks of their final interview. However, the total process from initial application to offer can take anywhere from two weeks to three months, especially for lateral hires.

 

Most candidates find BRG through three channels: recruiter outreach (the most common), online applications, and on-campus recruiting at target universities. BRG recruits from schools including Georgetown, NYU, Emory, Duke, and UC Berkeley, among others.

 

What Questions Does Berkeley Research Group Ask in Interviews?

 

BRG interviews are heavily behavioral, with technical depth varying by practice area. In my experience coaching candidates for advisory firm interviews, BRG places more weight on cultural fit and analytical curiosity than on textbook case performance. Here is what to expect.

 

What Behavioral Questions Does BRG Ask?

 

Behavioral questions make up the majority of every BRG interview round. Based on over 275 interview reports on Glassdoor, the most frequently asked behavioral interview questions at BRG include:

 

• Why do you want to work at Berkeley Research Group?

 

• What are your goals for the next five years?

 

• Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone on your team.

 

• Describe your experience with data analytics or big data.

 

• What were your favorite and least favorite classes in school?

 

• What characteristics are most important to you in an employer?

 

• Tell me about a recent piece of company news that caught your attention.

 

• Walk me through a time you had to manage competing priorities.

 

BRG interviewers describe the tone as conversational rather than interrogative. Multiple candidate reviews note that the interviews feel like a discussion rather than a formal Q&A. That said, do not mistake conversational for casual. Interviewers are still evaluating your communication clarity, structured thinking, and genuine interest in BRG's work.

 

To prepare for BRG behavioral questions, I recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for every answer. If you want a structured approach to master fit interview questions quickly, my fit interview course covers 98% of the questions you will face in a few hours.

 

What Technical Questions Does BRG Ask?

 

Technical depth at BRG depends heavily on which practice area you are interviewing for. According to candidate reports on Glassdoor and Wall Street Oasis, some candidates were surprised by investment banking-style technicals at what they expected to be a consulting interview.

 

Common technical topics that BRG interviews cover include:

 

• The three financial statements and how they connect

 

• Basics of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis

 

• Last twelve months (LTM) financial metrics

 

• 13-week cash flow models (especially for restructuring roles)

 

• Data analytics concepts: missing values, anomalies, trend identification

 

• Transaction advisory process fundamentals

 

For the restructuring practice, expect the most technical interviews. Candidates report being asked to build out a 13-week cash flow model as a take-home exercise before the superday. For healthcare roles, the focus shifts toward data analytics and healthcare litigation support concepts.

 

If you are coming from a non-finance background, brush up on accounting fundamentals before your BRG interview. At minimum, you should be able to explain how the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement link together.

 

What Is the BRG Case Interview Like?

 

BRG case interviews differ from traditional case interviews at MBB firms in several important ways. BRG cases tend to be more technical, more data-driven, and more closely tied to the specific practice area you are joining.

 

In a typical BRG case, you will receive a data packet or information set. You will analyze the data, identify key findings, and present your conclusions. Some cases require knowledge beyond the materials provided, which catches many candidates off guard.

 

Multiple candidates on Wall Street Oasis report that BRG cases can include a presentation component. In the economic consulting practice, expect a standard econ consulting case study followed by a group or individual presentation. In corporate finance, you may be given a modeling exercise.

 

The good news is that BRG case interviews still test the same core skills as any consulting case: structured thinking, quantitative analysis, and the ability to synthesize data into a clear recommendation. If you have a solid foundation in case interview frameworks, you will be well prepared for the analytical thinking portion.

 

If you want to build that foundation quickly, my case interview course teaches proven strategies that work across all consulting firms, including advisory firms like BRG. It covers structured frameworks, quantitative problem solving, and how to present recommendations clearly.

 

How Does the BRG Interview Differ by Practice Area?

 

One of the most important things to know about BRG is that the interview process varies significantly by practice. Technical depth, case format, and even timeline can be completely different depending on which group you are interviewing for.

 

Practice Area	Case Type	Technical Focus	Unique Elements
Disputes & Investigations	Economic consulting case, data analysis	Econometrics, data interpretation, forensic analysis	May include a presentation to junior associates; expert testimony concepts
Corporate Finance / Restructuring	Financial modeling exercise	13-week CF model, DCF, three financial statements, LTM	Take-home modeling assignment; Excel test on superday; IB-style technicals
Performance Improvement / Healthcare	Data analytics case	Data analysis, healthcare metrics, operational improvement	Healthcare litigation support knowledge; heavy emphasis on data analytics interest
Transaction Advisory	Financial analysis case	Due diligence, quality of earnings, deal processes	Accounting knowledge tested; familiarity with transaction processes

 

I recommend confirming the specific format with your recruiter before your interview. Candidates who prepare for a strategy-style case but face a financial modeling exercise are often caught off guard. Ask your recruiter directly: Will there be a case study? What format will it take? Will there be an Excel test?

 

What Is the BRG Superday Like?

 

The BRG superday is the most intensive stage of the interview process. It typically takes place in person at one of BRG's offices and lasts four to six hours. Based on candidate reports, the standard superday format includes:

 

• Three to four behavioral interviews with Directors and Managing Directors (30 minutes each)

 

• One case study or modeling exercise (45 to 90 minutes depending on practice)

 

• An Excel test for some corporate finance and restructuring roles

 

• Lunch or coffee with junior associates (informal but still evaluative)

 

Some candidates also report a pre-interview dinner the evening before the superday. While this dinner is positioned as informal, treat it as part of the evaluation. BRG interviewers value personality and cultural fit, and the dinner is an opportunity for them to observe how you interact in a social setting.

 

During the behavioral portions of the superday, expect senior leaders to ask higher-level questions about how you think rather than just rehearsed STAR stories. According to Glassdoor reviews, some partners focus on gauging your intellectual curiosity while others rely on standard example-based questions.

 

A practical tip: bring multiple copies of your resume, a calculator, and a pen. For Excel tests, you will typically use BRG-provided laptops, but having your own notes on key formulas and shortcuts can help you stay calm under time pressure.

 

How Should You Prepare for a Berkeley Research Group Interview?

 

Preparing for a BRG interview requires a different approach than preparing for MBB. Having coached hundreds of candidates for advisory firm interviews, here is how I recommend structuring your preparation.

 

How Do You Prepare for BRG Behavioral Questions?

 

Start by researching BRG's three core practice areas and identifying which one you are interviewing for. Then prepare six to eight STAR stories that demonstrate the qualities BRG values most: analytical curiosity, teamwork, adaptability, and a genuine interest in data-driven problem solving.

 

You should also prepare a strong answer for "Why BRG?" that goes beyond generic responses. A great answer references a specific practice area or type of work that excites you. For example, if you are interviewing for the restructuring practice, mention that you are drawn to BRG's consistent presence in top restructuring league tables and the opportunity to work on complex distressed situations.

 

Finally, prepare two to three thoughtful questions to ask each interviewer. BRG candidates who ask informed questions about the firm's work stand out. Good examples include asking about a recent high-profile case the practice handled or how the team collaborates with senior experts on engagements.

 

How Do You Prepare for BRG Case Interviews?

 

BRG cases require comfort with data analysis, not just strategy frameworks. Here is a focused preparation plan:

 

• Practice analyzing datasets: Download sample financial datasets and practice identifying trends, anomalies, and missing values. This skill is tested across nearly every BRG practice area.

 

• Learn to present findings clearly: BRG cases often include a presentation component. Practice summarizing data analysis into three to five key takeaways and delivering them in under five minutes.

 

• For restructuring: Review 13-week cash flow model basics. Understand the structure of a weekly cash flow forecast, including operating receipts, disbursements, and net cash flow.

 

• For healthcare: Familiarize yourself with healthcare consulting terminology, including reimbursement models, utilization metrics, and compliance frameworks.

 

• For all practices: Build a strong foundation in case interview frameworks. While BRG cases are more technical, structured thinking is still the most important skill being assessed.

 

If you are looking for case interview examples to practice with, I have compiled over 100 free cases from consulting firm websites organized by industry and firm.

 

How Do You Prepare for the BRG Excel Test?

 

Not every BRG practice includes an Excel test, but corporate finance and restructuring candidates should prepare for one. Based on candidate reports, the BRG Excel test evaluates your ability to work with real financial data under time pressure.

 

Key skills to practice before your Excel test:

 

• Pivot tables: Creating, filtering, and formatting pivot tables from raw data

 

• Lookup functions: VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, and INDEX/MATCH for data retrieval

 

• Financial formulas: SUM, SUMIF, SUMIFS, AVERAGE, and conditional calculations

 

• Formatting: Conditional formatting, number formatting, and chart creation

 

• Keyboard shortcuts: Practice navigating, selecting, and formatting without using the mouse to improve your speed

 

Spend at least five to ten hours practicing in Excel before your superday if you know an Excel test is part of the process. The test is not designed to trick you. It is designed to see if you can work efficiently and accurately with financial data, which is what you will do every day on the job.

 

What Is Berkeley Research Group's Salary and Compensation?

 

BRG compensation is competitive within the economic and advisory consulting space, though it generally falls below MBB total compensation levels. Based on data from H1B filings, Wall Street Oasis, and Glassdoor, here are approximate salary ranges by level.

 

Level	Base Salary Range	Estimated Total Comp
Analyst	$65,000 to $80,000	$75,000 to $95,000
Associate	$75,000 to $90,000	$85,000 to $105,000
Senior Associate	$85,000 to $100,000	$95,000 to $120,000
Consultant / Managing Consultant	$130,000 to $180,000	$150,000 to $220,000
Director / Managing Director	$200,000+	Varies widely by revenue generation

 

Compensation varies meaningfully by practice area and office location. According to Wall Street Oasis data, the healthcare and restructuring practices tend to pay the highest among BRG's groups. Washington, DC and New York offices generally offer higher compensation than other locations.

 

H1B filing data from the Department of Labor shows a median salary of $140,000 across all BRG H1B positions, with about 49% of filings above $150,000. These figures skew toward mid-level and senior roles since H1B sponsorship is more common at those levels.

 

What Are BRG's Career Path and Exit Opportunities?

 

BRG follows a structured, merit-based promotion path similar to other consulting firms. The typical career progression looks like this:

 

• Analyst (entry level for undergrads)

 

• Associate

 

• Senior Associate

 

• Consultant

 

• Senior Consultant / Managing Consultant

 

• Director / Associate Director

 

• Managing Director

 

Promotions at BRG are based on analytical performance, project ownership, and client contributions. The firm maintains a relatively flat, entrepreneurial structure compared to large global strategy firms, which means junior consultants often get direct exposure to senior experts and Managing Directors.

 

Exit opportunities from BRG tend to reflect the firm's analytical and financial specialization. Common exits include corporate finance roles, risk advisory positions, data analytics leadership, PE-backed portfolio company roles, and in-house finance teams. The restructuring practice in particular has strong exit options into distressed investing, special situations funds, and Big Three restructuring firms.

 

BRG's summer internship program runs approximately eight weeks and serves as the primary pipeline for full-time analyst hiring. If you perform well during the internship, the probability of receiving a full-time return offer is high.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is It Hard to Get a Job at Berkeley Research Group?

 

BRG interviews are rated as medium difficulty, scoring 2.9 out of 5 on Glassdoor. The process is less competitive than MBB but more technical than many candidates expect. About 64% of candidates report a positive interview experience. Having a strong quantitative background and genuine interest in BRG's practice areas significantly improves your chances.

 

How Long Does the BRG Interview Process Take?

 

According to Indeed data, 35% of candidates receive an offer within about two weeks of their final interview. However, the end-to-end process from application to offer can range from two weeks to three months. Restructuring and lateral hires tend to have longer timelines than campus recruiting.

 

Does Berkeley Research Group Do Case Interviews?

 

Yes. Most BRG practice areas include a case study during the superday round. However, BRG cases are typically more technical and data-driven than traditional MBB cases. They may involve analyzing a dataset and presenting findings rather than solving a broad strategy question. Some practices also include a financial modeling exercise or Excel test.

 

What Should You Wear to a BRG Interview?

 

Wear business professional attire for your BRG superday. For first-round video interviews, business casual is appropriate. BRG's culture is described as professional but collaborative, so a well-fitted suit for the superday is the safe choice. When in doubt, slightly overdressing is always better than underdressing.

 

Does BRG Hire from Non-Target Schools?

 

Yes. While BRG recruits heavily on campus at schools like Georgetown, NYU, Emory, and UC Berkeley, the firm also hires through online applications and recruiter outreach. Lateral hiring is common, and many BRG employees come from non-traditional backgrounds. A strong quantitative skill set and relevant experience matter more than school prestige at BRG.

 

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