OC&C is smaller than the MBB firms, which cuts both ways: fewer applicants, but a process with no room to hide. The online test and video assessment come first, and the case interviews are famously rigorous. Here's the 2027 picture.
When do applications open?
OC&C recruits for its offices on independent schedules, with graduate applications typically opening in early autumn for the following year's intake, based on previous cycles. As a boutique firm, OC&C hires in smaller cohorts — which means roles can fill quickly once the process starts. Don't assume a small firm means a slow process.
Confirm this year's dates on OC&C's official careers page for your target office.
The OC&C application process
1. Online application. CV and cover letter. OC&C looks for strong academics and genuine interest in strategy consulting — at a boutique, "why OC&C specifically" matters more than at a giant.
2. Online test. OC&C uses a mapped online assessment testing numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning. It's timed and designed to be challenging — the bar is high because the intake is small.
3. One-way video assessment. Pre-recorded video questions, usually a mix of motivational and competency prompts. You get brief prep time per question and a single take. Structure your answers tightly; rambling is the most common failure mode.
4. Case interviews. This is OC&C's core. Expect multiple rounds of case interviews — market sizing, business strategy problems, and sometimes a written case exercise. OC&C's cases are known for being quantitatively demanding and light on hand-holding. Interviewers want to see clean structure, fast mental math, and commercial instinct.
5. Final round. Partner-level interviews combining cases with in-depth fit conversations. At this stage they're deciding whether they want you on their team — be sharp and be yourself.
OC&C's process rewards preparation more than most. The candidate pool is self-selected and strong; the differentiator is who put in the reps on cases.
How to apply
- Find your office and role on OC&C's careers site.
- Write a cover letter that shows you understand what a strategy boutique actually does.
- Apply early in the window — small cohorts fill fast.
- Begin case interview practice immediately; OC&C's bar on the case is the whole game.
What happens after you apply
The online test link usually arrives soon after you submit. Move through the stages promptly — OC&C's process can move quickly for strong candidates, with the full journey from application to offer sometimes completing within weeks. Each stage is a hard cut, so prepare for the stage you're in, not the one after it.
Applying to OC&C? Our 2027 OC&C Online Test & Video Assessment prep covers the real questions — $79 one-time, instant download.
