Entrepreneur / Founder to Deloitte S&O: How to Make the Transition
Startup founders and entrepreneurs seeking to leverage their experience in consulting.
Values implementation excellence and end-to-end client service across the Deloitte ecosystem.
Why Deloitte S&O Values Entrepreneur Backgrounds
Deloitte S&O values entrepreneurs for growth strategy and digital transformation work. Your experience building businesses supports clients launching new ventures and transforming existing operations.
Transferable Skills to Highlight
End-to-end ownership
Show you can also collaborate effectively. Deloitte S&O wants ownership mindset combined with team player behavior.
Resource constraints mastery
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Deloitte S&O values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Rapid iteration
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Deloitte S&O values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Customer understanding
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Deloitte S&O values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Strategic pivoting
Use specific examples with measurable outcomes. Deloitte S&O values concrete evidence of this skill applied to achieve results.
Common Challenges & How to Address Them
Team player positioning
Emphasize collaboration examples in behavioral interviews. Show you can lead AND follow. Deloitte S&O values team success over individual heroics.
Structured methodology
Address directly through targeted practice and preparation. Deloitte S&O interviewers will probe for evidence you've overcome this gap.
Corporate hierarchy navigation
Address directly through targeted practice and preparation. Deloitte S&O interviewers will probe for evidence you've overcome this gap.
Case interview format
Complete 30+ practice cases with structured feedback. Work with a coach or prep group. The Deloitte S&O interview format can be learned through deliberate practice.
Resume Tips for Entrepreneur Candidates
- Lead with impact, not responsibilities. Instead of "Entrepreneur duties," quantify achievements: revenue generated, costs saved, efficiency improved.
- Translate Entrepreneur terminology into business language. Deloitte S&O reviewers may not know your industry jargon.
- Highlight cross-functional work and stakeholder management. Deloitte S&O values candidates who've navigated complex organizational dynamics.
- Include any consulting-adjacent experience: internal strategy projects, due diligence support, business case development.
- Show progression and increasing scope of responsibility. Deloitte S&O wants evidence of growth trajectory and leadership potential.
- Include metrics even if modest: revenue, users, growth rates, unit economics.
- Show what you learned from failures. Deloitte S&O values resilience and self-awareness.
Case Interview Tips for Entrepreneur Candidates
- Structure first, always. Deloitte S&O tests your ability to organize problems before diving into analysis.
- Practice mental math until it's automatic. Hesitation on numbers raises red flags regardless of background.
- Drive the case proactively. Deloitte S&O wants candidates who can lead client conversations, not just respond to questions.
- Show you can work within frameworks, not just intuition. Demonstrate structured thinking.
- Your commercial instincts are valuable. Use them to prioritize analysis and drive to recommendations.
- Practice following a process. Interviewers want to see method, not just correct answers.
Networking Strategies for Deloitte S&O
- Connect with Entrepreneur alumni at Deloitte S&O through LinkedIn. Ask for 15-minute informational calls focused on their transition experience.
- Attend Deloitte S&O recruiting events and introduce yourself with a clear, concise background summary that highlights your unique value.
- Join consulting prep communities and case interview groups. Network with other Entrepreneur candidates making similar transitions.
- Reach out to Deloitte S&O recruiters with a tailored message explaining why your Entrepreneur background is relevant to their practice areas.
- Ask for referrals strategically. Deloitte S&O, like most consulting firms, prioritizes referred candidates in the screening process.
- Use startup and VC networks. Many consultants have entrepreneurial backgrounds or startup experience.
Preparation Timeline
Foundation Building(4-6 weeks)
- Complete business fundamentals courses if needed
- Start daily mental math practice (15-20 min/day)
- Begin reading business publications and case studies
- Research Deloitte S&O's culture, values, and recent work
- Update resume with consulting-focused framing
Case Interview Mastery(6-8 weeks)
- Learn and practice all major case frameworks
- Complete 30+ practice cases with feedback
- Master market sizing and estimation questions
- Practice structuring ambiguous problems
- Time your cases to build speed and confidence
Behavioral Preparation(2-3 weeks)
- Prepare 8-10 stories using Deloitte S&O's behavioral framework
- Practice articulating why consulting and why now
- Develop Deloitte S&O-specific answers for "why this firm"
- Prepare questions demonstrating firm research and genuine interest
- Practice with mock interviews if available
Application & Networking(2-4 weeks)
- Submit application to Deloitte S&O
- Reach out to contacts for referrals if possible
- Continue case practice at interview pace
- Research interviewers on LinkedIn when scheduled
- Plan logistics and professional attire for interviews
Key Success Factors
Start Your Deloitte S&O Journey
Practice case interviews with AI coaching and get the skills you need to land your offer at Deloitte S&O.