What is a Business Analyst at Berkeley Research Group?

A Business Analyst at Berkeley Research Group (BRG) occupies a pivotal role within our specialized consulting teams. Unlike generalist consulting positions, a Business Analyst here works at the intersection of data science, economics, and legal strategy. You will be responsible for providing the analytical backbone for high-stakes litigation, corporate investigations, and strategic advisory projects. Your work directly supports our expert witnesses and senior consultants as they navigate complex disputes and regulatory challenges.

The impact of this role is significant and far-reaching. You will dive into massive datasets—ranging from financial records to consumer behavior patterns—to identify trends, quantify damages, and validate hypotheses. Whether you are assigned to Health Analytics, Financial Investigations, or Antitrust and Competition, your ability to distill clarity from ambiguity is what allows BRG to deliver world-class expertise to our clients.

At BRG, we value intellectual curiosity and technical precision. As a Business Analyst, you aren't just running numbers; you are building the narrative that helps resolve multi-million dollar disputes. This environment is intellectually demanding and requires a candidate who can balance rigorous statistical analysis with the ability to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders.

Common Interview Questions

Our questions are designed to test both your technical aptitude and your fit for the consulting lifestyle. Expect a mix of "walk me through your resume" and specific technical probes.

Technical & Domain Questions

These questions test your academic foundation and your ability to apply it to BRG's practice areas.

• What is the difference between a standard deviation and a standard error?
• How do you handle outliers in a dataset before running a regression?
• Explain the concept of "Opportunity Cost" in the context of calculating legal damages.
• If a client provides you with inconsistent data, what steps do you take to clean it?

Case Study & Problem Solving

These focus on your logic and ability to think on your feet.

• We are analyzing a merger between two telecom companies. What data would you request to determine if this merger is anti-competitive?
• Walk me through how you would estimate the market share of a company with no public financial records.
• How would you determine if a sudden drop in a company's stock price was caused by a specific fraud announcement or general market volatility?

Behavioral & Leadership

These questions help us understand your work style and values.

• Why Berkeley Research Group specifically, and how do we differ from a traditional management consulting firm?
• Describe a time you found an error in your own work after submitting it. How did you handle it?
• Give an example of a time you had to explain a complex topic to someone who didn't have your technical background.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for the Business Analyst interview at Berkeley Research Group requires a dual focus on quantitative mastery and behavioral storytelling. We look for candidates who don't just know the "how" of an analytical tool, but the "why" behind the methodology.

Quantitative Rigor – Interviewers will evaluate your foundational knowledge in statistics, economics, and finance. You should be prepared to explain complex concepts—such as regression analysis or discounted cash flow—in a way that demonstrates deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.

Problem-Solving & Case Structuring – We assess your ability to break down a business problem into logical, manageable components. You will be presented with case studies that mirror our actual project work, where the goal is to see how you structure your thoughts and apply data to reach a conclusion.

Technical Proficiency – Mastery of Excel is a non-negotiable requirement. You will likely face a technical assessment designed to test your ability to manipulate data, use advanced formulas, and maintain model integrity under time pressure.

Communication & Professionalism – Because our work often culminates in expert testimony or client presentations, we look for clarity, poise, and the ability to influence others. Your behavioral interviews will focus on how you handle workplace conflict, navigate ambiguity, and demonstrate leadership in team settings.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process at Berkeley Research Group is designed to be comprehensive and rigorous, reflecting the high standards of our consulting work. Candidates typically progress through a multi-stage funnel that begins with a screening phase and culminates in a "Superday" or a series of intensive final-round interviews. We aim to see the "whole candidate," evaluating technical skill, cultural alignment, and the ability to perform under pressure.

You can expect a blend of formats, including virtual screenings, take-home assignments or Excel tests, and in-person interviews with multiple team members. Our process is known for its depth; it is not uncommon to meet with five or more professionals across various levels of seniority. This ensures that you have a clear picture of the team dynamic while allowing us to evaluate your fit from multiple perspectives.

The visual timeline above outlines the typical progression from the initial behavioral screen to the final offer. Most candidates find the transition from the technical assessment to the Superday to be the most demanding phase, requiring a shift from "doing" the work to "explaining" the strategic value of the work.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Quantitative & Technical Knowledge

This area focuses on your ability to apply academic concepts to professional consulting scenarios. At Berkeley Research Group, we rely heavily on statistical modeling and financial theory to support our expert opinions. You will be tested on your comfort level with data and your ability to interpret results accurately.

Be ready to go over:

• Statistical Foundations – Concepts like probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and correlation vs. causation.
• Economic Principles – Microeconomic theory, market structures, and price elasticity.
• Financial Modeling – Understanding balance sheets, income statements, and valuation techniques.
• Advanced concepts – Multivariate regression, time-series analysis, and econometrics.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you explain the concept of a p-value to a jury with no statistical background?"
• "Walk me through the variables you would include in a regression model to determine the impact of a price-fixing conspiracy."
• "What are the primary differences between a DCF and a comparable companies analysis?"

Case Study Performance

The case study is a simulation of the work we do for our clients. Unlike a standard "market sizing" case, a BRG case is often data-heavy and focused on litigation or forensic accounting. We are looking for depth of understanding and the ability to set yourself apart by providing nuanced insights.

Be ready to go over:

• Structural Logic – How you organize your approach to a complex, open-ended question.
• Data Interpretation – Extracting the "story" from a set of provided figures or charts.
• Business Intuition – Identifying the "common sense" check for your analytical results.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "A healthcare provider is accused of overbilling. Given this dataset of claims, how would you identify anomalies?"
• "Calculate the lost profits for a retail chain that was forced to close for three months due to a contract breach."

Behavioral & Leadership

We place a high premium on "soft skills" because our Business Analysts must collaborate effectively within internal teams and, eventually, with clients. We look for evidence of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to take initiative.

Be ready to go over:

• Conflict Resolution – How you handle disagreements within a project team.
• Leadership Roles – Times you took the lead on a project or internship task without being asked.
• Weaknesses & Growth – A realistic assessment of your areas for improvement and how you are addressing them.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you ensure the project's success?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to learn a new tool or methodology on a very tight deadline."

Key Responsibilities

As a Business Analyst at Berkeley Research Group, your day-to-day will be dynamic and data-centric. You will spend a significant portion of your time in Excel, SQL, or R/Stata, cleaning and structuring large datasets to ensure they are "audit-ready." This foundational work is critical; even a small error in data processing can undermine an entire expert report.

Beyond data manipulation, you will contribute to the drafting of reports and presentations. This involves synthesizing your findings into clear, concise memos that senior consultants use to brief clients or legal counsel. You will also conduct industry research to provide context for your analysis, such as looking into market trends, regulatory changes, or competitor behavior.

Collaboration is a constant. You will work closely with Associates and Directors, often across different offices or practice areas. You are expected to be proactive, identifying potential issues in the data early and suggesting improvements to the analytical workflow. As you progress, you will take on more responsibility for managing specific workstreams within a larger engagement.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

We seek candidates who possess a unique blend of quantitative talent and professional maturity. While we value diverse backgrounds, successful Business Analysts typically demonstrate the following:

• Technical skills – Expert-level Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Index/Match, Pivot Tables, and ideally VBA). Proficiency in statistical software like Stata, SAS, R, or Python is highly preferred.
• Experience level – This is an entry-to-junior level role, typically requiring 0–2 years of experience. Relevant internships in consulting, economic research, or financial services are a major plus.
• Soft skills – Exceptional written and verbal communication. The ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously is essential in our fast-paced environment.

Must-have skills:

• Strong background in a quantitative field (Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, or Engineering).
• High attention to detail and a "zero-defect" mindset regarding data work.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, high-pressure environment.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
• Familiarity with litigation support or forensic accounting principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult are the technical questions compared to other consulting firms? The technical questions at BRG are often more specific to economics and statistics than general management consulting. While the "difficulty" is average, the expectation for depth and precision is very high. You cannot "wing" the statistical definitions; you must know them thoroughly.

Q: How important is the Excel test? It is a critical component of the evaluation. We use it to ensure you have the foundational speed and accuracy required for the role. If you struggle with basic shortcuts or formula logic, it will be difficult to progress, regardless of your performance in other rounds.

Q: What is the culture like for a Business Analyst? The culture is intellectually rigorous but supportive. You will work with some of the top experts in their fields. Successful candidates are those who are "scrappy," willing to dive into the weeds of a dataset, and aren't afraid to ask questions when they hit a roadblock.

Q: How long does the process typically take? The timeline varies, but it generally moves quickly once the Superday is reached. From the initial screen to a final decision, the process usually spans 3 to 6 weeks.

Other General Tips

• Prioritize Depth over Speed: In our case studies, we aren't just looking for the right answer; we are looking for a show of understanding. Take the time to explain the nuances of your logic.
• Research Our Practice Areas: BRG is structured into specific pillars (e.g., Disputes & Investigations, Corporate Finance). Knowing which area you are interviewing for and understanding their recent "thought leadership" or case studies will set you apart.
• Master the "Walk Me Through Your Resume": This is often the first question. Use it to highlight your quantitative projects and your interest in the intersection of data and the law.

Summary & Next Steps

The Business Analyst position at Berkeley Research Group is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who want to apply their quantitative skills to solve real-world legal and financial puzzles. It is a role that demands both technical excellence and the ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. By preparing for the rigorous technical assessments and refining your ability to structure complex cases, you can demonstrate the "depth of understanding" that defines a successful BRG consultant.

Focused preparation is your greatest asset. We encourage you to review your statistical foundations, practice your Excel efficiency, and reflect on the leadership experiences that have shaped your career thus far. For more detailed insights into specific interview patterns and additional practice resources, you can explore the data available on Dataford.

The salary data above represents the competitive compensation packages we offer to attract top-tier analytical talent. When reviewing these figures, consider the total package, which often includes performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional growth and well-being at Berkeley Research Group. We look forward to seeing the unique perspective and expertise you will bring to our team.