3rd round interview at Olier Wyman

Hey there, 

Just to add on to what my fellow coaches have mentioned, difference between final rounds with Partners and Principals differ from those with Associates (Or even engagement managers / project leads) in that Partners and Principals put more emphasis on overall fit than just technical accuracy of your responses. 

Having said that, there won't be much difference between this round with the Principal relative to the Partner in a way that it requires a difference in approach. The difference may come in with areas of specialisation which may dictate the topic of your case, but even this is difficult to plan or prepare for

All the best! 

Hi there, 

Congratulations on making it this far in the interview process! 

Partner and Principal interviews are a significant milestone and tend to differ from classic case interviews in both style and focus. While they might still include a case component, these interviews often shift towards a more conversational format aimed at assessing your broader business acumen, strategic thinking, and how your background and skills align with the firm’s needs.

Instead of focusing solely on structured problem-solving, the discussion might explore your understanding of industry trends, your ability to connect case solutions to larger business challenges, and your experiences in delivering impact. Partners and Principals are particularly interested in evaluating your potential to interact with senior clients, so your communication style, confidence, and ability to think on your feet will play a critical role.

Show curiosity by asking questions that engage their expertise, such as about current industry challenges or their approach to solving complex problems.

Best of luck,

Kairavee

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with Oliver Wyman thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, since you have already successfully completed two interviews with Oliver Wyman, especially since one of them was with a partner, I would highly advise you to continue preparing in the same way as you have done so far.
• Moreover, the interview with the principal may be different from the interview with the associate, but very similar to the interview with the partner. I have written an article on the differences between principal/partner interviews and interviews with lower-level consultants.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming Oliver Wyman interview, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hey there!

Since one of my mentees just went through the process I would recommend the following:

Preparation: Focus on deepening your knowledge of the firm’s core sectors (corporate strategy, finance, data analytics, transformation programs) and industries (finance, private equity, insurance, etc.). Research the Principal’s work and projects in these areas, and prepare to discuss how your background aligns with these topics. Be ready for both case and behavioral questions, especially related to strategic thinking, problem-solving, and handling complex transformations. Ensure you can discuss your previous experience and how it could add value to the team. Practice structuring cases clearly, with a focus on data analysis and financial modeling, considering the Principal’s experience.

Difference from previous interviews: The interview with a Principal will likely be more focused on higher-level strategic thinking, client management, and leadership capabilities. Expect a more consultative conversation about your ability to contribute to complex projects and handle ambiguity, as well as how you'd approach working with senior clients. The Associate interview was likely more focused on technical skills and case analysis, while the Partner interview probably tested your leadership potential and cultural fit. The Principal interview will bridge those, delving deeper into practical examples and your understanding of the firm's work.

Good luck! Alessa

Congrats on making it to the 3rd round! Here's how to prepare for your interview with the Principal:

1) Preparation Tips

• Understand the Principal's Specialization: Familiarize yourself with Oliver Wyman’s work in banking, private equity, and transformation projects. Show how your skills align with their client base.
• Expect a Complex Case: Given the Principal’s experience, the case may involve finance, risk, or transformation elements. Be ready for a case that may explore these topics.
• Behavioral Focus: Emphasize leadership, problem-solving, and handling ambiguity. Align your experience with the firm's values and culture.

2) Differences from Previous Rounds

• Associate: Focus on analytical skills and fit.
• Partner: Broader strategic discussions and leadership potential.
• Principal: A mix of strategic depth and execution, with more emphasis on navigating complex problems and delivering results at a senior level.

Good luck! Feel free to reach out if you want to practice further. You've got this!