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Can Study Preparation Methods

Hi there,

 

I want to be a management consultant. I read books and different ways to tackle the case study, but I cannot solve the case study on my own. Can someone please tell me how to tackle case studies without getting stuck?

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Top answer
Dennis
Coach
on Dec 30, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

this is a loaded question and can only be answered generically here because I don't know where exactly your struggles lie.

Overall though, “getting stuck with case studies” can have various manifestations and underlying reasons such as 

  • not figuring out the right approach for a given problem
  • overlooking relevant information
  • misunderstanding (and not validating) the true objective of the case 
  • stumbling over repeated math errors 
  • communicating in a way that is not concise, structured or deliberate

Everyone starting to practice solving cases will likely stumble across some or all of the above. But practice will be the remedy for you to get better at it. 

In general, reading cases is a good introduction to the topic to develop and understanding of what a case is and what might be expected from a solution to that case. However, don't expect to improve by just reading cases. You have to try to solve them on your own to actually develop the necessary skills you will need for the interviews.

I would recommend for you to get together with a coach to assess your status quo. That way, you can get tangible and actionable feedback on what to improve specifically or do differently to prepare effectively. 

Feel free to message me in case of further questions.

Best

on Dec 30, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

This is basically what this platform is all about. 

I'd suggest you start with the material that was created by PrepLounge here - https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-interview-basics

Then go on Youtube and check a couple of case examples to see how this plays out in reality. 

Then come back here to do live practice with candidates and get feedback from experts through coaching sessions. 

Sharing with you a couple of info materials on the topics above:


Best,

Cristian

on Dec 31, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Can someone please tell me how to tackle case studies without getting stuck?

I would recommend sharing where exactly you get stuck (structure, math, graph, conclusion, etc). In this way, we can provide better feedback.

For general tips, you can find some suggestions below:

▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview

Good luck!

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Jan 03, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
on Dec 31, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hello,

It's great that you are taking ownership of your interview preparation. 

I would suggest the following:

  1. Have a good and clear understanding of what you are being assessed on
  2. Develop a plan to build up the relevant skills and traits
    • This should include live practice with a partner, as just reading by itself really does not simulate the conditions of the case interview

If you are unable to get yourself ‘unstuck’, then often the best way is to get an external perspective - this could be a friend or a coach. 

Hope this helps!

Alberto
Coach
on Jan 08, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Partner | Most experienced coach (15 years exp, +2.000 real interviews) | 95% success rate

Hi there,

Where are you exactly having issues with?

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

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