MBB Digital - Last Minute Case Prep

Question

Hello! I have a final round interview approaching with one of the digital arms of MBB. I'm coming from industry so it's for one of their experienced hire roles (specialist rather than generalist). Any advice on last-minute preparation for case interviews? I've read some casebooks, gone through some courses (Rocketblocks and Crafting Cases), and did a couple mock cases with friends in consulting. I found myself getting stuck in some of these mocks (mainly at the discovery question portion at the beginning) and I'm not sure how I can quickly polish my skills in a week. Is it even possible? Any tips or advice are greatly appreciated!

Additionally, any insight into how case interviews are weighted in the interview process when the role itself isn't too consulting heavy?

Answer 1

Hi there,

First congrats on making to the final round.

There are different types of specialist roles of Digital Practice. When you said that the role itself isn't too consulting heavy, did you mean a role like Product Manager, Agile Coach, System Architect, Data Scientist, etc.? It is true that the problem-solving capability are not as weighted as for generalist / consulting track.

Let me explain the reasons to do case interview for such type of specialists (I've interviewed 10+ of them), so you can have a sense about it.

Specialists will work closely with generalists / consultants in a team, what's tested here (structured thinking, communication, etc.) is like a “common language” for collaboration.
Though nowadays firms do take multiple problem-solving approaches (other than the traditional “7 Steps”), in most projects, specialists need to demonstrate their thinking, and engage people in the process. The case study simulates it.
Firms usually consider your background to test you with a case and score reasonably, i.e., differentiated between MBAs and experienced system architect without a business background.

Having said that, there is also specialist consultant role (e.g., digital consultant, just like ops consultant or consultants focus on a particular sector / function), then the problem-solving capability is definitely weighted higher.

Given there's only one week left, it is advised to work with a coach to get personalized training.

Answer 2

If its a final round and you only have a week, it is definitely worth investing in a coach or working with someone who has gone through the process successfully. You are unlikely to have sufficient time to address all concerns working independently.

Answer 3

Hi there,

Your best bet is to work with a coach for 1-3 sessions, 2 of them focused on the casing and 1 on the fit.

You need to learn a strong, replicable approach for all cases, the right thinking techniques, and the communication.

Once that is established you can practice much more effectively and efficiently with peers and drills.

Send me a message if you are interested in coaching. Alternatively, I am launching a free course on case interviews which covers all these details. Happy to provide beta access.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

You should first confirm that you are going to have strategy case interviews - I doubt that is the case, and more likely you should be focusing on technical scenarios that would be relevant for you role.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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