Tips on How to Write Your Own Cases?

Question

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some tips on how I could write my own cases to give out to my peers?

My thought is that, if partners use cases that they actually worked on, then creating my own cases based on my past business experience will not only help me learn the process, but also will let me be a better "case giver."

Answer 1

I would encourage you to stay focused on the fundamentals of case interviewing (e.g., structuring, quantitative analysis, synthesis, etc.) rather than investing time in drafting your own cases. If you did want to write your own case, here is a simple outline:

Prompt -- identify client, industry, context, and key questions
Additional details -- preempt clarifying questions and prepare responses to help the interviewee understand the scope of the problem, business model, product, or any other topic that may shape the structure
Exhibit/quant -- set up 1-2 key analyses for the interviewee with a proposed methodology, assumptions, and implications of the answer(s)
Brainstorming -- consider adding a question in the middle of the case that pushes the interviewee to think creatively about options/trade-offs
Summary -- draft a summary of the response you're looking with the recommendation, rationale (~3 data-driven/fact-based statements), risk, and next steps; it is good to differentiate between the minimum acceptable answer vs. what you'd see from an outstanding candidate (e.g., creative next steps, picking up on a nuance in the industry that most wouldn't) -- optional step in drafting the case

For inspiration, I would look at MBA casebooks (Google "MBA casebook" from schools like Wharton, Columbia, and Kellogg). Again, I recommend you stay focused on your prep and leverage resources like these casebooks to find high-quality cases you can use to test your peers.

One final note: peer interviews are a great way to get up to speed. However, your ability to outperform and, indeed, be ready to secure an offer depends on the quality of the feedback you're getting. If you want to work with a coach with first-hand experience as a candidate and interviewer, don't hesitate to reach out for a coaching session. I'm offering limited discount coupons this month on a first-come-first-served basis!

Answer 2

Hi there,

Great push!

A couple of points:

Find 1-2 cases you really like in terms of quality and use them as a blueprint
Think from the bottom-up when creating the case. There needs to be a clear outcome/recommendation. What was the outcome and how did you reach the outcome in the real world?
Then create the case top-down: Prompt -> Framework (build your sample answer) -> Analytical part
Consider what information you want to share verbally and in the form of exhibits and how the information needs to be analyzed (qualitatively or quantitatively), what insights can be derived from the analyses and how the investigation leads the interviewee towards a recommendation
When creating exhibits, make sure to stick to MBB design standards (check their sample charts on their websites and in their reports). Most practice charts you find online are not up to par.
BONUS: Add a brainstorming question (either prescriptive or investigative) related to the context
Make sure the case can be completed within 20-25 minutes
Practice and refine the case with several interviewees
Make sure to use a proper MBB evaluation and scoring sheet for the case. Feel free to DM me. I have created one that I can share.

Cheers,

Florian