All the basics are there, but I still struggle to actually solve the case

Question

Hi,

In a recent interview, the feedback I received was that I wasn't driving the case forward strongly enough, although individual components were good (worked with a coach on structuring, exhibits, maths, etc).

Too often I feel I'm lost in knowing what information is relevant to the case question. And which insights are actually useful to take away from exhibits. Like I'm guessing the next direction and hoping it's the right one.

Is driving the case more about common sense or is there a particular method to this? And secondly, how do you approach more non-traditional cases where that path is even less obvious?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi! I’d say driving the case is less about knowing all the techniques and more about connecting the dots.

Always go back to the main question. Ask yourself what you’re trying to prove and how it helps solve the client’s problem.
Focus on the “so what?” After each exhibit or calculation, explain what the findings actually mean for the business.
Be hypothesis-driven. You don’t need to guess the right direction every time. Test your assumptions and adjust based on new information.

I’d also say PrepLounge is a great starting point for practicing this, either with a coach or with peers. Focus on full cases and getting feedback on how you move between steps, rather than just individual skills.

Hope this helps! :)