Case vs case partner

Hey there,

Definitely the case partner. If you practice with a case partner that 

• knows the right habits (structuring, math, charts, communication, etc.)
• is not afraid to correct you and provide detailed feedback

this is worth a lot. On the flipside, with bad case partners, you might learn and internalize wrong habits, bad practices, etc. and you would not even know. I had it quite a few times that coachees I taught came with ideas from case partners that were very detrimental to their performance.

That is also the reason why I link up my coachees so that they all can practice with each other in the most effective and efficient way.

If you are solving a low-quality case, you would still need to perform well, employ the right habits, etc.

Cheers,

Florian

A good case partner is much more important, because they can make any case engaging and insightful. When finding the right case partner, pay attention on how well they phrase their feedback.

A good case partner (even if not as experienced as a coach), focused the feedback on the key aspects that actually matter (good, MECE framework, effective use of the framework, focus on what's important, well structured math, etc), and does not get hung up on small, irrelevant pieces of advice they have read in some book ("You have to repeat the case prompt!", "Use the phrases x,y,z",....).

Of course it is helpful to work with somebody who is in a similar stage of the preparation as you (and not significantly less experienced), as not only your case skills will develop during the practice, but also your feedback skills. Ideally find somebody with actual interview experience (i.e. a friend that works or has worked for the MBBs).

There is nothing as such a bad case. Any problem/situation can be coverted into a case. For your preparation find the "right type of cases" and a good partner.  I recommend doing a variety of cases across industries- this will really stretch your muscle. Start with cases on topics/industries you have a passion for as this will give you some confidence & momentum before you progress to advanced cases and unknown industries.

A good case partner:

• Is experienced in case interviews either as a candidate or current employee or coach
• Patient with you but brutally honest in feedback that covers structured thinking & communication skills 
• Look for peers on PrepLounge with high rating/reviews
• Find a current or former consultant

Hi!

Ideally both! Just joking, but why does it need to be either or? I don't see a situation where you have that trade off situation. 

In any case, feedback is what will make you grow most, and you will get it from good partners or coaches

Hope it helps! Cheers, 

Clara

Case partner! I would assume that a good case partner would also select good cases to practice with you too.

Good case partner is more important and it's not even close!

An amazing case can easily be made terrible by a bad caser. And a bad case can be made great by a good caser. 

Like most things in life, you need to use judgement here. You know the difference between good case partner and a bad one...you want someonewho pishes you hard, gives good feedback, is objective, etc. etc.