Hey, so I have two F50 corporate strategy internship interviews next week. What are the best prep resources for such an interview? I'm assuming there will be some sort of business case, but it's not as clear as the management consulting process is.
Hi there,
Having already done various strategy interviews beyond the world of consulting itself, I would recommend:
1- Covering the basics of strategy consulting interviews
Some of these interviewers are ex consultants and might give you a case, so it's a no-regret move to prepare for those, as you would prepare for consulting interviews.
2- Understanding the industry you're applying to
A big concern these companies have is candidates lacking the knowledge required in the industry. Make sure you research the industry the company operates in and you understand the depth of how the company works (its business model, its revenue streams, its costs, its operations, its org)
3- Showing you can get things done and that you are not too theoretical
Typically, strategy roles in the industry are less about deriving high level strategies in a short period of time, and more about getting to the depth of the industry in a slightly longer timeframe. Show the interviewer you know the details of the industry and that you know how to practically think of strategies that can be implemented right away (as opposed to higher level strategies that would sit on a shelf).
Best of luck!
Mario
Hi there,
You need to tell us which companies…
You also need to ask them directly what to expect. Please don't assume things or you'll come in unprepared!
If they have cases, then read this:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
And no matter what company you're interview for, you need to be prepared for fit/behavioral: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
If you are already prepared for consulting interview formats, you should be well equipped to handle most recruiting processes for other business/strategy roles.
To be on the safe side:
Best of luck
I agree with suggestions from other coaches.
However, given that almost everyone in strategy teams has a previous experience at MBB or tier-2 firms, I strongly recommend that you should prepare cases as if you have an interview at MBB.
Best
Hi there,
It might be worth reaching out to the recruiters from each of these firms to understand the format of the interview first. It's indeed likely that you'll have a case, but the format of the case (interviewer-led, candidate-led, written case…) will significantly influence your preparation for it. Once you know, I suggest re-posting the question here and this might help you get a more tailored answer.
Best,
Cristian
Hi there,
Q: Hey, so I have two F50 corporate strategy internship interviews next week. What are the best prep resources for such an interview?
As a first step, I would reach out to HR and ask what is the format of the interview, hopefully they will be able to help.
In case it follows the same structure of a case interview, you can find some tips here:
▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview
Good luck!
Francesco
In general the best resources will be exactly the same as the ones for MBB preparation.
But on top of that you must do industry specific research. Read their annual report, read their investors & capital markets day presentation, and the like. Read their latest news, and learn about their industry. That will give you a strong advantage and ensure you have great context when approaching any business problem you are given.
Hi there,
I agree with the answers that others have given - it's worth dropping the recruiting team a note to ask what format the case will take so that you can do more targeted interview prep.
Good luck!
Hi there!
I would recommend
1. Understand well the recruiting process of each firm, reaching out to HR or reading https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles
2. familiar yourself with the type of cases you can get https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php and check cases published on PrepLounge
If you will get a case, then:
3. Practice math!
4. Dont learn any framework by hard, understand rather how to structure a problem and form a hypothesis to prove/disprove with an analysis
5. Practice with peers and take a few sessions with a coach, eventually do one diagnostic session to tell you where you stand and what your next steps should be
Feel free to reach out if you need a coach to support you, I am rewarded as a top BCG trainer, training new hires all the consulting skills (including how we create frameworks), as well as experienced coach.
Good luck!
Lucie
Was my answer helpful?
Expert case by