This is an excellent question, because the biggest mistake beginners make is passive studying. You can read every framework book on the market and still fail if you haven't internalized the logic of the conversation. You need to transition quickly from reading about consulting to actively thinking like a consultant.
Forget trying to memorize every profitability or market entry framework yet. That is a common procrastination trap. Your first two weeks must be entirely focused on two foundational skills: communication flow and logical structure. Spend a few focused days watching successful full-length case interviews to internalize the communication cadence—how top candidates pause, transition between sections, and, most importantly, how they use the initial hypothesis to guide the entire discussion. Simultaneously, you must master the fundamental concept of MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive). Every single case interview is ultimately just a test of whether you can logically break down ambiguity. Practice this structural thinking on mundane, everyday problems to build muscle memory.
After internalizing the flow and structure, do not immediately jump into blind peer exchanges with strangers. Find one trusted partner—ideally someone who has already been through the process—and run your first 5–7 cases with them. These early cases are your safe space, purely for building muscle memory on maintaining structure, asking precise clarifying questions, and managing pressure. Only once you feel comfortable with the process mechanics should you expand your practice pool and start honing your quantitative skills.
All the best!
