How to Build a Solid Foundation for Consulting?

Hi Akilesh — congrats on your MSc offer! You're in a great position to break into consulting, especially with your business manager background and proactive mindset.

Here’s how you can build a strong foundation before recruiting starts:

1. Master the core skills early
Consulting is about structured problem-solving, communication, and creating client impact. Focus on:

• Mental math and data interpretation
• Business intuition (revenue, cost, profitability drivers)
• Clear, structured communication

2. Get comfortable with case interviews
This is key for breaking in. Start light and build up gradually.

• Books: Case in Point by Marc Cosentino, Crack the Case System by David Ohrvall
• Videos: Victor Cheng’s Case Interview Secrets
• Platforms: PrepLounge, CaseCoach, Crafting Cases

Start with solo practice if needed. Focus on quality over quantity early on.

3. Learn high-impact frameworks (but don’t rely on them too much)
Know the basics:

• Profitability
• Market entry
• M&A
• Growth strategy (organic and inorganic)
• Competitive response

Use these to learn how to break problems down MECE-ly, but always tailor your approach to the case.

4. Network with intent
Use LinkedIn and school events to connect with:

• Recent MSc or MBA grads now in consulting
• People at your target firms

Ask for short chats to learn more about their path and firm culture. Building a few real relationships is more effective than mass outreach.

5. Build a sharp, impact-driven CV
Highlight:

• Specific problems you’ve solved
• Measurable outcomes (e.g. “Improved process speed by 20%”)
• Leadership and teamwork

Start drafting early — this will help you identify what experience you might still want to gain before recruitment.

Final thought
You’re off to a strong start by thinking ahead and seeking advice. Focus on thinking like a consultant, not just acting like one for the interview.

Happy to support your prep if you’d like help reviewing your CV or practicing cases. Feel free to reach out!

Best of luck,

Evelina

From my own journey, I didn’t read many books, however, that was because I had attended an intense problem-solving program at the time called McKinsey University. It’s discontinued now, however, you can get similar learnings from below:

Good reads:
1. Communication - The pyramid principle by Barbara Minto

2. Understanding cases - Case in Point by Marc P Consentino and/or Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng 

If you’re not much of a reader, there’s tons of online videos that will give good summaries or key takeaways of the above reads. 

Your goal should be to get past the learning about consulting/case interviews very quickly so you can transition into preparing for your interviews via a structured plan that incorporates both peer-to-peer and experienced coaching. Once you’ve begun the prep, you can already explore conversations with recruiters, as the process can move quite quickly once started 

Optional:
Let’s do a 15min intro call and we can structure a quick plan and exchange insights.

Good advice from Phenyo. 

In addition to what was already said, I'd suggest watching 'live' case practice on YouTube from channels such as PrepMatter to get a good sense of what a successful interview looks like - and where you need practice.

Engaging a coach will help you on your journey. Best of luck.

Hi Akilesh, 

It's important to strike a balance between breadth and depth. 

To begin with, I'd use websites like PrepLounge to get a sense of this world and the materials that are available. Try even a few cases and do a practice session with a peer. The faster you jump into the deep end, the better. It will help you get a sense quickly of what are the important things to focus on. 

Once you decide you want to apply for roles, consider getting a coach early on to help you with practice materials and a tailored practice plan. This will make a huge difference.

You might also find these materials useful:

• Expert Guide: What Do Management Consultants Do?
• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hi, 

Good luck on your new journey, this sounds very exciting! 

Here are some tips to help you start strong: 

Step 1: Prepare your CV and cover letter early

Step 2: Master the theory: Start with books, YT videos, podcasts. In terms of books, Case in Point is the typical starting point for almost every candidate. Also check out Market Sizing Like a Pro, a book that I wrote myself, and that can help you master the Market Sizing question and drastically enhance your quantitative skills. Also explore Victor Cheng's content.

Step 3: Start casing gradually: Don't rush, especially if you have time. It's a marathon not a sprint. Case more as you come closer to your set deadline and try to case with serious candidates, offer holders, consultants or ideally coaches. 

One final note related to your point #2: avoid memorizing dozens of frameworks (Be aware of the profitability and the business frameworks for a start). Treat each case like a unique real-world problem. And as you progress you will naturally recognize recurring patterns between your frameworks.

I hope this helps, please feel free to reach out for any follow-up Q! Good Luck!

hey Akilesh :)

Super exciting step ahead and great that you’re already thinking proactively! Before recruiting starts, focus on three things: build case interview skills (start with Case in Point, then go to Victor Cheng and prep with others), sharpen your problem-solving with structured thinking (learn MECE, profitability, market entry, etc.), and understand the consulting mindset (I'd recommend The McKinsey Way and Case Interview Secrets). Also, try joining a consulting club or doing real-life strategy projects if your uni offers any. That hands-on experience + case prep combo is gold.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi Akilesh,

Adding to the messages above, I have heard mixed things about Case in Point. Check reviews before putting the time into it.

To get the basics, I recommend you to do the following:

1) Check some videos on YouTube of people solving cases (aim for former consultants). Chengs’ old video may be helpful for you to understand what the interview is about.

2) After that, try to find content about all different parts of a case:

1. Clarifying questions

2. Case strucuture

3. Case math

4. Chart reading

5. Brainstorm

6. Recommendations 

3) With the above, you’ll get a grasp of what cases look like and have an overall idea of what’s expected. Here I recommend the 7 days free course from Crafting Cases. I did back in the days and it was very helpful.

4) Case with a peer

5) Case with an expert

6) Study to cover the gaps you found during the mock sessions and continue to case with peers

Best,

Mari

Hi Akilesh,

First of all, congratulations on the Master's degree program offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, I would strongly advise you to work with an experienced coach like me on this. Even if the initial steps may be similar for many applicants, a list or article is not enough for the entire application process.
• Moreover, however, one piece of advice that holds true for every applicant is to start practicing case studies as soon as possible.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen