Senior position in corporate strategy

Question

Hi,

I have an interview for a corporate strategy and development director role coming up. I have a background in IB, specialized in M&A. Company is a fortune 100 and interviews are x-McK, x-BCG and x-Bain. So interview most likely more focued on the 'strategy' than 'development'

Question: are there different expectations on how to solve cases as an analyst/associate joining a mgmt consulting firm (classic case prep like on preplounge) and joining a more senior position.

To elaborate. Do they want to se the same meticulous walk through of the case with issue trees etcetera etcetera - or do they expect something else. e.g. a more loose high level discussion in another struture - perhaps more on how to guide teammembers and how to assists in PS sessions.

Hope it make sense and thx in advance.

Answer 1

Hi there,

The expectations are indeed different (no matter what anyone says).

You are expected to truly know/understand your field and to be able to talk professionally/knowledgeably about any related topic that comes in.

While analysts/associates are often "hand-held" through a case, you won't be at all.

Furthermore, you can indeed expect less "structure". Interviews are more likely to be a rattling off of pointed questions ("How would you handle x", "How do you see x changing within the industry" etc .etc), than a formal case. Furthermore, if a case is given, it might be more "flow-y". So, they may give a quick prompt, rattle off some numbers/conclusions, and call it a day. There may not even be exhibits.

On the other hand, you may get a full "formal" case as well!

In essence, be prepared for anything and everything (sorry!), BUT be 100% certain that the bar is higher and your expertise needs to show through.

Answer 2

Same consulting type rules apply + additional ones i.e. you must show sharp structured thinking, problem solving, asking intelligent questions and solving the case. In addition for Director level roles, think about how you can bring in following aspects into the case solution as relevant:

E2E journey->Strategy leading to subsequent operating model and then change management
Your experience & knoweldge from other industries/funtions/roles which apply well to this corp strat role/case at hand
People management & handling multi skilled teams
Business development and/or P&L management
Complex programme management
Your point of view on innovation and workforce of future
Your point of view on this company's industry & general SWOT

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi,

I guess nobody here can give you an answer since it will depend on the company / particular person. If you know they are Ex-MBBs - I would expect something similar

Best

Answer 4

Hi, I have supported tens of experienced hires for strategy roles in big corporates. Feel free to text me to understand my way of working.

Best

Antonello

Answer 5

Hello!

What they are testing is the same (in terms of skillset, etc.). However, of course, the bar is not the same when interviewing as undergrad or experienced hire

Best,

Clara

Answer 6

Hello, I honestly think that it will depend on the company where you are applying, but without any doubt, for higher positions, it will not be the same.

Was it helpful?

GB

Answer 7

Hi,

From my experience, usually the interviews will focus more on testing how you will handle a real problem facing the company. I would still prepare proper case interview as a structure will help to answer these sometimes vague situation.

Best,
Iman