When is the best time to engage a coach?

Hi,

Great question but there really is no one answer to this. 

To me there are 3 factors to consider when you want to engage a coach

1. The objective of getting a coach
   • e.g. Starting from scratch (end-to-end preparation)
   • e.g. Fine-tuning (you already are pretty good but need help to bring you to the next level of performance)
   • e.g. Targeted work (getting help on specific aspects of the case you may be struggling with)
2. The value you place on coaching (or a specific coach)
   • To what extent do you believe coaching / a specific coach can actually help you on what you need?
   • Some aspects of the case can be prepped for perfectly well without a coach, for e.g. practicing your mental math
3. Your constraints (time / budget) 

For #1, any experienced coach can help on multiple aspects of the case preparation, so it really depends on what you want. 

In terms of an intro call, I would ask them to explain their

• approach and methodology specific to #1, so you can understand how they plan to help you
• ways of working and mindset they bring to the coaching sessions and what is also expected of you as a candidate

Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable spending your time and money on someone. 

Lastly, and most importantly, I would urge you to already start trying to think like a consultant and be critical. Coaching as an industry is in someways similar to what happens on the job when we are pitching a new project to a client. Every coach is going to say that they can help you, everyone is going to say that they have success stories and a 'proven methodology', and with the limitations of the review system and inflation (basically everyone has a 5 star average so effectively the point of the star system is not that useful here for you) -> you will have to reflect critically on what each coach is going to pitch to you and decide who is going to help you achieve your goals the best. 

All the best!

Further adding, to Benjamin’s already great and extensive answer with two more personal reflections. 

1. Personal fit

It is incredibly important that you have a good personal fit with your coach, so I always recommend students to have intro chats with a few before ultimately selecting one.

2. Do your homework

Hiring a coach is expensive. Unless you have a lot of resources to use for this, students that treat their coaches time as valuable, plan sufficient time between sessions to work on to dos, etc. end up progressing the most with the coach’s help.

Hey there :)

Best time to engage a coach is after 5–10 solo/mock cases, once you know the basics and need targeted feedback. In the intro call, it's key to mention your target firms, timeline, experience so far, where you struggle most (e.g. structure, math, communication), and your goal for coaching (e.g. confidence boost, specific feedback). That way you’ll see if the coach’s style fits.

I normally do one case session first - to see where you stand. Then you will get great feedback. I normally give feedback in a way that you can practice on your own after our session! 

Happy to chat anytime if you want input on where you stand.

Best,
Alessa :)