BCG Enterprise Solutions Internship - Need case interview guidance

Hey Emily! 

I would recommend you to focus on understanding the basics of digital strategy, ERP transformation, and enterprise solutions since these align with the role. In addition to general case frameworks, emphasize frameworks related to IT strategy, system implementation, and cost-benefit analysis for technology solutions. Familiarize yourself with key ERP concepts, like integration challenges, change management, and impact on business functions, as these are common in Platinion’s cases. Practicing structured problem-solving and being prepared to discuss technical and strategic implications of digital transformations will be valuable.

Try to practice cases with peers on PrepLounge or feel free to reach out to coaches to get a first judgment on where to improve / general coaching :) 

Good luck! Alessa :)

Hey there,

A few thoughts:

• The key reason why candidates fail their case interviews and don't improve with practice is because they never learn the right approach and techniques to begin with. They might go through 30-40 cases, just repeating the same mistakes over and over again. There is often no strong baseline. This is no different for BCG Platinion or the types of cases you should expect.

• Make sure you understand and learn the basics for each part of the case (structuring, charts, math), which is

  • A replicable step-by-step for each part of the case interview

  • The right thinking techniques around the individual parts (e.g., what's a framework, what is evaluated, how can I ensure I think about it the correct way, what are some shortcuts to get to the answer quickly, etc.)

  • Simple communication templates to help you communicate your insights as well as ask for data in the right way to drive the case forward

• There are several approaches you can take, such as hiring a skilled coach, reading the right materials, or enrolling in relevant courses. For example, while some chatbots may suggest a list of books, my book, The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview, provides direct guidance tailored to modern case interviews. It covers all the essential points mentioned here, and more, while also offering a detailed preparation plan. You can find it on Amazon

• Avoid generic advice and framework memorization approaches. This will only hurt your performance and waste a ton of time (why -> check out the first post here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-goodrelevant-is-the-case-in-point-book-for-case-prep-1984)

• Once you have that baseline it's time to practice and internalize the skills to create the right profile, polishing your strengths and lifting your weaknesses to a robust-enough level

• Practice drills alone (structure, chart, math) and practice full cases with other excellent candidates that know the right habits and approach. It is crucial that you are practicing with really good peers, otherwise, it's a waste of time. Practicing drills on your own is a huge effectivity and efficiency booster since you can go over many more questions in a shorter amount of time compared to practicing with peers. Do both in parallel! You want to spend your time where it is most useful, e.g., if you struggle with math focus on math drills, etc.

• Focus on quality over quantity. Doing 50+ cases does not mean much if you are not applying the right habits to score high and do a detailed debrief after every case to improve. You want to move from bad to good for your weaknesses and good to great for your strengths --> use the feedback from your previous experience and tailor your prep accordingly

• Consider booking at least an initial coaching session to get a detailed and objective evaluation of your performance + learn the right habits for every case regardless of context and framework + get a tailored preparation plan out of the session that will set you up for an effective and efficient prep.

• For your prep, tailor the cases to the firm you are applying to. McKinsey cases for instance are quite different from BCG and Bain

• Don't forget the fit interview part. Prepare answers for all the typical fit questions and stories (3-5 hours) and rehearse them a couple of times (5 hours)

All the best with your prep!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi Emily! Focus on mastering the case (frameworks, structure, problem solving, quant, etc.) and then practice. I'm very familiar with BCG Platinum and have hiring manager experience with technology strategy consultants. Feel free to reach out for a free 15 min consultation 

Hi Emily & Coaches - thank you for the question and responses.

I have the same interview scheduled for next week. We can discuss and prepare for few cases.