Currently preparing for McKinsey interviews. I realized that I struggle and tend to panic when an exhibit in a case is given to me.
I can't seem to make good insights during these times, especially when it comes to interpreting charts and large data sets. I also find it difficult to connect exhibits together and tie them back to the main objective of the case. What resources should I use to improve on this?
Hi Anonymous,
I would recommend the following three-step approach to properly read graphs:
1. Read the graph
2. Analyze the graph
3. Provide a conclusion for the graph.
In terms of material you can use the following to practice:
Hope this helps,
Francesco
Hello!
I had a very similar struggle myself with this topic in particular, since I had not done much related during my studies, so it was quite new to me.
The thing that helped me most to improve was the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam. There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Hi,
Here is how to approach charts:
Ask the interviewer for a minute to analyze the chart / table
In your mind formulate the question you have to answer
Look at the chart and define the type (pie chart, line chart, etc). Read the chart title. Read the legend
Analyze the chart / table. Look for: Trends, comparisons, % shares, etc. Look for unusual things (consultants love to integrate these traps in charts) - correlations, outliers, etc
Ask clarifying questions if required
Provide your conclusion. You should not just describe the chart but also derive the conclusions. There should be at least one major conclusion plus any additional conclusions you can make. You can also provide your hypothesis on what can be the root causes / consequences
Based on the interviewer's feedback, prioritize the most important information and define the next steps.
Here are some tips on how you can master that skill:
Read "Say it with Charts" book by Gene Zelazny
Check the chapters on cases with charts in the following case books "Consulting Bible" and "Vault guide for consulting"
Refresh the basic statistics (Most of GMAT prep handbooks have a good summary)
Practice GMAT Integrated Reasoning part (GMAT Official guide or Manhattan prep)
Practice on real MBB presentations. Look at the chart, derive the conclusions, and compare it to the ones on the slide. Best sources to find presentations - various reports and articles on MBB websites, Slideshare
Best!
There is also a Cosentino book only dedicated to graph interpretation that can be helpful.
Best
Antonello
Hello,
The only way to improve that skill is to practice a lot. Follow the suggestions written in this post to structure your process and try to measure the time every time that you read a graph, to work in real consitions of time pressure.
If you want material to practice you could use the SHL tests or GMAT material. Feel free to contact me if you want some links to practice.
Best,
Luca
